The principle of operation for ESE terminals is to create an upward propagation steamer earlier then conventional air terminals or other objects on the earth, ESE does this by collection and storing ground charge during the initial phase of a thunderstorm
development. Once a thunderstorm begins creating
development. step leaders, the ambient electric field intensity
in the area of the ESE terminal increases. When this electric field intensifies, it triggers the terminal to release the stored ground charge, forming an upward streamer microseconds earlier than other objects in the immediate area. This development of an upward streamer earlier in time and space ensures that the ESE terminal will be the target of the developing lighting strike.