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

3. Atmospheric Charge Harvesting

Emphasising the electrical potential difference in the atmosphere—even in the absence of obvious lightning—atomic charge harvesting does things differently. This approach uses tethered balloons fitted with charge-collecting equipment to harness the natural electric field between the Earth's surface and the high atmosphere or builds large constructions. Though on a far bigger scale, the idea behind this method is same as that of a Van de Graaff generator. The collector acquires electrical charge either remaining at a fixed height or traversing the environment. Conductive tethers or wireless energy transfer techniques subsequently forward this charge to ground-based storage devices. Unlike approaches depending on real lightning strikes, one of the key benefits of atmospheric charge collecting is its possibility for continuous operation. Still, the energy yield usually is less than that of direct lightning collection. Scientists are looking at ways to improve charge collecting efficiency and investigate the usage of several collectors in arrays to raise general energy output.