ATMOSPHERIC ELECTRIC FIELD DATA LOGGER SYSTEM

CHE NURU SANIYYATI BT CHE MOHAMAD SHUKRI

A thesis submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the award of the degree of Bachelor of Engineering (Electrical)

Faculty of Electrical Engineering Universiti Teknologi Malaysia

JUNE 2012

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To my beloved father, Che Mohd Shukri bin Che Musa

To my beloved mother, Nik Zaleha binti Nik Abdul Rahman

To my brothers and sisters Che Nurul Saadatina, Che Ahmad Nazimuddin, Che Ahmad Najmi and Che Ahmad Najwan

lecturers and friends for their encouragement, inspiration and support

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ACKNOWKLEDGEMENT

First of all, I would like to give my thanks to the Almighty Allah, for giving me the strength and ability to wholeheartedly complete this project. blessings, this project is finally, successfully finished. With His

Secondly, I would like express to my deepest gratitude and appreciation to Dr. Muhammad Abu Bakar bin Siddik for the opportunity to conduct research under his guidance and supervision. The completion of the present study would not have been possible without his invaluable knowledge and unwavering support throughout the project.

Special thanks to my parents, Che Mohd Shukri bin Che Musa and Pn. Nik Zaleha binti Nik Abdul Rahman for their invaluable help and support throughout the year and to my significant other, Mohd Fakhruddin bin Zainal Ashirin, for putting up with the late nights and for always providing words of encouragement.

Lastly, to all the people that have been directly or indirectly involved towards the contribution and the realisation of this project, friends and librarians, your help and involvement is greatly appreciated.

ABSTRACT

Nowadays, the Malaysian weather is unpredictable as there is a lot of uncertainty in predicting thunderstorms. Most of our navigation and broadcasting systems via air, land and water are directly impacted by the weather on a daily basis. The climates inconsistent and unreliable nature has led to the importance of research using an atmospheric electric field data logger system. This paper presents a study in developing a virtual instrument with capabilities to analyze and store the magnitude (data) of an atmospheric electric field. This study will be based on previous

researches that analyzed thunderstorm prediction and application of data logger system. LabVIEW programming data logger is used to carry out the study. The developed virtual instrument is then tested using data acquisition (DAQ) and function generator. The data was analyzed and managed by tabulating and saving data every second. The waveform signal chart, which is obtained from the electronic components and the equipments used in the experiment, will be displayed according to the users preference. The frequency of the data tabulated is shown using a histogram., Analyzing and storing the magnitude of atmospheric electric field strength will be much more easier and accurate when the data is carefully recorded. The developed LabVIEW programme will give notification in the form of waveform charts to show the condition of atmospheric electric field strength.

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ABSTRAK

Dunia masa kini telah menunjukkan bahawa terdapat pelbagai ketidaktentuan dalam meramal kejadian rebut petir. Kebanyakan system navigasi termasuk untuk kegunaan udara, darat dan laut termasuk system penyiaran adalah di bawah pengaruh cuaca harian. Ketidaktentuan cuaca seperti ini telah membangkitkan kepentingan penyelidikan dalam bidang sistem data logger untuk medan elektrik di atmosfera. Kertas kerja ini membentangkan kajian dalam penciptaan instrumen maya (virtual instrument) yang berupaya untuk menganalisa dan menyimpan data berkaitan medan elektrik atmosfera. Kajian terdahulu yang berkaitan dengan system ramalan ribut petir dan aplikasi sistem data logger telah dianalisis. Projek ini akan dijalankan dengan menggunakan system perisian LabVIEW programming data logger dan instrumen maya (virtual instrument) yang telah direka khas akan diuji menggunakan pemerolehan data (DAQ) dan fungsi penjana. Data yang diperolehi dianalisis dan disusun dengan penjadualan dan penyimpanan bagi setiap saat 1. Carta gelombang isyarat akan dipaparkan mengikut kesesuian pengguna, yang juga diperolehi dari komponen elektronik dan peralatan yang digunakan dalam eksperimen yang dijalankan. Tambahan, histogram menunjukkan kekerapan data yang telah disimpan dan disusun. Dengan data yang direkodkan dengan teliti, kerja untuk menganalisis dan penyimpanan nilai kekuatan medan elektrik atmosfera akan menjadi lebih mudah dan tepat. Program LabVIEW yang telah dibentuk akan memberi pemberitahuan dalam bentuk carta gelombang untuk menunjukkan keadaan kekuatan medan elektrik atmosfera.

