The Vaisala Group has completed installation of a lightning detection network for the Puerto Rico Electric Power Authority (PREPA), the principal electric power utility in Puerto Rico. The real-time lightning detection network will enable PREPA to be better prepared for thunderstorms that threaten its power transmission and delivery to its clients throughout the island. The Caribbean is known for its thunderstorm potential and PREPA is the first electric power provider in this region to install a lightning detection network.
The lightning detection network consists of five Vaisala IMPACT ESP sensors, central processors, LTraX® lightning tracking software and FALLS® lightning analysis software. With lightning tracking, PREPA can better prepare for lightning threats by tracking thunderstorms, evaluating storm severity, and estimating when storms are expected to hit vulnerable fixed assets, such as transmission lines. Lightning analysis software will allow PREPA’s planning and design engineers to compare lightning events with power interruptions or outages and focus the appropriate resources in those areas most susceptible to lightning.
"PREPA’s Planning and Research Division will operate this network to improve planning methods by considering lightning data to modify infrastructure design guides and to focus corrections effectively to lightning-susceptible facilities,” comments Mr. Héctor R. Rosario, Executive Director of PREPA. “This network will improve the electrical and communications operational areas of PREPA by allowing faster repairs times as well as protecting field employee lives,” he added.
The VaisalaGroup is the world’s largest lightning detection equipment manufacturer and lightning data services provider. Vaisala owns and operates the U.S. National Lightning Detection Network®. A wide customer base of lightning-sensitive industries, to whom early thunderstorm warning and post-storm analysis are crucial, use Vaisala lightning warning, tracking, mapping and analysis systems and services to save lives, protect property and reduce economic losses caused by lightning.
The Vaisala Group is a successful international technology company that develops and manufactures electronic measurement systems and equipment for meteorology, environmental sciences, traffic safety and industry. Vaisala employs over 1,200 professionals and achieved net sales of EUR 183.5 million in 2001. Vaisala serves customers throughout the world. In 2001, exports accounted for 96% of net sales. Vaisala’s A-series shares are quoted on the Helsinki Exchanges (HEX).