We explored many conversion methods, indeed this is the focus of our project. From capturing the acoustic energy and converting this to usable electric power, to converting the heat energy of a strike,  many options seem vaguely viable.

In the end,  we opted to use the electrical energy of a lightning strike to heat a medium.  We chose this to avoid safety concerns, and because the idea will work at relatively invariable efficiency for a large variety of different natured strikes.

Heating elements run through Calcium SulfoAluminate concrete (CSA), in the configurations shown in the diagrams. Thermal oils can be piped around the CSA to distribute this heat energy evenly. When heated, the CSA stores the energy as latent heat.s