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TABLE OF CONTENTS

CHAPTER

TITLE

PAGE

DECLARATION OF THESIS DEDICATION ACKNOWLEDGEMENT ABSTRACT ABSTRAK TABLE OF CONTENTS LIST OF TABLES LIST OF FIGURES LIST OF ABBREVIATIONS LIST OF SYMBOLS LIST OF APPENDICES

ii iii iv v vi vii x xi xiii xiv xv

INTRODUCTION 1.1 1.2 1.3 Research background Problem Definition Direction of Research and Objective 1 6 6

viii 1.4 1.5 Scope of the Research Thesis Structure 7 7

LITERATURE REVIEW 2.1 2.2 2.3 2.4 Introduction Weather Changing Lightning Discharge Process Frequency of Lightning Discharge 2.4.1 2.5 Cloud-To-Ground Flash Ratio 8 8 11 14 15 16 17 18 20

Electric Field and Magnetic Field 2.5.1 2.5.2 Rotating Electric Field Mill Plate or Whip Antenna

2.6

Data Logger System

METHODOLOGY 3.1 3.2 3.3 3.4 3.5 Summary of Project Flow Research Methodology Flowchart Development Program Flowchart Experimental Instruments 3.5.1 3.5.2 3.5.3 Function Generator DAQ NI USB-6216 Arrangement of Equipment to 21 22 23 24 25 26 26 27

Generate Signal Wave 3.6 Developed Block Diagram 3.6.1 Diagram 3.6.2 3.6.3 3.7 Simulation Work Block Diagram Read File Block Diagram 31 33 34 34 35 Implementation Work Block 27 28

Developed Front Panel 3.7.1 3.7.2 Front Panel for Table Front Panel for Waveform Chart

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3.7.3 3.7.4

Front Panel for Histogram Front Panel for Read File

35 37

RESULT & DISCUSSION 4.1 4.2 4.3 Introduction Testing Result Discussion 38 38 41

GENERAL CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATION 5.1 5.2 General Conclusion Recommendations and Future Works 44 45

REFERENCES

46

APPENDICES

50

LIST OF TABLES

TABLE 3.1 3.2

TITLE Simulation Block Components Function Block Components.

PAGE 28 29

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LIST OF FIGURES

FIGURE 1.1

TITLE Charge distribution corresponding to the field gradient near the ground Simpsons theory of cloud model The effect of gravity toward polarity Tripole structure of the thundercloud and observers at different distances from the storm

PAGE 2

1.2 1.3 1.4

3 4 4

1.5 1.6 2.1 2.2 2.3 2.4 2.5

Lightning types with the tripole structure Thundercloud process General behaviour of the thundercloud Cloud to lightning discharge process Electric field mill Electrical field mills principle The measurement of lightning generated fields for antennas

5 6 12 13 17 18 19

2.6

Equivalent circuit of electric field measuring antenna

19

2.7 3.1 3.2 3.3 3.4 3.5 3.6

OM-DVTH portable data logger Developed flowchart of the research Program flowchart for collect and save data Program flowchart for read data Function generator DAQ NI USB-6216 Arrangement of equipment

20 23 24 25 26 26 27

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3.7 3.8

Block diagram for input block connection Block diagram for processing block and output block connection

30 30

3.9 3.10 3.11 3.12 3.13 3.14 4.1 4.2 4.3 4.4 4.5

Substitution from DAQ assistant with sensors Block diagram for read file Front panel for table Front panel for waveform chart Front panel for histogram data Front panel for read file Data tabulated Waveform chart for all signals & select signal Histogram of the data Read file as data logger The connection port that must be handled carefully Sensitivity of DAQ system influences the accuracy of the result Correct waveform as preferred by user TDMS file using read file (LabVIEW)

31 33 34 35 36 37 39 40 41 41 42

4.6 4.7 4.8

42 43 43

programming

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LIST OF ABBREVIATIONS

DC DAQ NI USB TDMS 3D Nc Ng T he Ca Cc e (t) ELF CG LAT a (t) -

Direct Current Data Acquisition

National Instrument Universal Serial Bus Technical Data Management Solution Three Dimension Number of cloud flashes Number of ground flashes

Number of thunderstorm days per year Effective height of the antenna Capacitance of the antenna Capacitance of the cable Background electric field

Extremely Low Frequency Cloud-to-ground Lightning Air Terminal Instantaneous exposed area of the sensing plate

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LIST OF SYMBOLS

m kV m-1 V /cm kV/cm kV V kwh cm /s km Hz ms s

meter kilo volt per meter volt per centimetre kilo volt per centimetre kilo volt volt kilo watt hour centimetre per second kilometres hertz millisecond second lambda

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LIST OF APPENDICES

APPENDIX A B LabVIEW 2011

TITLE

PAGE 50 51

Datasheet DAQ NI USB-6216

CHAPTER 1

INTRODUCTION

1.1

Research Background

A cloud profile is related to the electric field strength between clouds and the earth. The lightning strike is a dangerous natural phenomenon that can cause many problems and damages [1]. Lightning in an area can be predicted by observing and analyzing the electric field. When the amount of lightning is over a certain threshold due to the presence of clouds, lightning strikes with both positive and negative polarity will occur. It also occurs when an electric field in a region exceeds the breakdown value where the electric field that is needed to produce a spark between the electrodes is about 300 kVm-1 [2].

