#Japan #Indonesia #Shinagawa #Lightning Dome #Eightrent

A Revolutionary Lightning Protection Technology: The Lightning Dome

In response to frequent lightning strikes in Indonesia, a country renowned for its high frequency of thunderstorms, Eightrent Co., Ltd. has successfully installed the groundbreaking 'Lightning Dome'—a lightning suppression system. This innovative solution aims to address severe social challenges arising from lightning strikes, such as power outages and equipment damage. Scheduled for operation in March 2025 at a new construction equipment maintenance factory in West Java, Indonesia, this initiative marks a significant milestone in enhancing public safety in lightning-prone areas.

Understanding the Challenges of Lightning in Indonesia

Indonesia's unique geographical and climatic conditions make it one of the most thunderstorm-prone regions worldwide. With a tropical climate and mountainous terrain, the nation faces substantial hazards from lightning, including severe damages to transmission lines, communication facilities, and overall industrial operations. Such disruptions not only threaten ongoing industrial activities but also jeopardize the safety and well-being of local residents, necessitating advanced and effective lightning protection measures.

Traditional lightning rods, while utilized for many years, have limitations. They often cause electricity surges within structures (known as lightning surges) and fail to direct lightning strikes adequately, sometimes resulting in damage to adjacent facilities. Thus, there has been an urgent need for a more sophisticated and reliable lightning protection system. The Lightning Dome is set to revolutionize this space with its unique capacity to suppress lightning strikes rather than merely redirect them.

The Innovative Technology Behind the Lightning Dome

The core of the Lightning Dome’s functionality lies in the concept of 'receiving discharge.' Lightning occurs when negatively charged particles from thunderclouds connect with positively charged objects on the ground, such as protruding landforms. Traditional lightning rods promote this 'receiving discharge' to attract and guide lightning safely into the ground, but this can inadvertently create risks such as lightning surges and misdirected strikes.

In stark contrast, the Lightning Dome operates on the principle of avoiding the creation of discharge pathways entirely. Featuring a unique rounded electrode and capacitor structure, the technology minimizes the creation of the 'receiving discharge,' effectively reducing the likelihood of lightning formation in the first place. This inversion of traditional lightning rod mechanics positions the Lightning Dome as a revolutionary solution in lightning safety.

Key Features of the Lightning Dome

1. Proven Protection: With successful installations across approximately 4,300 sites in Japan, the Lightning Dome leverages induced charges from the ground to suppress lightning without requiring a power source. For example, when installed at a height of 20 meters, it can protect an area with a radius of up to 100 meters.
2. Easy Replacement: The product’s design allows for the seamless replacement of existing lightning rods, utilizing current lightning protection conduits and grounding lines, making installation straightforward and efficient.
3. Design for Outdoor Events: The Lightning Dome is ideal for environments with a high risk of lightning misdirection, such as outdoor events, where it can be installed on temporary scaffolding or crane arms.
4. Compliance with Regulations: The system adheres to Japan’s building codes, ensuring compliance during installation as part of existing lightning protection systems.

First Installation in Indonesia

The initial installation of the Lightning Dome occurred in an outdoor parking and maintenance facility in Indonesia, catalyzed by frequent lightning incidents in the area. The logistics for this installment were efficiently managed with international air transport from Japan, completing setup within two weeks of arrival. The Lightning Dome can cover significant areas depending on its installation height, ensuring comprehensive protection for local operations.

Anticipated Benefits from Implementation

The deployment of the Lightning Dome is expected to deliver numerous benefits, including:

• - Reduced risks of power outages and communication failures.
• - Lower costs for repair or replacement of expensive equipment and systems.
• - Enhanced safety for local staff, alleviating their psychological burden during storms.
• - Increased reliability across facilities, strengthening brand value and safety messaging.

Future Prospects

Eightrent views the first successful installation in Indonesia as a stepping stone towards broader business development. Fostering collaboration with local entities and closely monitoring performance after deployment will be key components of their strategy moving forward. Plans are in place to expand implementations in major urban areas, such as Jakarta and Surabaya, targeting factories, logistics centers, and smart infrastructure projects throughout Indonesia.

Eightrent's Vision and Commitment

Kiyotaka Itani, President of Eightrent Co., Ltd., expressed his enthusiasm regarding the adoption of this innovative lightning suppression solution in Indonesia, addressing a critical social issue. Acknowledging the necessity for collaboration in achieving this milestone, he highlighted the vital support from the manufacturing partner, Lightning Suppression Systems Co., and JETRO's assistance in advancing this project further.