Presentation from Whiteboard2Boardroom Technology Snapshots Oct. 24, 2017

1. Technology Snapshots
WSU Strike Protection
October 24, 2017

2. What is the problem?
• Lightning strikes cause major damage to wind
turbines, resulting in high repair costs and
downtime
• Current lightning protection systems lack
effective current transfer

3. How does product/service solve problem?
• Effectively and safely transfers current to
grounding connection
• Multilayer coating sends current to arrestor
• Able to withstand multiple strikes
• Reduces maintenance time and repair
Initial test set up Underlying surface after testing,
consisting of 7 lightning strikes
with one repair

4. What is the market use?
• Wind energy industry
• Lightning susceptible structures
Cross section drawing of the technology

5. What competition exists?
• Internal conductors
– Lightning’s current can damage internal structures
– Becomes ineffective after multiple strikes
• External copper bars
– Results in too much weight on blade
– Effects how long blade can be

6. What is the status of the intellectual property?
Patent Pending . . .

7. What is the stage of development?
• Samples have been produced and tested
– Can withstand 20+ lightning strikes with no
damage to blade

8. What is needed for further development?
• Partners for licensing of technology
and field testing