Most of the lightning activity in the atmosphere is associated with thunderclouds (cumulonimbus) [3]. The lightning phenomenon is a charge

accumulated in the clouds that discharges to the ground, which is also known as a peak discharge [4]. Positive and negative charges become separated by the heavy air currents with air crystals in the upper part and rain in the lower parts of the cloud during thunderstorms. The charge centres of these clouds probably vary from 300 m to 2000 m while their charge separation is about 200 to 10 000 m, depending on

the height of the cloud. Clouds have field gradients ranging from 100 V/cm as high as 10 kV/cm at initial discharge point and have a potential up to 107 to 108 V while the cloud discharge energy could be up to 250 kWh. The upper regions of the cloud are usually positive charged while the lower regions are negative charged but it is positive for local regions as shown in Figure 1.1 [4].

Figure 1.1 Charge distributions corresponding to the field gradient near the ground

According to Simpsons theory, there are three essential regions in a cloud, as shown in Figure 1.2. In region A, the air currents travel above 800 cm/s and there are no raindrops falling below it. This air velocity is high enough to break the falling raindrops that cause positive charge spray in the cloud and negative charge in the air. However, as the positively charged water drops recombine with the larger drops, the velocity decreases and this will cause region A to be positively charged. Region B becomes negatively charged due to air currents and low temperature in the upper regions of the cloud [4].

Figure 1.2 Simpsons theory of cloud model

Thunderclouds can also be defined as clouds in which lightning and sparks occur. Observations in many locations in the world state that a cumulonimbus cloud must extend at least 2-3 km into the subfreezing portion before the first lightning could be observed. The collisions between the graupel particles and ice crystals or other smaller graupel particles are the most favoured mechanism for electrical charge separation. Graupel particles form when large ice crystals accrete super-cooled

liquid droplets.

In order to form a positive thunderstorm dipole, there must be charge separation caused by differential motions under gravity. Figure 1.3 below shows a positive thunderstorm dipole that is formed by charge separation from particle collisions and differential motions under gravity and transfer of negative charge occurs [5].

Figure 1.3 The effect of gravity toward polarity Figure 1.3 shows the effect of gravity toward polarity. A positive thunderstorm dipole is formed by charge separation through particle collisions and differential motions under gravity and negative charge is transferred.

. Figure 1.4 Tripole structure of the thundercloud and observers at different distances from the storm.

For Figure 1.4, it shows that a tripole structure of the thundercloud and observers at different distances from the storm. For a close observer, the inverted dipole is seen to dominate and for the distant observer, the main dipole dominates.

Intra cloud flash, which is the most common lightning type, is a discharge between the upper positive charge and negative charge. In a cloud-to-ground flash, the negative charge is transferred from the main negative charge region to the ground. An air discharge is a discharge that does not succeed in contacting the ground between the main negative charge and the lower positive charge as shown in Figure 1.5 [5].

Intra cloud

Cloud to ground

Air discharge

Figure 1.5 Lightning types with the tripole structure

The thundercloud process is as follows as shown in Figure 1.6 [20]:

1. Clouds are formed from a strong upward stream 2. The clouds accumulate charge through friction when particles in the cloud clash with each other. The positively charged clouds goes upward and negatively charged clouds goes downward because of the polarization, becoming thunderclouds 3. The thundercloud grows 4. Once clouds become unable to accumulate electricity, it will discharge to the ground

Strong upward current

Upper = Positive charge Lower = Negative charge

Negative charge of cloud induces Positive charge electromagnetically

(a)

(b)

(c)

(d)

Figure 1.6 Thundercloud process. (a) Generation of cloud (b) Thunder cloud is formed by charging (c) Growth of thunder cloud (d) Lightning [20]

1.2

Problem Definition

Nowadays, Malaysian weather is unpredictable as there are several uncertainties in predicting the occurrence of thunderstorms. Most of our navigation and broadcasting systems via air, land and water are directly impacted by the weather on a daily basis. This inconsistent and unreliable nature has led to the importance of the investigation involving the study of: research in analyzing atmospheric electric field data logger system the physics of the cloud profile; simulation set up according to the experimental work ; and data management

1.3

Direction of Research and Objective

The study is to acquire a better understanding of data logger system in the presence of an atmospheric electric field strength. The purpose of this research is to develop a virtual instrument with capabilities to observe, record and analyze the magnitude (data) of atmospheric electric field.

1.4

Scope of the Research

In order to achieve the direction of research and objectives, there are several scopes that must been outlined and these include: analysis of previous research regarding thunderstorm predictions and the application of data logger systems; the usage of LabVIEW programming data logger system throughout the research process; testing the developed virtual instrument using data acquisition system (DAQ) with function generator, and signal simulation; Data analysis and management.

