Deep sea and space equipment

Problem: Zinc oxide lightning arresters require regular monitoring, which cannot be achieved in deep-sea or space environments.

Alternative solution: Adopt self recovering semiconductor devices or mechanical overvoltage protection devices.

Safety grade equipment for nuclear power plants

Problem: Strict safety certification is required, and zinc oxide lightning arresters may not meet nuclear grade standards.

Alternative solution: Use gas gap surge arresters or specially designed MOAs.

Special voltage levels or waveform scenarios

DC microgrid (<1kV)

Problem: Zinc oxide lightning arresters have high residual voltage at low voltages, which may not effectively protect the equipment.

Alternative solution: Use low residual voltage MOA or varistor.

Non sinusoidal voltage (such as square wave, sawtooth wave)

Problem: The nonlinear characteristics of zinc oxide valve plates may fail, and the protection threshold may be unstable.

Alternative solution: Use specially designed MOA or combination lightning arresters.

Technical limitations in the renovation of old systems

Space limited substation

Problem: Zinc oxide lightning arrester has a large volume and may not be able to be installed.

Alternative solution: Use column surge arresters or miniaturized gap surge arresters.

Systems with difficult insulation coordination

Problem: The residual voltage of zinc oxide lightning arrester may not match the insulation level of the equipment.

Alternative solution: Use a combination of multi-stage lightning arresters or adjust the insulation level of the equipment.

Other special needs scenarios

Devices that require precise overvoltage thresholds

Problem: The operating voltage of zinc oxide lightning arrester has dispersion and cannot be accurately controlled.

Alternative solution: Use voltage regulator diodes or precision overvoltage protection chips.

Devices that require quick recovery

Problem: Zinc oxide lightning arresters require a certain amount of time to recover after operation, which may affect the continuous operation of the equipment.

Alternative solution: Use self-healing semiconductor devices or mechanical switches.

conclusion

Although zinc oxide lightning arresters have excellent performance, they may have limitations in scenarios such as high frequency, extreme temperature, strong corrosion, high cost sensitivity, and difficult maintenance. When choosing a lightning arrester, factors such as voltage level, environmental conditions, equipment value, and maintenance capability should be comprehensively considered. If necessary, a combination protection scheme or customized design can be adopted.