The environmental and industrial measurement specialist explains that the failure to detect where a lightning incident occurs can mean delays to restoring vital power links if electrical subsystems are damaged.
However, by allowing the location of the lightning strike to be detected in real time, its sensors can allow prompt and direct action to be taken to mend any break which occurs.
Vaisala's sensors have been improved following research to plot the precise waveform generated by winter lightning.
The company then developed ways to recognise this waveform when it occurs, tracking the lightning to its source.
In countries such as Japan, winter lightning strikes along the coast emit waveforms different from most lightning events, the company adds, making them historically hard to detect.
Vaisala's other weather-related services include wind profilers and radar systems, along with automatic meteorological stations.