1.5

Thesis Structure

This report consists of five chapters. The first chapter discusses the introduction that includes the background studies of the project, problem definition, direction of research and objective and scope of this research as well as the summary of work that has been undertaken.

Additional theories and literature reviews related to this research, such as the lightning discharge process, the physics of thunderstorm, electric field and magnetic field, will be discussed in Chapter 2. The general aspect of the data logger system will also be highlighted in this chapter.

In Chapter 3, the discussion will centre on the research methodology used for software implementation and simulation in this research. The block diagram circuit structure will also be presented.

The testing results, circuit design and discussion are outlined in Chapter 4. Last but not least, Chapter 5 discusses the general conclusions and potential future work that can be done to improve research in this field.

CHAPTER 2

LITERATURE REVIEW

2.1

Introduction

This chapter will elaborate on some of the researches that have been done to understand the behaviour of thunderstorms and the development of tools to predict their occurence. The lightning discharge process will be explained in detail with the aid of diagrams for better visualisation. The equipment related to this study such as electric field mill, plate or whip antenna and the data logger device are described to show the theories behind the research and how it will be conducted.

2.2

Weather Changing

Numerous research were conducted in this field. A thesis titled Development of An Object Oriented Thunderstorm Nowcasting System for Barcelona Airport by Nuria Devanthery Arasa stated that the weather is unpredictable as there is a lot of uncertainty in predicting thunderstorms. Most ofour navigation and broadcasting systems via air, land and water are directly impacted by the weather on a daily basis. It is also the main source of problems in air traffic, mostly at the airport area during

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the phases of landing and takeoff. For example, thunderstorms are the main reason for flight delays and one of the main threats to air safety. The objective of her thesis was to develop a thunderstorm information system for Barcelona airport. The general results obtained from her study shows that the thunderstorm alarm nowcasting system works well for short lead times, which is about 30 minutes and provides some reaction time for the airport management [6].

Jillian Canon stated that thunderstorms are an essential component in the Earths atmospheric system and lightning has an indirect effect on the wellbeing of humans. Precautionary measures should be taken and simulation of individual storm components must be developed. She mentioned that the accuracy was achieved through the number of percolation parameters such as lattice size and the number of seeds [7].

In addition to the previous studies, Wendy L. Seaman, in her paper, stated that every year, thousands of tornadoes strike the United States causing many deaths and millions of dollars in damages. Since the previous studies yielded no

improvement, the aim of her project must be accomplished to determine the cloud-toground lightning trends that materialized during severe weather and also to perform the study on a larger scale problem. The result shows that specific lightning trends can emerge prior to tornado genesis because there is evidence, if somewhat minor, that can support it [8].

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From the journal of modeling electric and magnetic fields due to thunderclouds and lightning, it is stated that Sprites and Elves are the two classes of phenomena that have been observed after lightning flashes and thunderclouds. The author emphasized the understanding of the physical processes leading to these phenomena. The result shows that these two processes are strongly non-linear and more than 1ms after discharge, the electric field are above the cloud top and the ionosphere is positive downward. The ELF spectrum with a large positive cloud-toground discharge is between 100 and 300Hz [9].

Shanchang Tao and Yongbo Tan, from their journal Fine Resolution Simulation of Cloud-To-Ground Lightning and Thundercloud Transfer, stated that many studies have been devoted to observe and analyze the cloud-to-ground (CG) lightning discharge. Observation and analysis have been made using a high-speed camera photography process, multi station electric field mill observations and current measurement on tall towers to predict the CG lightning. They found that the electric field inside a thunderstorm decreases by about 40% due to individual lightning flashes. From the result, CG lightning may cause 40-80% of cloud charges to be neutralized in upper charge region while only 16-40% of cloud to be neutralized in the lower region. CG lightning can also cause complex charge transfer processes in the thunderclouds [10].

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2.3

Lightning Discharge Process

Lightning is a transient, high-current electric discharge whose path length is measured in kilometres. Through out the last century, various advanced instruments have been used to obtain the optical, electric and magnetic observation data of lightning in many countries, [12]. Lightning discharge is a complex process by which a net charge, negative or positive, is moved from a source region within a cumulonimbus cloud to some point in space. Lightning can move from cloud-toground, cloud-to-air, cloud-to-cloud, ground-to-cloud, and intra cloud [8].

The environment must be at 100 volts/meter to have a typical fair weather electric field. When the breakdown potential is reached, the electric field will

increase. This causes a coronal discharge to occur since the electric field strength becomes larger and exceeds the environment breakdown potential [8].

