Advancements in Lightning Phenomena Understanding and Protection Strategies for Infrastructure Resilience

This review examines recent developments in understanding lightning phenomena and the development of protection strategies to enhance infrastructure resilience. It begins with an overview of lightning types, waveforms, and energy transfer mechanisms, supported by emerging detection and characterization technologies, including Very High Frequency (VHF), optical detection, and Machine Learning (ML)-based predictive models. The paper examines the effects of lightning on infrastructure, including electrical discharge damage, thermal and mechanical degradation, and overvoltage scenarios, particularly in complex environments like urban and mountainous regions. Consequently, it discusses protection strategies, including advanced lightning protection devices, real-time monitoring tools, and system-level protective designs. Innovations such as adaptive, intelligent protection schemes leveraging Artificial Intelligence (AI) and pattern recognition are analyzed for their potential to improve resilience. Practical case studies highlight successful applications in wind farms, power grids, and microgrids, with future trends focusing on material innovations and the impacts of climate change. Overall, the review underscores the importance of integrated, technologically advanced solutions and policy frameworks in mitigating lightning risks effectively. This ensures the safety and stability of critical infrastructure.