Modern facilities present complex protection challenges — multiple roof levels, elevated equipment, architectural constraints, and operational restrictions on conductor placement. Standard prescriptive approaches can leave gaps or result in expensive over-design.
Aetheric applies 3D Rolling Sphere Method analysis using XGSLab's Lightning module integrated with CAD-based tools to determine precisely where protection is needed and where it isn't — optimising coverage while controlling cost.
How RSM Works
The Rolling Sphere Method models the lightning attachment process by conceptually rolling a sphere over and around a structure. Any point the sphere contacts before touching a protection conductor represents a potential strike point requiring additional protection.
- Sphere radius correlates with the lightning protection level (LPL) defined in IEC 62305 and AS/NZS 1768
- Smaller radii (higher LPL) require more comprehensive air termination
- Facility geometry imported from AutoCAD DWG/DXF, Revit, Navisworks, and other BIM formats
- The sphere is applied systematically to identify all unprotected surfaces and equipment
Protection Level Selection
IEC 62305 and AS/NZS 1768 define four lightning protection levels with corresponding sphere radii:
LPL I — 20m
Highest protection. Critical infrastructure and high-consequence facilities.
LPL II — 30m
Enhanced protection. Data centres, hospitals, and essential services.
LPL III–IV — 45/60m
Standard protection. Commercial and general industrial facilities.
We model coverage for multiple LPL options based on risk assessment results, enabling informed decisions balancing protection effectiveness against budget.
Complex Geometry Analysis
Our modelling handles the challenges standard methods miss:
- Multiple roof levels and height variations between structures
- Elevated equipment — HVAC systems, telecom antennas, rooftop solar
- Architectural and aesthetic constraints on conductor placement
- Access restrictions and structural limitations
- Iterative optimisation of conductor layouts for cost-effectiveness
Integration with Protection Design
RSM analysis feeds directly into the broader protection system design:
- Identified air termination points inform down conductor routing and current dissipation paths
- Protection zone boundaries guide SPD placement on connected services
- Results integrate with XGSLab electromagnetic analysis for fault current distribution and ground potential rise
- Complete documentation for construction teams and compliance verification
Industry Applications
Data Centres
Rooftop cooling equipment, generator exhaust stacks, and communications antennas with minimal visual impact.
Learn more →Energy & Renewables
Wind turbine blade receptor placement and solar farm inverter station protection design.
Learn more →Critical Infrastructure
Transportation facilities, communication towers, and government buildings requiring certified compliance per AS/NZS 1768.
Learn more →Industrial & Oil/Gas
Complex process equipment layouts, storage tanks, and multi-level structures with varying protection requirements.
Learn more →