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Discharge when cloud between negative base and positive top (intra-cloud)

Inter-cloud strike (cloud-to-cloud)

Discharge between negative and positive charge centres

Typical cloud-to-ground lightning between ground and negative charge centres

Tree Tree

Figure 2.1 General behavior of the thundercloud

Figure 2.1 shows the behaviour of the thundercloud. The upward area is positively charged while the lower area of the thundercloud is negatively charged. Lightning from the positively charged area carries a positive flash to Earth while lightning from the negatively charged area carries a negative charge to Earth.

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Corona discharge Stepped leader Attachment process

(a)

(b)

Return stroke

Dart leader

(c)

(d)

Figure 2.2 Cloud to lightning discharge process.

Figure 2.2 shows the cloud to lightning discharge process. The process are as follows [8]:

(a) When breakdown potential has been reached followed by movement of a stepped leader from cloud to ground, the coronal discharge occurs.

(b) An attachment leader starts upward from the ground and happens when stepped leader approaches the ground and completes the attachment process.

(c) From the ground back up to the cloud, there is a subsequent return stroke that moves charge along the path.

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(d) From cloud to ground, there is a dart leader that moves along the same path, which is sometimes followed by another return stroke.

The ionized plasma was allowed to move from the cloud to the ground. The previously ionized path allows a net negative or positive charge down to earths surface followed by a return stroke that moves up from the ground (Figure 2.2c). A dart leader may propagate downward if there is still enough charge remaining in the cloud through the ionized channel (Figure 2.2d). Another return stroke may

propagate from the ground to cloud when the leader approaches the ground [8]. The lightning flashes, which have a number of strokes is known as multiplicity [13].

2.4

Frequency of Lightning Discharge

Lightning activity was measured in terms of the number of thunder days and lightning flashes in a given region. A limited number of researches have been made to relate the global lightning activity to the Shumann Resonance. Lightning induced excitation of the earth-ionospheric wave-guide and has resonance frequency ranging from 8 Hz, 16 Hz, 32 Hz and etc. An isolated thundercloud can generate lightning at a few flashes per minute, while severe storms can generate lightning at approximately ten flashes in a minute and the maximum number of lightnings is about 85 flashes in a minute. The lightning activity on land is three times higher than that of the ocean [5].

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2.4.1 Cloud To-Ground Flash Ratio

A study that summarized available data on the cloud to ground flash ratio was conducted by Prentice and Mackerras [5].

Where: Nc is the number of cloud flashes; Ng is the number of ground flashes; and T is the number of thunderstorm days per year. The relationship between the cloud to ground flash ratio and the latitude is given by:

where lambda, is the latitude

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2.5

Electric Field and Magnetic Field

Based on the lightning stroke, earlier studies have investigated electric fields with weather fields, fields in the clouds and gradients recorded on the earths surface [14]. The redistribution of electric charge and electromagnetic pulse due to lightning can cause electric fields to accelerate electrons [9]. There are two ways to monitor thunderstorms i.e. direct monitoring and indirect monitoring. Doppler radar and satellite images are used for indirect monitoring methods whereas direct methods utilize telluric electricity field instrument, electromagnetic oscillation receiver and lightning location systems. The electric field strength and polarity change is detected using the real monitor for the local thundercloud and early warnings are sent when there is a change in the atmospheric electric field [15].

The electric field generated by lightning flashes can be measured using electric field mill, plate or whip antenna whereas crossed loop antenna is used to measure magnetic field. In fair weather regions in the order of 300 kV, the

atmospheric electric field is generated by potential difference between ground and ionosphere [16].

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2.5.1 Electric Field Mill

Figure 2.3 Rotating Electric field mill

The main advantage of the rotating electric field mill is that it can be used to measure the absolute value of background fields. The principle of the operation is illustrated in Figure 2.4. A detector placed in a background electric field is assumed to be uniform and steady in a short period marked as S. The movable electrode ground plate marked as M is assumed to move back and forth in front of a sensing plate and this changes the exposed area of the sensing plate as a function of time. Current will flow between the sensing plate and ground since the charge induced on the plate is a function of the exposed area [5]. This current is given by:

where a(t) is the instantaneous exposed area of the sensing plate.

=8.854x1012. E=

Electric Field. Thus, by measuring the current flows between the sensing plate and ground, the background electric field can be obtained [5].

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Figure 2.4 Electrical field mills principle

2.5.2 Plate or Whip Antenna

The plate or whip antenna is used to measure electric field. It has advantage over electric field mill as it can provide a higher time resolution. However, the disadvantage of this method is that it cannot measure the low-frequency components of electric fields since there is a limit in which the decay time constant could be increased.

Antenna is a metal object connected to ground through electric circuitry and when charge is induced in it, the time it takes in generating a current in the electrical circuitry will vary [5].

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Figure 2.5 The measurement of lightning generated fields for antennas a = whip antenna b = plate antenna

Figure 2.6 Equivalent circuit of electric field measuring antenna which is e(t) = background electric field he = effective height of antenna Ca = capacitance of the antenna Cc = capacitance of the cable

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2.6

Data Logger System

The data logger is an electronic device that is able to record data over time and can be used as a stand-alone device. This device has low power consumption and is cheaper compared to other devices [17]. Plus, it is portable and easily embedded, which is quite suitable for field projects [18].

