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This paper discusses the back-flashover (BFO) phenomena in a high-voltage (HV) vertical double-circuit transmission line by means of numerical simulations. The single- and multiphase BFOs are analyzed considering 24 cases of AC-voltage angles and nonlinear characteristic of flashovers, taking advantage of the circuit analysis method in time domain. The models used in circuit analysis are the TEM-delay model, which can take into account the non-TEM characteristics of tower and line, and the conventional models. Prior to the BFO analysis, the characteristics of circuit models are compared and discussed with the numerical electromagnetic analysis results. In BFO analysis, it is clarified that the occurrence probability of the multiphase BFO is heavily depending on the bias AC-voltages. The relation of measured BFO phases and AC-voltages are well explained by the TEM-delay model with the valid lightning current magnitude. The conventional circuit models could have underestimated the occurrence of BFOs in HV transmission lines. The analysis and discussions shown in this paper can be utilized for advanced evaluation of lightning performance of transmission lines that considers the seriousness of lightning accidents. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

It is well known that for high voltage transmission lines in the range of 245 kV–525 kV, particularly in regions of high ground resistivity, lightning back flashover problems could be a major concern. Line arresters have been used successfully to address the problem. Underbuilt ground wires have been proposed as a viable alternative. The present paper shows that the full potential of additional ground wires could be achieved by optimizing their position on the tower. Such optimization often results in a preferred position at the level, or higher than the attachment height of the lower phase conductors; therefore the designation Embedded Ground Conductor. An essential requirement is that such positioning does not infringe in any way on the dielectric integrity of the electrical clearances and, under the influence of induced charge, does not become a source of positive streamers that may lead to additional radio or audible noise. It is found that a streamer- inhibited conductor, when properly placed, fully satisfies the above requirements. It is determined that for 245 kV, 345 kV and 420 kV lines, a streamer-inhibited embedded conductor could improve the back flashover rate by a factor of 10 or more [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Most of the literatures dealing with time domain simulation of grounding system response to lightning surges use an electrostatic approach. In this approach frequency dependence of soil electrical parameters and plane-wave propagation constant are not included. In this paper, based on Hybrid Electromagnetic Method and simplification of it, a new method is developed to include frequency dependent parameters of soil in time domain simulation. Since only one convolution is used, the simulation time is significantly reduced. The consistency of the developed formulation while the plane-wave propagation constant is ignored is investigated through comparisons with experimental results and precise frequency domain approaches. Simulations results show ignoring both effects simultaneously can lead to high levels of error (140%), whereas the error significantly reduces when frequency dependence of soil parameters is considered. The developed model exhibits errors of about 2% to 25% compared to the results of models that take into account both effects. However, simulation results showed all these errors to be conservative. Due to neglecting propagation constant, the model is more suitable for lightning studies of grounding system with short length. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Direct lightning poses a serious threat to the safety of power systems. In recent years, the lightning fractal model, which can reflect the fractal characteristics and randomness of lightning leaders, has been gradually applied to direct lightning protection for substations, transmission lines, etc. However, since few studies have linked simulations with experiments, the reliability of the lightning fractal model in terms of attachment probability prediction lacks experimental verification. In this paper, a series of attachment tests are carried out under a rod-rod gap. The equivalence between simulation tests and natural lightning is discussed, and the influencing factors of the attachment results are investigated. The attachment probability is simulated and compared to the test value under each test configuration. The test results show that the fractal dimension of discharge channel is consistent with the observation results of natural lightning. Under different configurations, the test value of attachment probability basically conforms to the simulation value. In general, the dispersion of the test results is slightly greater than the simulation results, but the average probability differences are all within 10%. The test results strongly indicate that the lightning fractal model is of good reliability in the prediction of strike probability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fragility modeling and real-time risk assessment can be widely applied to evaluate and enhances the resilience of the power system to High-Impact and Low Probability events. In previous studies, fragility modeling generally targets extreme weather conditions other than thunderstorm. This paper proposes a fragility model to describe the relationship between the duration of a thunderstorm and the probability of lightning related trip-out. The duration of thunderstorms, which can usually be forecasted from the meteorological department, together with the fragility function expression can help a power company to predict the possibility of lightning related trip-out. Furthermore, this paper proposes a real-time risk assessment model that can dynamically adjust the risk value based on the update of the location, peak current, and subsequent stroke of real-time thunderstorm. A case study conducted on the lightning related trip-out data in Southwest China demonstrates that the average risk of transmission line trip-out in high risk group is about ten times that in low risk group. It clearly demonstrates that real-time risk assessment can efficiently distinguish the trip-out risks of different real-time thunderstorms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper presented an assessment of lightning energy absorption by dedicated surge arresters (SADT), which are provided