PULSAR
PULSAR, THE HIGH PULSE VOLTAGE E.S.E. LIGHTNING CONDUCTOR
OPERATING PRINCIPLE

When the lightning approaches the ground, a luminous ascending brush discharge is initiated at the lightning conductor. In the case of a Franklin rod, this ascending brush discharge propagates in the direction of the descending leader after a long transition phase. The Pulsar initiation advance permits to reduce the required time for the formation and continuous propagation of the ascending discharge and brings thus a higher efficiency for the lightning capture than a Franklin rod tip.
AN EFFICIENT INITIATION ADVANCE
Thanks to its initiation advance, the Pulsar emits a high voltage signal at clearly determined and controlled frequency and amplitude. Its effectiveness is guaranteed by the rapid formation and propagation of the upward leader, while reducing the development of space charges around the point.
ENERGY AUTONOMY
The Pulsar is also self-contained. It draws its energy from the ambient electric field existing at the time of the storm (10 to 20 kV/m). The initiation advance starts up as soon as the ambient field exceeds a peak value which corresponds to the minimum lightning stroke risk.
  
Operation of a PULSAR
1 . The Pulsar tip plays a triple role:
- Collect the energy necessary to power the electrical device contained in the cylinder,
- Emit the brush discharges created by the high-voltage pulses,
- Capture the lightning current to convey it to the ground. The metal disc is the upper part of the external air gap designed to convey the lightning current from the tip to the ground.
The metal cylinder contains the electric device of the Pulsar system that generates the brush discharges.
The pole serves to fix the Pulsar for installation.
The connecting clamp must be fixed to it, together with the down conductor.

1 Tip 75 cm long and 18 mm diameter.
2 Metal disc with variable diameter and thickness for the different Pulsar models.
3 Metal cylinder containing the early streamer emission device.
4 Pulsar pole outside diamètre 30 mm.
5 Connecting clamp to fix the down conductor.