The data logger has the ability to automatically collect data over 24 hours and the time stamp can be set (from five minutes until one hour). It can be used without any supervision during activation, recording and measuring information throughout the project [17]. It can also work independently to record and save data for long periods of time. Through USB ports, data that have been saved can be downloaded into computers for further analysis using USB drives, which is very useful for engineers who need to sample the data in the field but do not want to carry heavy computers with them [18].

Figure 2.7 below shows the OM-DVTH portable data logger manufactured by Omega Engineering, Inc. with a display for temperature and relative humidity. This data logger is an easy-to-use device that can measure, record, and display the temperature and humidity. Three AA alkaline batteries that can last up to two years are its main source of power [18].

Figure 2.7 OM-DVTH portable data logger [18]

CHAPTER 3

METHODOLOGY

3.1

Introduction

During the project, three stages in the methodology were implemented. The first stage was the study of the cloud profile, thunderclouds, electric and magnetic field theories. The next stage was the block diagram circuit design using specific software to develop a data logger system related to the study, plus analyzing the data and graph obtained. The last stage centred on experimental and implementation work. This was important so as to verify the results obtained from the simulation work.

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3.2

Research Methodology

This study is primarily aimed to obtain the result of data logger system from the atmospheric electric field. The investigation consists of several phases to achieve the research objective. The first phase is the study of physics of cloud profile followed by the visualization and simulation of cloud profile using LabVIEW programming and DAQ instrument. The last phase is result validation through simulation using LabVIEW programming.

In this project, LabVIEW programming was considered to be the most suitable software package compared to others in the market. LabVIEW is a very easy language for electrical or electronic engineers to pick up or learn, as the source code is very similar to the circuit diagrams. Furthermore, LabVIEW also has raw speed for each development. The source code is written in a similar manner to many predefined components, i.e. drop-down and wired-in together menus. The third advantage is LabVIEWs compatibility with the National Instruments hardware that is connected to their well-developed LabVIEW software.

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3.3

Flowchart Development

The flowchart development of the research is visualized as in Figure 3.1. The LabVIEW programme for the development of virtual instruments and data logger system must be studied at the beginning of the process. The setup for DAQ NI USB6216 which is connected to the input signal must be completed at the same time so that the LabVIEW simulation and the actual experiment can be tested simultaneously.

Figure 3.1 Developed flowchart of the research

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3.4

Program Flowchart

Figure 3.2 shows the program flowchart for collecting and saving data using LabVIEW software package. Initially, the analog input obtained from the DAQ USB-6216 or the simulation signal must be changed from AC current to DC current. A few tests were done to get the correct signal, thus the waveform. The waveform must be checked to get the most accurate one before the data is tabulated. Tabulation is stopped once all the data is carefully saved. The flow chart for data reading is shown in Figure 3.3. This data reading can be done using a specific front panel created in LabVIEW and is important for future analysis.

Figure 3.2 Program flowchart for collect and save data

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No

Figure 3.3 Program flowchart for read data

3.5

Experimental Instruments

Several instruments were used in the realization of this project. These include a function generator and DAQ NI USB-6216. All the instruments must be checked carefully to make sure that they are in a good condition in order to obtain accurate data.

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3.5.1 Function Generator

The function generator is used to produce waveforms by repetitive charging and discharging of the capacitor from a constant energy source. Some of the

common waveforms produced by the function generator are sine, square, triangular and saw tooth waveform.

Figure 3.4 Function generator

3.5.2 DAQ NI USB-6216

The NI USB-6216 is a bus-powered USB M Series multifunction data acquisition (DAQ) module manufactured by National Instruments, optimized for superior accuracy at fast sampling rates. It has 16 analog inputs; 400 kS/s sampling rate; two analog outputs; 32 digital I/O lines; four programmable input ranges (0.2 to 10 V) per channel; digital triggering; and two counter/timers. The module features 60 V, CAT I isolation for improved accuracy and safety (National Instruments, 2012).

Figure 3.5 DAQ NI USB-6216

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3.5.3 Arrangement of Equipment to Generate Signal Wave

The arrangement of equipment is shown in Figure 3.6. This arrangement is purposely made to generate the dc value and waveform signals.

Figure 3.6 Arrangement of equipment

3.6

Developed Block Diagram

The block diagrams were developed as shown in Figure 3.7 to Figure 3.10. To develop the block diagrams, the function of each block component must first be identified. In order to avoid the error during the simulation, all pin inputs must be carefully placed.

From the block diagram, the data was taken every second and was saved every minute. The data logger works in a way that the previous information was called back and is later displayed in another waveform chart.

