Lightning attracting / lightning charging technology

Lightning attracting / lightning charging technology

Technology to control lightning and store energy

Current research

Lightning attracting and charging technology attracts lightning strikes using lightning-resistant UAVs (Unmanned Aerial Vehicles), such as drones, flying near thunderclouds at high altitudes and guide it to a safe place on the ground via conductors to protect people and equipment, preventing damage.
In addition, the lightning current is sent to high-voltage capacitors or other charging devices and stored as electric energy.

Our goal is to reduce damage caused by lightning strikes around the world, eventually absorbing the energy of thunderclouds and completely eliminating lightning strikes reaching the ground.

As the first step, we have started to develop the technology to attract lightning strikes with high accuracy and safety. In particular, we are studying how to improve resistance of the UAVs to lightning current and strong electromagnetic fields in order to allow them to fly stably even under lightning clouds.
At the same time, in order to establish lightning charging technology, we aim to increase the voltage which charging devices such as capacitors can withstand.

Infrastructure companies (communication, electric power, etc.) including NTT, government agencies, and local governments will be able to use this technology to protect their facilities from lightning strikes.

Related Research & Activities

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