A fully integrated thunderstorm warning system can reduce the enormous damage that lightning, high winds, hail and flash floods do to commercial, residential and sports properties, municipal and private infrastructure. The costs of the subsequent clean-up and repair operations are costly, and often unbudgeted for. Senseca has just introduced its BTD-1 fully integrated, standalone thunderstorm warning system, which is specifically designed to detect the presence and range of lightning flashes by monitoring the background quasi-electrostatic field.

“Measurement is knowledge, and the more data captured in advance of these often times devastating thunderstorms across South and Southern Africa, the more pro-active emergency preparedness can be implemented, saving lives, infrastructure, equipment and property. Senseca’s BTD-1 system overcomes existing limitations of systems such as Lightning Location Networks, Single radio sensors and Electric Field Mills.” said Jan Grobler, Managing Director of Senseca South Africa.

“The BTD-1 is able to overcome these shortcomings due to its proprietary technique that analyses variations in the electric field within the 1–50 Hz band. This approach enables a much wider detection range (up to 83 km), the ability to detect even weak lightning, and, most importantly, the capability to generate alerts before the first lightning strike by sensing electrical charges in the air and in raindrops. The system is robust, has no moving parts, and is designed to operate in harsh environments.” said Grobler.

During a thunderstorm, a separation of electric charges forms inside the cloud, creating an electric field between the cloud and the ground. When a lightning strike occurs, part of this charge is neutralised, causing a rapid change in the electric field. The BTD-1 continuously measures these variations, detecting lightning in an indirect but highly effective way. By relying on the electric field, the BTD-1 can detect all types of lightning, including weaker discharges and those occurring within the cloud.

Features of BTD-1

• Advanced Warning – provides warning of overhead thunderstorm before the first lightning strike
• Severe Storm Feature – highlights storm cells with increased risk of large hailstones
• Best-in-Class Detection Efficiency – detects storm earlier with very low false alarm rate and reduced interference from manmade sources
• Up to 83km in range
• GPS/GNSS Timing – an integrated GPS/GNSS supports the highly accurate flash timing and UTC-based time reference
• Plug-and-Play Modularity – offers an easy installation with optional accessories and integration modules.

The BTD-1 should be installed in an open area, away from obstacles with proper grounding (earthing). Nearby electrical interference such as that from transformers should be avoided and the recommended height installation is important to be maintained.

The BTD-1 will assist with industries and facilities that need to comply with health, safety and risk management standards such as airports, schools, sports facilities, golf clubs and courses, municipal and commercial swimming pools, marine and harbor facilities and construction sites.

“At Senseca we believe that the BTD-1, due to its accuracy and extensive range capability, will raise the bar in the supply of advanced technology for early warning electric field and lightning detection” concluded Grobler.

Further information is available from:

• Jan Grobler, Managing Director, Senseca South Africa.
• Tel: 011 902 0158
• Email: Jan.Grobler@senseca.com