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3.6.1 Implementation Work Block Diagram

This subsection presents the implementation work for this project. The DAQ is used as an input and waveform chart is displayed in graph form. This

implementation is developed using LabVIEW and consists of three main groups which are Input Block, Processing Block and Output Block., The details of block components used are explained using Table 3.1 and the function of each block component is shown in Table 3.2. In this research, 6 inputs were used . All the block components were connected to form the required input block diagram as shown in Figure 3.7 below. The Input Block is used to generate the input signal.

Table 3.1 : Simulation block components [19] No. 1 2 Main Groups Input Block Processing Block Block Components DAQ Input, Sensor 1 until Sensor 6 Write to Measurement File Amplitude and Level Measurement Simulate Signal (DC) Select Signals Build Table Create Histogram Get Date / Time in Second Functions Time Interval Build Waveform (Analog Waveform) Function

Output Block

Table Select Signal Waveform Chart All Signals Waveform Chart Histogram 1until Histogram 6

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Table 3.2 : Function block components [21]

No. 1. Block Components DAQ Assistant Functions To generate the input voltage from function generator 2. Simulation Component (Sensor) 3. Write to Measurement File Save the data in the form of TDMS file 4. 5. Waveform Graph Local Variable for Waveform Graph 6.. Detected Amplitudes An array of amplitudes of the detected single tone in Vpeak for each waveform 7. DC Simulate Signal Simulates and change from AC signal to DC signal 8. Create Histogram Computes a histogram for signal Display the waveform As an input As an input from simulation work

9.

Histogram

Display the histogram

10.

Get Date / Time in Seconds Function

Returns a timestamp of the current time Builds an analog waveform or modifies an existing waveform Select the signal that want to display

11.

Build Waveform (Analog Waveform) Function

12,

Select Signal

31 13 Amplitude and Level Measurements Computation of the amplitude of the signal

14.

Build Table

Tabulate the data and display in the table

Figure 3.7 Block diagram for input block connection

Figure 3.8 Block diagram for processing block and output block connection

Refering to Figure 3.8, the Waveform Graph block was changed into local variable of waveform graph. The local variable makes the block diagram look more neat and orderly. The Input Block is connected to the Processing Block. In the

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Processing Block, the local variable is connected to the DC Simulate Signal to change AC to DC. From the DC Simulate Signal, the connection is continued through the histogram block components, which is used to display the histogram graph. The x-axis represents the measurement scale of acquired results of ambient electric field strength while y-axis describes value of frequency distribution in terms of frequency of the results [19].

The function of amplitude and level measurements block is to make sure that all the signals are maintained in the DC signal and this enables the computation of the signal amplitude. This block was connected to the build waveform and get date/ data time in seconds function block. The function of block component get date/data time in seconds is to make sure that the time in the programme is equal to the laptop time. From there, the write to measurement file block is connected to save the data every minute.

Lastly, the Processing Block is connected to the Output Block and is presented in the form of graphical display. Lastly, the tabulation of data is perfomed through the connection with the table block component.

3.6.2 Simulation Work Block Diagram

This subsection presents the simulation work for this project. The DAQ is simulated using the simulation component (sensor). This is because there are 6 inputs and it is more appropriate to use simulation component (sensor) rather than DAQ and function generator. If the function generator and DAQ are to be used, the voltage must be divided and is parallel to get the right input voltage.

a)

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b) Figure 3.9 (a) and (b) Substitution from DAQ assistant with sensors

Using the simulation work, the sensor is set from 0 to 5 kV/cm. 3 kV/cm indicates the presence of lightning. Then, the Input Block is connected to the

Processing Block. In Processing Block, Write to Measurement File block is set to save the data every minute. Lastly, the Processing Block is connected to the Output Block which will present results in the form of a graphical display .

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3.6.3 Read File Block Diagram

This subsection presents the block diagram for read file. The Read From Measurement File is used to recall the previous data that have been saved and is displayed in the form of graphical and numeric display. The data logger works in a way that the previous information is called back and displayed in graphical and numerical display. The block diagram for read file was developed as shown in Figure 3.10 below.

Figure 3.10 Block diagram for read file

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3.7

Developed Front Panel

The front panel was developed after the block diagram was carefully checked. The front panels were developed as shown in Figure 3.11, to Figure 3.14. The front panel in Figure 3.11 shows the front panel for the table while Figure 3.12 shows the front panel for the waveform chart and the select signal. Figure 3.13 shows the front panel for histogram of the data and Figure 3.14 shows the front panel for read file.

3.7.1 Front Panel for Table

The setting of the sensor is set between 0 to 5 kV/cm and shows the ambience of electric field strength. The table in Fig. 3.11 is used to tabulate the collected data every second and filename out shows the place where the data is saved. Time interval is set at 100ms or 0.1s.