to protect the distribution transformers on 10kV overhead distribution lines (OHLs). A hybrid Partial Element Equivalent Circuit-Multi-conductor Transmission Line (PEEC-MTL) code was applied to evaluate lightning surges on SADT. This method has the capability of modeling both short and long wires in OHL systems and is verified numerically and experimentally. A Monte Carlo procedure was adopted to assess the fault rate (FR) of SADT. It is found that the direct lightning strokes to the phase wire are the primary threat to the SADT, compared with the strokes to the poles as well as indirect strokes to the ground or structure nearby. Several protection schemes are identified, and their performance is evaluated from the aspects of lightning protection and economic cost. The full shielding wire (SW) scheme performs the best, but with the most expensive protection cost. The lightning energy absorption by SADT can be suppressed significantly by installing extra SAs on the adjacent poles. The scheme of two or four extra SAs together with a partial SW can achieve a balanced performance of protection effect and economic cost for the OHL. The SW for a section of the OHL alone is not enough to the lightning protection for SADT. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ground wires (GW) struck by lightning are often exposed to transient impulse voltages in the MV range. This results in intense negative streamer-type corona, causing a considerable increase in the effective wire capacitance and a corresponding reduction in its surge impedance. Such variables have a significant influence on the tower top potential and on the electromagnetic coupling between the ground wire and phase conductors. Presently there is considerable uncertainty regarding the impulse corona parameters to be used in back flashover calculations. In the present paper a new method is formulated for determination of GW impulse corona parameters. The new approach is compared with two existing methods and with available experimental results. It is found that the method usually used within the IEEE has little physical justification and is excessively conservative. It is also shown that such corona parameters significantly depend on the GW height above ground, which has been totally ignored in the CIGRE method. This and other unjustified simplifying assumptions explain the surprisingly large discrepancy between values of the negative impulse corona constant recommended by CIGRE and IEC. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

SF6 is widely used in high voltage equipment because of its outstanding characteristics as insulation medium. However, SF6 is a potent greenhouse gas, so its use and emission are regulated. CF3I has been investigated as a candidate for SF6 alternative gas, whose environmental impact is much less than that of SF6 and other fluorocarbon-based gases. In addition, a flexible gas-insulated transmission line (FGIL) is expected to be used for power transmission from offshore wind farms due to its high flexibility and low capacitance. In this paper, the feasibility of 22 kV class FGIL utilizing atmospheric pressure CF3I gas is evaluated from the viewpoint of withstand voltage with actual lightning impulse tests. The cross-sectional size of FGIL is determined by considering insulation condition, heat transfer condition, sheath electric field condition and spacer stress condition. The impulse tests for FGIL are conducted in straight and bent states, and it is revealed that the 50% breakdown voltage V50 of straight state exceeded lightning impulse withstand voltage (LIWV) for 22 kV class, and that V50 of bent state falls below LIWV. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Overhead lines are important parts of distribution networks at present. Assessment and prediction of their health status is of great significance to ensure the reliable operation of distribution network. This paper presents a method for assessing and predicting the health status of overhead lines based on health index (HI). First, the key features set of overhead lines including ontological and nonontological factors is determined. Then, a calculation method for evaluating HI based on analytic hierarchy process and technique for order preference by similarity to an ideal solution is proposed. Subsequently, the health assessment results of the actual 110 and 10 kV overhead lines located in China show that the proposed method could reflect the actual situation of overhead lines well. Finally, based on the proposed method, this paper takes two areas of China, Beijing and Nanjing, which have different climatic conditions, as research objects, and studies the influence of natural factors on the health status of overhead lines, respectively. Based on the analysis results, the health statuses of the overhead lines in the two regions are predicted. The research results of this paper can provide guidance for the operation and maintenance of overhead lines. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Modeling of lightning return-stroke channel affects significantly the estimation of fast-front overvoltages arising across overhead line insulators, thus, also the lightning performance of power lines. This paper introduces a simplified method for estimating the minimum lightning currents causing shielding failure flashover and backflashover of overhead transmission line insulation, as affected by lightning channel equivalent impedance. The validity of the proposed methodology is demonstrated through ATP-EMTP simulations of typical 66 up to 765-kV overhead transmission lines with variable tower ground resistance. An assessment is made of the effects of lightning channel equivalent impedance on the lightning performance of overhead lines, that is, shielding failure flashover and backflashover rates. Lightning channel equivalent impedance values of 1000 and 400 Ω are suggested, respectively, for shielding failure and backflashover studies, based on the results obtained in this paper together with a discussion on the literature data regarding channel impedance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Voltage and current waveforms of transmission lines struck by lightning are calculated for use in back flashover analysis. Calculation by using equivalent circuits is the general practice, however, there are limited experimental results for reference to evaluate validity of developed equivalent circuits under various line conditions. Calculation results by numerical electromagnetic analysis can be used as references if they are proved reliable. In this paper, the voltage rises at a model of a 154 kV transmission line hit by lightning is calculated by Method of Moments (MoM) and FDTD for comparison. They solve Maxwell's equations by using different algorithms, so, if the calculated results by these methods reasonably agree under various line conditions, the results of these numerical analyses are regarded reliable. The calculated voltage and current waveforms by the two numerical methods agree well under a variety of footing resistance of transmission towers, thus the authors conclude that the calculated results by FDTD or MoM can be employed as references to evaluate validity of circuit models for back flashover analyses. Thus, the results calculated by circuit analysis are compared with those calculated by FDTD. The multistory tower model (Ishii model) better reproduces the voltage waveforms in a wide range of the footing resistance than simple circuit models of a tower, and can be easily tuned for further accuracy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

