Nikola Tesla Lightning

 

Certainly, Nikola Tesla indeed worked on various lightning protection devices, and he held several patents related to this area. One notable patent is "Lightning Protector" (US Patent 1,266,175), filed on November 4, 1915, and granted on May 14, 1918.

In the patent, Tesla describes a system for protecting structures from lightning strikes. Here are some key aspects of the invention as outlined in the patent:

Overview:

1. Dissipative Electrodes: The invention involves the use of dissipative electrodes to divert lightning away from structures. These electrodes are positioned at elevated points on the structure, such as towers or masts.

2. Corona Discharge: Tesla's design includes a method to enhance the corona discharge from the dissipative electrodes. Corona discharge involves the ionization of air around a conductor, creating a region of charged particles that can influence the path of lightning.

3. Control of Atmospheric Electricity: The patent discusses the control of atmospheric electricity to prevent the accumulation of excessive electrical potential on structures, which could attract lightning.

4. Air Ionization: Tesla emphasizes the importance of ionizing the air around the dissipative electrodes, stating that this helps to enhance the protective effect.

5. Prevention of Thunderstorms: Tesla proposes methods for influencing the atmosphere to prevent the formation of thunderstorms in the vicinity of the protected structure.

It's important to note that while Tesla's ideas were innovative, the practical implementation of some of his concepts may not have been fully realized during his time. The effectiveness of these lightning protection methods has evolved, and modern lightning protection systems often involve a combination of air terminals, conductors, grounding systems, and surge protection devices.

If you are interested in the specific details of Tesla's Lightning Protector patent, you can access the full text and diagrams through the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) database or other patent repositories.