Figure 3.11 Front panel for table

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3.7.2 Front Panel for Waveform Chart

There are select signal buttons that are used to select which signal to be displayed in the waveform chart. There are 2 waveform chart displays i.e. All Signals Display and Select Signal Display. The selection of the signal is according to user preference.

Figure 3.12 Front panel for waveform chart

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3.7.3 Front Panel for Histogram

This simulation displays the histogram graph.

The x-axis represents the

measurement scale of acquired results for ambient electric field strength while the yaxis describes value of frequency distribution that describes how often the results happen [19].

Figure 3.13 Front panel for histogram data

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3.7.4 Front Panel for Read File

Through the read file front panel, the waveform chart displays the previous data that have been saved in the form of graphical display. Filename is used to locate the recorded file and recall the previous data. Numeric is used to display the previous data in the form of numerical display.

Figure 3.14 Front panel for read file

CHAPTER 4

RESULT AND DISCUSSION

4.1

Introduction

Analysis of the experimental setup is done in this chapter, where the result for developed waveform is discussed. Later, the data logger system will be visualized and the noise formed during testing will be discussed.

4.2

Testing Result

The data in Figure 4.1 is tabulated every second and saved every minute. The files are saved in TDMS file and only can be called back using read file programming by LabVIEW. The programme is set to have the time interval at 100ms or 0.1s. All the sensors (Sensor 1 until Sensor 6) are set to run the programme. Figure 4.2 shows the select signal front panel, which can be selected as preferred by the user. The data is visualized using a waveform chart in terms of voltage (kV/cm) and time (s) in two different charts; all signals and select signal

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chart. All signals waveform chart displays all the waveforms obtained while for the select signal waveform chart, only preferred signals are displayed. Figure 4.3 shows the histogram of the data. The histogram obtained from the simulation shows the information where the x-axis represents measurement scale of results of ambient electric field strength and the y-axis describes the value of frequency electric field strength, showing how often the results happen.

The data logger works in a way that the previous information is called back and displayed as shown in Figure 4.4. After all the data are saved, the data will be recalled using read file programme. The previous data was called back and

displayed in the waveform chart as graphical display and also in the form of numerical display.

Figure 4.1 Data tabulated

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Figure 4.2 Waveform chart for all signals and select signal

Figure 4.3 Histogram of the data

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Figure 4.4 Read file as data logger

4.3

Discussion

Several problems were encountered through out the research.

The main

problem was due to the inaccuracy of the data resulting from faulty equipment. During the experimental work, the pin from DAQ, which was not secured tightly, as shown in Figure 4.5, could give a very bad connection and affect the results obtained.

In addition, the over-sensitive DAQ system also influences the accuracy of the result such as the detection of the electromagnetic field present in the surrounding. This was proven by the noise formation in the waveform where the wave did not start at zero point as shown in Figure 4.6.

The data logger system will only show an accurate result when the waveform is started according to users preferred set point as shown in Figure 4.7. When the

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experiment was conducted, 3kV/cm was used to simulate the condition where the lightning occurs. The lightning occurs at approximately 3kV/cm as the electric field strength is said to be very high at that point and it becomes heavy.

For this research, the data-reading format used is in TDMS file and can only be opened using LabVIEW programming. Another front panel and block diagram were purposely created to easily read the previously obtained data. The front panel shows a waveform chart according to the data that has been saved every minute and is shown in Figure 4.8 below.

Figure 4.5 The connection port that should be handled carefully

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Figure 4.6 Sensitivity of DAQ system influences the accuracy of the result

Figure 4.7 Correct waveform as preferred by user

Figure 4.8 TDMS file using read file (LabVIEW) programming

CHAPTER 5

GENERAL CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATION

5.1

General Conclusion

Both implementation and simulation work are meant to improve the thunderstorm and a lightning study through the development of data logger system using LabVIEW has been carried out.

In line with the main objectives, the following findings and conclusions were identified: The data logger system is used to manage the data obtained by the electronic components and the equipments used in the experiments With the data being recorded carefully, the job to analyze and store the magnitude of atmospheric electric field strength will be much easier and accurate. The LabVIEW programme that has been developed will give notifications in waveform chart to show the condition of atmospheric electric field strength

To obtain a more efficient and accurate result, the author believes that a very careful and detailed method is crucial during experimental work. This is due to

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the existence of noise and electromagnetism in the lab which give rise to inaccurate results. Due to this reason, the DAQ NI USB-6216 must be maintained properly and the manual instruction must be followed carefully.

5.2

Recommendations for Future Works

There are several recommendations that can be made so that the outcome of a similar project can be improved upon in the future:

a)

the programme should be improvised by developing of 3D surface graph to visualize the lightning condition and for better understanding

b)

development of a smart phone application to monitor the atmospheric electric field is also a good way for a prompted job. Users can easily monitor the atmospheric electric field anywhere at any time.

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APPENDICES

APPENDIX A

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APPENDIX B

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