Based on the most recent scientific research outcomes, PROTEC Foudre proposes an innovative and unique technology with its new PrimeR® Early Streamer Emission lightning protection rod: the tip electronic variation. It ends more than two decades of harsh discussions between researchers on the compared capabilities of rounded or sharp pointed rods: the new PrimeR® technology conciliates both sides, using successively the advantages of a rounded and sharp pointed tip.

Following several decades of lightning research, it is admitted that a sharp pointed tip is triggering a corona effect earlier than a rounded tip. On the contrary, the sharp tip is generating pulses that are not lasting as long as the rounded tip which pulses are generated later but with more stable and lasting properties.

Based on these research findings, the PrimeR® is the first Early Streamer Emission lightning rod to propose an electronically-controlled variation of the tip shape: the working principle deals with the variations of the tip amplification ratio using an auxiliary polarization voltage emitter: thanks to this amplification ratio, the tip can fictively evolve from a rounded to a sharp shape and vice-versa. The tip electronic variation obtained is applied in line with the electrical field evolution.

This new Early Streamer Emission lightning rod is fully autonomous thanks to its E Field energy recovery unit and its process is based on the ambient E Field evolution (v/m). The PrimeR® lightning rod full electrical continuity as well as its complete EMC immunity ensures its capability to withstand the most powerful lightning discharges while providing a safe and long lasting lightning protection.