According to the IEC Standard, the insulation performances of power apparatus under lightning impulse voltages are evaluated by the withstand test of standard lightning impulse voltage, with the wave front/tail time of 1.2/50 ?s. However, the standard lightning impulse voltage originally obtained from the transmission lines or triggering lightning towers, is quite different from the invading lightning impulse voltage in the power transformers. Hence, in this work, an attempt has been made to obtain the waveform characteristics of invading lightning impulses in power transformers using an overvoltage online monitoring system. Energy Method was then proposed to convert the recorded oscillatory waveform into double-exponential waveform defined by IEC Standard. And the statistical waveform parameters of recorded invading lightning impulses, namely, the non-standard lightning impulses, were determined based on the Energy Method. Current insulation assessment methods, for example, the V-t characteristics, are far from satisfactory to meet the demand of insulation design for the power apparatus, whereas the impulse breakdown voltage-number of voltage applications characteristics (V-N characteristics) could well evaluate the long term performance of insulation system. Therefore, we experimentally identified the V-N characteristics of oil paper insulation under impulse voltage with different waveforms, including non-standard lightning impulse voltage, and then mathematically analyzed the obtained data. At last, the influence of wave front/tail time on the V-N characteristics of oil paper insulation was experimentally studied. The test results indicate that the insulation performances of oil paper insulation under repeated nonstandard lightning impulse voltages and under standard switching impulse voltages were better than that under repeated standard lightning impulse voltages. And the capacity to withstand repeated voltage became increasingly stronger with the increase in wave front time or the decrease in wave tail time. The breakdown voltage, however, was only related to the wave front time of applied impulse voltage. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper proposed an inverse procedure for evaluating the channel-base current and return stroke velocity using measured far electric fields over a two-layer horizontally stratified ground, where the lightning current along lightning channel adopt the modified transmission line model with linear current decaying with height (MTLL) model. Moreover, the proposed method has been validated using two numbers of measured electric field obtained from triggered lightning, where the velocity is considered to be variable along lightning channel and the average value along lightning channel, respectively. The results show that the evaluated channel-base current is in good agreement with the corresponding measured channel-base current, and the average evaluated return stroke velocity is among 1/3 to 2/3 of the speed of light in free space. Also, we compare the evaluated results using transmission line (TL) model or adopting single-layer soil model. The results both show that the method, which combines the MTLL model and the two-layer stratification soil model, is more suitable to evaluate the channel-base current and return stroke velocity in this paper. The proposed inverse procedure can evaluate the lightning current as well as return stroke velocity, this is useful for studies on lightning characteristics and lightning protection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The electromagnetic fields, which are produced by lightning currents flowing into a transmission tower and into overhead ground wires, spherically expand with time, and propagate as non-transverse electromagnetic (TEM) waves at least within the round trip time of the traveling wave along the tower. In this paper, a distributed-parameter line model of a vertical double-circuit transmission tower with an overhead line struck by lightning is composed considering the non-TEM characteristics. The surge impedances of the tower, ground wires, and phase conductors increase with time and reach their TEM-mode or steady state values with time constants determined from the configuration. In addition, the significant wave attenuation along the tower is included in the circuit model according to the propagation characteristic determined by the tower configuration. The virtual inductive grounding impedance or damping circuits for approximately representing the wave attenuation is no longer needed. The proposed model is applied to four types of transmission towers. Waveforms of voltages across insulator strings computed by the finite-difference time-domain method, which are regarded as the reference, are well reproduced by the proposed model. Computation efficiency is drastically improved by the proposed model comparing to the numerical electromagnetic field analysis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, a new method is proposed for directly evaluating approximate lightning channel-base-current (CBC) parameters ($I_{m}$ , (di/dt)max, tFD, and tSD) and analytical function parameters (AFPs) of the CBC based on the measured lightning magnetic fields using a deconvolution and differential evolution (DE) method. This proposed method comprises two sequential steps. The first step is for determining the lightning CBC based on the measured magnetic field using modified transmission line model with exponential current decaying with height (MTLE) through deconvolution, while the second step is for evaluating the AFPs (Heidler's function) corresponding to the lightning CBC obtained from the first step. Data from the measured magnetic field above ground level (z = 10 m) at different horizontal distances (r = 9 km, 4.6 km, 2 km, and 50 m) from the lightning channel are considered for testing the proposed method. The sum of two Heidler's functions is used to represent the lightning CBC; and its parameters, namely I01, I02, τ11, τ12, τ21, τ22, n1, and n2 are identified using DE as a tool. Further, this methodology is helpful in the evaluation of the CBC parameters and mathematical modeling of the lightning CBC and the estimation of the lightning current through the channel using data from the measured magnetic field for different engineering return stroke models. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

