[M-IS13] Atmospheric electricity: Application of technology for reducing disaster risks

[MIS13-01] Real-time lightning 3D imaging and forecasting project in Malaysia for sustainable and reliable supply of energy and storm disaster early warning

★Invited Papers

*Takeshi Morimoto¹, Mohd Riduan Bin Ahmad², Mohd Zafri Bin Baharuddin³, Yuji Takayanagi¹, Manabu Akita⁷, Takeshi Kudo⁶, Kazuo Yamamoto⁵, Daohong Wang ⁴, Tatsuo Torii⁸ (1.Kindai University, 2.Universiti Teknikal Malaysia Melaka, 3.Universiti Tenaga Nasional, 4.Gifu University, 5.Chubu University, 6.Otowa Electric Co., Ltd., 7.The University of Electro-Communications, 8.University of Fukui)

Keywords:Lightning discharge, Lightning observations, Charge distribution, Artificial rocket triggered lightning, Real-time 3D imaging

A joint research project “real-time lightning 3D imaging and forecasting project for sustainable and reliable supply of energy and storm disaster early warning” has been ongoing for Science and Technology Research Partnership for Sustainable Development (SATREPS) program. This research project aims to contribute to disaster prevention by forecasting lightning strikes by constructing the world‘s highest lightning observation network in the coastal area of the Straits of Malacca in Malaysia, which suffers from serious lightning disasters with more than 200 lightning days per year.

It is planned to realize an electromagnetic field observation network in VHF and LF bands to observe the entire progression of each lightning in detail in a wide area. 3D charge distribution in the thundercloud and the amounts of neutralized charges estimated from the information where the lightning discharge begins, how it progresses, and where it terminates. Then, it is examined by the lightning current waveform measured directly with the high structure and rocket-triggered lightning. By comprehensively grasping the charge behavior in the air related to lightning discharge, it is possible to estimate the charge distribution in the cloud and to predict lightning strike. In addition, promoting the control of electric power equipment using IoT, and the early warning system of severe weather disasters to be implemented in the society.