Fundamental Study on Method of Generating Compressed Air by Utilizing the Electromagnetic Force Caused by Lightning Surge Currents

The authors are conducting research on lightning control and charging technology using drones with the aim of eliminating damage to people and buildings caused by lightning strikes. For lightning after it has struck, we are studying its effective utilization as lightning energy. As a new idea for storing lightning energy, we propose a method of generating compressed air by utilizing the electromagnetic force produced by lightning surge currents during lightning strikes. In this paper, we have studied the relationship between the applied current and the amount of compressed air produced, theoretically and experimentally. In addition, the effect of lightning current rise time on the amount of compression was examined. From these results, it was confirmed that the application of lightning current can generate compressed air. Furthermore, it was also clarified that the amount of compressed air obtained depends on the rise time of the applied current. In the future, to increase the applied lightning current level and to facilitate detailed theoretical investigations, we aim to achieve energy storage using compressed air generated by natural lightning.