C 4 F 7 N and mixtures have been intensively investigated around the world for the substitution of SF 6 in gas insulated transmission lines (GIL). In the present paper, the authors experimentally investigate the lightning impulse (LI) breakdown voltages of C 4 F 7 N/CO 2 in different electric field uniformities, temperatures and pressures. In a slightly nonuniform electric field, the insulation strength of 9%C 4 F 7 N/91%CO 2 can reach 80% strength of SF 6 at the same pressure. In a very un-uniform electric field, the pressure of 9%C 4 F 7 N/91%CO 2 must be increased to 0.7 MPa to keep 80% strength of the 0.4 MPa SF 6. Also, the polarity effect occurred in different electric fields. The breakdown voltage of 9%C 4 F 7 N/91%CO 2 versus gas pressure shows an N-curve, which may be utilized for the design of GIL. At the pressure of 0.35∼0.7 MPa, 9%C 4 F 7 N/91%CO 2 gas mixtures in ultra-high voltage platform has passed the LI withstand voltage tests. Based on various temperature breakdown tests and the Antoine equation calculation, 9%C 4 F 7 N/91%CO 2 could work at −15 °C. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The main objective of this paper is to evaluate the maximum share of the lightning current, which enters a building on electric installation lines. The conductors of the power circuit are equipotentially bonded to the air-termination or down-conductor system at roof level. For live conductors, the lightning equipotential bonding is realized by the use of surge protective devices (SPD), which have to withstand the threat of the share of the lightning current. The most important parameter is the maximum transferred charge, which was calculated by the use of the computer code CONCEPT II. The maximum expected charge is about 0.6 C for buildings with metal façades. If the building is additionally equipped with a metal roof, or, if the roof, the ceilings and the pillars/walls consist of reinforced concrete, the maximum expected charge is 0.1 C. For buildings without shielding elements (metal roof, metal façade, reinforced concrete), the charge is much higher, in the range of several coulombs. The values only apply to spark-type SPD and to building up to heights of about 15 m using copper or aluminum for the air-termination and down-conductor system. The transferred charge is significantly higher, if the air-termination and down-conductor system consists of stainless steel. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper analyzes the effect of lightning strikes to an oblique cone-shaped mountain on the lightning-induced voltages on the power distribution line. The lightning-generated electromagnetic fields are calculated by using a three-dimensional finite-difference time-domain method in Cartesian coordinates, and the lightning-induced voltages are computed by means of Agrawal coupling model. The simulation results are presented for an oblique cone-shaped mountain with different inclining angles, and for different relative positions of the distribution line placed over nonflat lossy terrain. It is found that, when lightning strikes the top of an oblique cone-shaped mountain, the lightning-induced voltages are closely related with the mountain inclining angles where the distribution line is located above as well as the other mountain inclining angles; in general, the peak values of induced voltages increase with increasing inclining angles. For example, for the constant angle β = 45° (the inclining angle where the line is located above), the induced voltages at the close end of line for α = 26.6°, 45°, and 63.4° (the inclining angle opposite to angle β) is increased by 24%, 60%, and 106% as compared with that for flat ground, respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Electromagnetic (EM) fields triggered by lightning strikes are likely to display non-negligible variability in practice, with an apparent effect on various quantities of interest, such as induced voltages on transmission lines. This paper investigates the stochastic properties of lightning-generated fields, when the latter are affected by random ground parameters and/or nondeterministic lightning base current. In essence, the EM components are represented herein by truncated series of orthogonal polynomials, according to the generalized polynomial-chaos theory, and their expansion coefficients are computed via a regression approach. The necessary samplings of the random spaces are constructed with either tensor-based or sparse grids, and their performance is validated and compared. It is shown that reliable calculations of the expectation can be conducted with low-order polynomial approximations, while at least third-order expansions are required for the standard deviation. In addition, we conclude that nontrivial variability is induced in lightning-produced pulses, when variations of the considered stochastic parameters are taken into account. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To study the lightning return-stroke process, this paper proposed a new inversion algorithm for evaluating the average return-stroke velocity. As the Gaussian function covers a frequency range wider than the typical channel-base current, the main step of this method was to treat the channel-base current representing using the Gaussian function and the corresponding azimuthal magnetic field at close distance as the inputs and outputs, respectively, to establish the transfer functions. We have verified the proposed method using the azimuthal magnetic field with/without noises at different distances from the lightning channel. In addition, we compared the evaluated results using different return-stroke models including the transmission line (TL) model, the modified TL model with linear (MTLL) current decay with height, and the modified TL model with exponential (MTLE) current decay with height. The evaluated results are in agreement with the simulated return-stroke velocity, indicating the effectiveness and robustness of this method for predicting the return-stroke