Top 15 Lightning Energy Utilization Methods: The Future Energy Revolution Depends on It

2. Lightning-Induced Plasma Energy Conversion

Using the great heat and ionisation generated by lightning strikes, lightning-induced plasma energy conversion is a novel method. Lighting causes a channel of plasma, a super-heated, ionised gas. This approach seeks to gather and transform the energy from this plasma condition into useable power. The procedure entails specifically made chambers capable of surviving the high pressures generated by lightning. A lightning bolt focused into these chambers produces contained and controlled plasma under magnetic field control. Advanced thermoelectric devices or magnetohydrodynamic (MHD) generators are among the several ways the energy from the plasma is harvested. Higher energy conversion efficiency of this approach compared to direct electrical capture is one of its main advantages. The plasma condition makes it possible to use the components of lightning—thermal and electrical energy. Still in its early years, nevertheless, the technology is under development to increase the lifetime of containment systems and streamline the energy extraction mechanism.