A novel network for detecting long continuing currents in the metropolitan area of Belo Horizonte

This paper describes the first experimental results of a new lightning detection network installed in the metropolitan area of Belo Horizonte, Brazil, with the specific purpose of evaluating the occurrence of lightning continuing currents, which are currently not detected by conventional Lightning Location Systems. It is known that these current components are responsible for causing severe thermal damage in power systems, as well as the ignition of large-scale wildfires. The distinctive aspect of this network is the type of sensor deployed - it features two channels whose technical specifications allow the recording of physical processes within a wide frequency range. Throughout the text, typical waveform examples of lightning electric fields are presented. Additionally, a preliminary statistical study regarding the average duration of these continuing currents is reported, and a brief discussion is provided.