velocity. The proposed inversion method is effective in estimating the return-stroke velocity, which can be applied in lightning physics research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper presents an improved analytical expression for the calculation of the lightning horizontal electric field considering high values of ground resistivity, which is validated by comparing its results with published results obtained with other methods. The expression is used to calculate lightning-induced voltages in overhead power distribution lines and its results showed that conducted currents injected into the ground by the lightning flash should be considered in the assessment of power line outages, whenever the ground resistivity is higher than 1000 Ω·m. The results also show that, for very high values of ground resistivity, the line length and the ground permittivity affect the lightning-induced voltage peak value, whereas the line height, the return stroke velocity, and the stroke current front-time have negligible effects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The measurement of overvoltage in a power distribution network is the basis for detecting lightning-induced overvoltage. This paper proposes a lightning-induced overvoltage monitoring device using a ceramic capacitor insulator that is powered by the line and employs wireless transmission. The sensing principle of the monitoring device, the power-supply principle of ceramic capacitor voltage division, and power electronic switching device, as well as the principle of signal acquisition and wireless transmission are expounded. The power self-acquisition module can take out 2 W of power from a single line to meet the requirements of the monitoring device. The monitoring system was tested with a 10 kV test platform. The transient response characteristics, the power self-acquisition capability, and the linearity of the sensor were obtained. The overall performance of the monitoring device was also tested. The operation status of the monitoring device on the distribution line and the monitored overvoltage signal showed that the device can capture lightning-induced overvoltage signals and be used in a distribution network system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper proposes a circuit model of a lightning strike to a tall grounded object. The model can consider the direction-dependent attenuation characteristic of current propagating along with a tall grounded object as well as frequency-dependent characteristics of lightning channel and tower impedances, in contrast to the conventional lossless transmission line representations. Hence, the model removes the use of an unrealistic high grounding impedance for approximately expressing the significant current attenuation propagating upward along with the tall object. Measured lightning currents at a height of about 500 m of the 634-m-high Tokyo Skytree are accurately reproduced with the proposed model, which assumes a constant lightning channel impedance with a current source that generates a current waveform decaying with time, or a frequency (time) dependent lightning channel impedance with a step-like voltage source. The proposed model can also be used for lightning electromagnetic pulse calculations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To meet the growing power demand of the future, utilities and researchers have considered the addition of dc circuits in existing transmission corridors. The previous research has focused on analyzing the field environment, steady state induction and the negative effects of induction in the hybrid transmission lines. The overhead ground wires (OHGWs) have been used only for improving the lightning performance of overhead lines (OHL). In this paper, the spatial position of OHGWs has been studied with the objective of minimizing the steady state induction between power conductors as well as poorly grounded metallic objects like railroads and fences present near the ac-dc OHL. Candidate space for placement of OHGWs having shielding failure rate of less than four is identified using the conventional electro-geometric model. The steady state induction in the power conductors and nearby metallic objects is studied as a function of position of OHGWs using electro-magnetic transient simulation. The results indicate a strong correlation between the height of OHGWs and magnitude of induced voltage in power conductors, and metallic objects underneath the transmission line. The conscious effort in placement of OHGWs can reduce the magnitude of induced voltages while ensuring adequate lightning performance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Lightning electromagnetic fields can couple to overhead power transmission and distribution lines, causing serious effects to the power system. Lightning electromagnetic fields that couple to overhead lines have a nonuniform distribution along the line conductors. Therefore, to ensure the accuracy of the numerical calculation results, a large number of discretization points are needed along the line, which might dramatically increase the computation time since the evaluation of lightning electromagnetic fields in the presence of a lossy soil involves, in general,Sommerfeldintegrals, or, even in the case of a perfectly conducting ground, numerical integration along the channel. This paper proposes a new approach to address this problem. The proposed approach is based on the Agrawalet al. coupling model, in which the horizontal lightning electric field along the line is represented by the complex exponential functions in the frequency domain using the matrix pencil method. The method is highly efficient in terms of computation time since the lightning-induced response of the line can be solved semi-analytically. The proposed approach is validated by two different validation examples. