A data complementary method for thunderstorm point charge localization based on atmospheric electric field apparatus array group

Data loss or distortion causes adverse effects on the accuracy and stability of the thunderstorm point charge localization. To solve this problem, we propose a data complementary method based on the atmospheric electric field apparatus array group. The electric field component measurement model of the atmospheric electric field apparatus is established, and the orientation parameters of the thunderstorm point charge are defined. Based on the mirror method, the thunderstorm point charge coordinates are obtained by using the potential distribution formulas. To test the validity of the basic algorithm, the electric field component measurement error and the localization accuracy are studied. Besides the azimuth angle and the elevation angle, the localization parameters also include the distance from the apparatus to the thunderstorm cloud. Based on a primary electric field apparatus, we establish the array group of apparatuses. Based on this, the data measured by each apparatus is complementarily processed to regain the thunderstorm point charge position. The results show that, compared with the radar map data, this method can accurately reflect the location of the thunderstorm point charge, and has a better localization effect. Additionally, several observation results during thunderstorm weather have been presented.