US 2022/0065230 A1 · Multilayer Coverings to Protect Surfaces from Lightning Strikes

Abstract

A multilayer protective covering can protect a surface from lightning strikes. The covering includes a bottom conductive layer affixed to the surface and having a first opening that is aligned with a grounding connection so that the grounding connection is exposed through first opening and not in contact with the bottom conductive layer. The covering also includes a dielectric layer affixed to the bottom conductive layer and having second opening aligned with the grounding connection so that the grounding connection is exposed through second opening and not in contact with the dielectric layer. The covering additionally includes a top conductive layer affixed to the dielectric layer and covering the grounding connection. The top conductive layer directs electrical current from a lightning strike on the surface to the grounding connection.

Claims18

Dependent claims

A multilayer protective covering to protect a surface with a grounding connection from lightning strikes, the covering comprising:

a bottom conductive layer affixed to the surface, the bottom layer having a first opening that is larger than an area of the grounding connection of the surface, wherein the first opening is aligned with the grounding connection so that the grounding connection is exposed through the first opening and so that the bottom conductive layer is spaced apart from the grounding connection;
a dielectric layer affixed to the bottom conductive layer, the dielectric layer having a second opening that is larger than an area of the grounding connection of the surface, wherein the second opening is aligned with the grounding connection so that the grounding connection is exposed through second opening and so that the dielectric layer is spaced apart from the grounding connection;
and
a top conductive layer affixed to the dielectric layer and covering the grounding connection, the top conductive layer configured to transfer electrical current from a lightning strike on the surface to the grounding connection.

1 more element

A system for protecting a wind turbine blade from lightning strikes, the system comprising:

the wind turbine blade including a lightning receptor extending through an opening in a blade surface of the wind turbine blade;
and
a plurality of protective blade coverings applied to the wind turbine blade, wherein the plurality of protective blade coverings are positioned on the blade surface around the lightning receptor and are configured to transfer electrical current from a lightning strike on the blade surface to the lightning receptor, and wherein only a portion of the blade surface is covered by the plurality of protective blade coverings and other portions of the blade surface are uncovered by the plurality of protective blade coverings.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.

Multilayer Coverings to Protect Surfaces from Lightning Strikes

Life of this patent

Multilayer Coverings to Protect Surfaces from Lightning Strikes

Life of this patent

Abstract

Claims18