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nowadays, the analysis of the lightning performance of high-voltage (HV) underground sections has become increasingly important, thanks to their increasing usage with overhead transmission lines. In this way, the objective of this paper is to investigate the sensitivity of the overvoltages, at the terminal of underground cables (UCs), due to the incidence of negative lightning flashes at the shield wire or the tower top. It is done by means of different representations of the grounding behavior, different points of lightning incidence, different values of soil resistivity, and considering or not the variation of the soil electrical parameters with frequency. It is observed that a reliable investigation on lightning overvoltages is important and it must consider a suitable representation of the grounding behavior. An improper modeling can lead to nonrepresentative results. In this way, it is highlighted how the frequency dependence of the soil parameters influences the results in many different situations. For long distances from the UCs and low soil resistivity regions, all the grounding models produce similar results. On the other hand, for regions with high soil resistivities, the use of a proper model for the tower grounding is important, since the discrepancies between the results produced considering or not the dependence of the soil parameters with frequency become substantial. The inclusion of the grounding behavior with frequency allows to obtain reliable simulations of the transient behavior of the insulated cables, which constitute the underground section under study. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Lightning-related outages are of great concern for power utility companies especially in the tropical regions. Tenaga Nasional Berhad as the system operator in Malaysia realized the importance of this issue. In this paper, statistical information on transmission line outages, together with lightning stroke data, are presented. Lightning data were obtained from TNB Lightning Detection Network which generates lightning density map and other information, such as peak current, polarity, and location of the detected strokes with 500-m location accuracy. A case study on the 500 kV A-to-B line represents statistical information of collected strokes where 18 kA and 14 kA were reported as median values of current peak for negative and positive strokes, respectively. Mean values are 22 kA for negative strokes and 17 kA for positive strokes. About 93% of 658 619 collected strokes from 2004 to 2015 are negative whereas the remaining are positive. A total of 582 (90%) negative strokes and 65 (10%) positive strokes were recorded along a selected case line where 83% of outages were reported to occur on the top phase. Lightning stroke density, terrain characteristics, tower footing resistance, and monsoon activities were highlighted as contributing factors on line performance due to lightning in this study. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Electromagnetic time reversal (EMTR) has emerged as a promising technique to locate disturbances in power grids, thanks to its location accuracy and robustness against parameters uncertainties. Furthermore, in a reflective medium, like the one of a power network, it has been shown that the method requires no more than one single observation point. In this paper, we present an experimental validation of EMTR to locate disturbances in real power networks. The validation is performed on a full-scale unenergized 677-m-long, double-circuit 10-kV overhead distribution line. The disturbance is emulated by a voltage pulse injected between one of the line conductors and the ground using a high-voltage pulse generator. The frequency spectrum of the injected voltage pulse is specified such that the originated electromagnetic transients are compatible with those of power line faults, lightning, and conducted intentional electromagnetic interferences. The transient currents generated by the emulated disturbance are measured at one end of the line, considering two different line configurations. According to the EMTR technique, the measured signals are time reversed and back injected into the system that, in our case, is a simulated model of the considered distribution line. More specifically, it is represented by a constant-parameter line model implemented within the EMTP-RV simulation environment. For both cases, the disturbance is accurately located, and the phase of the circuit at which the pulse was injected is also identified. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper presents a closed expression for the lightning induced voltage in short loops, which considers the effect of the return stroke speed. It is shown that the traditional expression that provides the induced voltage as the product of the current time derivative by the mutual inductance is a particular case of the expression developed in this paper, which holds when the return stroke propagates with the speed of light. The comparison between the results of the traditional expression and the new one is carried out for different distances from the lightning flash and different stroke current waveforms. The effect of the return stroke speed is also investigated, showing that the higher the speed, the higher the induced voltage. The effect of loop length is investigated, showing that the loop can be considered as electrically short if its dimensions are smaller than one-tenth of the product between the current front time and the speed of light in free space. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Lightning is a substantial cause that leads to serious lightning failures, which has a significant influence on the normal operation of the entire power grid. This paper mainly focused on several regions of China with serious lightning activity, presenting the lightning performance of power grids by statistics obtained from long-term monitoring data, and intended to indicate some general characteristics. The lightning tripout rate, the shielding failure tripout ratio, the occurrence frequency corresponding tripout failures of different phases of single-circuit or double-circuit transmission lines, and the multicircuit simultaneous tripout failures of multicircuit transmission lines were analyzed. These statistical results presented a panorama of the lightning protection effect of transmission lines in China. The statistical data in this paper are informative to guide the future research or engineering practice of lightning protection of transmission lines, and will be helpful to evaluate the analysis methods of lightning performance of transmission lines. