NTT Unveils Innovative Drone Technology to Harness Lightning Energy
Tokyo, Japan – Nippon Telegraph and Telephone Corporation (NTT) has unveiled a revolutionary technology that aims to predict and control lightning strikes using drones equipped with specialized lightning protection cages. This advancement is set to significantly enhance infrastructure safety and resilience against the approximately 6,000 lightning bolts that strike Earth each minute.
The innovative approach employs unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) that navigate near thunderclouds at high altitudes, utilizing electric field fluctuations to attract and safely guide lightning to the ground through conductors. This maneuver not only protects people and equipment from lightning damage but also aims to store the energy generated from lightning strikes using methods such as compressed air systems.
NTT’s vision is to minimize lightning-related damage globally. The company is exploring ways to absorb energy from thunderclouds and ultimately eliminate harmful strikes that reach the ground. As part of this effort, NTT is focused on enhancing the resilience of UAVs against strong electromagnetic fields and lightning currents. This development enables stable drone flights even in the most electrifying conditions.
The potential applications for this technology are extensive, particularly for infrastructure sectors like telecommunications and electric power providers, as well as governmental agencies. By protecting critical facilities from lightning strikes, NTT’s innovation could lead to safer urban environments and improved disaster management strategies.
As NTT continues to refine its lightning-attraction technology, the future looks bright for enhanced lightning protection solutions on a global scale. The company’s efforts represent a significant leap forward in harnessing one of nature’s most powerful forces for safe and effective use.
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