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The operation experiences of power transmission lines show the lightning outage is still the main part of the total outage rate. So it is very important to calculate the lightning overvoltage across the insulators precisely and evaluate the lightning outage of the transmission lines correctly. Lightning flashover criterion of the insulator/gap is one of the most important factors that influence the precise calculation results of the lightning withstand level of transmission lines. In China, several ?800 kV ultra high voltage direct current (UHVDC) power transmission projects have been set up in recent years, and the altitude of the regions that the transmission lines across ranges from 0-3650 m. The paper mainly analyzed the influence of the modelling methods of insulator/gap on the lightning withstand level of ?800 kV UHVDC transmission lines by PSCAD/EMTDC program. The compared lightning flashover criteria of insulator/gap include the leader propagation model recommended by CIGRE, the volt/time curve recommended by IEEE and an improved leader propagation model, which is proposed based on the lightning flashover experiments of the ?800 kV UHVDC line insulators carried out at an altitude of 2100 m. Meanwhile, the influences of lightning current waveform and insulator structure were also considered and compared. The simulation results show that the calculated back-flashover lightning withstand level is much lower when using the improved leader propagation than that using other flashover criterions in the paper, it is lower under the 2.6/50 ?s double exponential lightning current than that under the 2.0/50 ?s Heidler function lightning current, and it is higher when using V-string than that using I-string insulator. Besides, the influences of the lightning current waveform and the insulator structure on the calculation of shielding failure lightning withstand level are little, but the flashover criterion has obvious influences on the shielding failure lightning withstand level. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the companion paper, a methodology for computing transmission-line short circuits caused by direct and nearby ground lightning incidence was described. This paper presents the application of methodological and computational procedures of this methodology, regarding the calculation of lightning performance of transmission lines. From the computed results, focusing on 138- and 230-kV typical three-phase transmission lines, the effectiveness of the described process is clear, even when the line is modeled three-dimensionally or when nonlinear elements are present, for example, when arresters are installed in the line. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper is divided into two main parts. The first one describes the computation of the number of lightning strokes that directly hit transmission lines as well as those strokes that hit the earth’s surface near a line and can provoke very high overvoltages. The second one describes a process for computing the consequent short circuits in a line caused by both types of stroke incidence. In the companion paper, some application examples are presented. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Models of one or several extremely simple transmission towers (pylons) are usually used for analyzing the influence of lightning strikes on power network. Models of more complex transmission towers with transmission lines, ground wires and even lightning channel are required. In this paper, first of all, the reason why one only focuses on the magnetic field at the observation points is briefly explained. Secondly, a method used to get the time-domain results from the frequency-domain results by Antenna Design Framework Electromagnetic Satellite (ADF?EMS) software is established and its validity is proved. Thirdly, the effects of the lightning channels with different geometries are discussed. Finally, this paper comes up with a complex multi-tower system under the following fault types of lightning strikes, 1) direct lightning strikes to the edge phase wire without flashover, 2) direct lightning strikes to the edge phase wire with flashover, 3) lightning strikes to the top of the tower without flashover, and 4) lightning strikes to the top of the tower with back flashover. The magnetic field waveforms from these fault types are very important for the follow-up activity to achieve the fault type identification of lightning strikes in the observation system automatically. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

This paper presents a hybrid method based on the transmission line modeling method (TLM) aiming to represent the soil ionization effect for grounding systems simulation. This natural phenomenon can be better represented by taking into account the variation of the conductive components present in the TLM circuit and considering the residual resistivity remaining in the soil. The proposed analytical formulation is developed with a focus on the computational implementation of the method. The model is validated by comparing synthetized test results with measured data and other numerical models (residual resistivity, TLM, and analytical model). High precision together with an easy to implement formulation indicates that the methodology presents potential for real-life applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In order to solve the frequently occurring lightning flashover problems on ±500 kV dc transmission lines in China, the authors have conducted the research on the dc line arrester since 2011. In this paper, the structure and installation, technical parameters, and protection performances, as well as their deterministic processes of the arrester are presented and analyzed in detail. In 2013, the authors successfully developed the arrester products, and the type tests show that they have excellent performance parameters and can act effectively against the lightning impulse and cutoff the dc follow current. By now more than 500 dc line arresters have been installed and used on seven ±500 kV dc transmission lines in eight provinces of China. About four years of operating experience shows that the arresters work safely and reliably over a long period of time, and have been effectively reducing the lightning flashover rate of the ±500 kV dc lines. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

In this paper, a hybrid approach of the constrained interpolation profile (CIP) method and the transmission line modeling (TLM) method has been proposed for analyzing lightning electromagnetic fields and surges in the three-dimensional Cartesian coordinate system. The TLM method is employed locally in the working space for representing thin-wire conductors, and the CIP method is used for computing fields in the rest of the working space. Waveforms of lightning electromagnetic fields and surges computed using the CIP-TLM hybrid method agree well with corresponding ones computed using exact analytical expressions or with the finite-difference time-domain method. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

This paper comprises the first systematic investigation into the factors that render ultra-high voltage and double-circuit extremely high voltage transmission lines more vulnerable to direct lightning strikes by shielding failure. Such lines are typically characterized by one or more of the following features: massive conductor bundles, extreme conductor heights, and exceptionally high operating voltage. The model addresses the effects of the upward connecting leader onset of conductor proximity, ground field due to cloud charges prior to negative leader descent, positive space-charge generation at ground wires, as well as the operating voltage during the positive half cycle. It has been found that such factors have significant effects on the lateral attractive distance of both conductor bundles and ground wires. An agreement between model findings and field experience is found to be generally satisfactory. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper proposes a new method of risk assessment for lightning shielding flashover in transmission lines. This is used to improve the performance of lightning shielding failure which is a frequently serious problem. The method can be efficiently implemented in the optimization of a 3-D model. Three-dimensional laser scanning is used to derive the analytical 3-D model to high precision. This includes the data of the whole span line's structure and terrain parameters. In this study, the evaluation of lightning shielding flashover risk of each tower is calculated using the whole span calculation method associated with the laser scanning data and the given parameters of lightning activities. The evaluation results for the Gechen line in the zone near the Three Gorges area are presented based on the proposed method. Using a comparison of theoretical values and actual statistical data, this paper concludes that the proposed new method has better performance than the traditional method. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

An improved finite difference time-domain (FDTD) method based on the telegraph equations of transmission lines is proposed. The original time-domain simulation method that resembles the well-established FDTD scheme based on the Maxwell's equations has been used in this paper to tackle the modeling problems of buried and overhead transmission lines. In this paper, a group of time domain responses of the ground impedance or ground admittance can be extracted analytically by means of a correlation between the ground impedance and the ground admittance. Thanks to the analytical technique, the accuracy of this time-domain solution is improved significantly. As a result, the application of this time-domain algorithm can be greatly expanded beyond the modeling of common transmission lines. By combining with the shunt and series connection difference equations, the method can be used to analyze an entire buried grounding network. Because the correlation between the ground impedance and the ground admittance is related to the propagation constant of electromagnetic waves, the analytical technique makes the propagation velocity unchanged during the iterative calculation. Therefore, the improved FDTD method allows the grounding network to be analyzed more accurately and efficiently. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

To study the lighting shielding of ultrahigh voltage (UHV) transmission lines across mountains and the hillside effects on discharge process, experiments have been carried out with a reduced scale tower model. As the spatial electric field is changed by the slope, the space of shielding failure is enlarged. When the high-voltage electrode is 5 m to the transmission line, the vertical length of shielding failure is 8 m for the 30° slope, which is larger than 5.17 m for the flat ground. The maximum probabilities of striking the lines are 95% for the slope and 75% for the flat ground. When the vertical distance from the high-voltage electrode to the hillside is less than that to the transmission lines, the probabilities of discharge striking the flat ground are 85% for the 5-m gap and 94% for the slope for the same gap. When the vertical distance from the high-voltage electrode to the hillside is equal to that to the flat area, the hillside does not affect the average discharge voltage apparently but discharge time and discharge dispersity. The results of this paper are valuable for lighting protection of UHV transmission lines in mountainous areas. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

This paper addresses the requirements of tower-footing electrodes for ensuring improved lightning performance of transmission lines. The response of typical arrangements of electrodes subjected to lightning currents is simulated using an electromagnetic model and their influent parameters are calculated. Simple expressions are provided for their estimation. Lightning overvoltages across insulators due to direct strikes to real lines are determined, and backflashover occurrence is assessed using the Disruptive Effect model. Concise representations of tower-footing electrodes are tested. Two original results ensued: 1) the ascertainment that the effective length of counterpoise wires is longer than that of horizontal and four-star electrodes and 2) the finding that using the impulse impedance for a concise representation of tower-footing electrodes in the assessment of the lightning performance of lines yields practically the same result obtained under their physical representation. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

The transient electric field distribution under lightning impulse voltage (LIV) is vital to the reliability of 750 kV composite cross-arm. However, the transient electric field of electrical equipment under impulse voltage has usually been substituted by the equivalent sinusoidal voltage, without considering the variation of permittivity with frequency. Using the frequency decomposition computation method (FDCM) based on finite element method (FEM), this paper presents the study of transient electric field under LIV for a 750 kV composite cross-arm. The LIV waveform has been decomposed via Fourier transformation. The complex dielectric functions of the insulation materials used in composite cross-arm have been investigated, and the computation parameters for the dc and each harmonic component of LIV have been obtained. Then, the transient electric field distribution can be computed through the superposition of responses from dc and each harmonic component. Moreover, the computation results have been compared with that using traditional method. The comparison indicates that the potential distribution of composite cross-arm is similar. The maximum percentages of electric field strength difference on fittings and silicone rubber sheath are 2.9 %, 14 %, respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The evaluation of the lightning performance of overhead lines requires, mainly for distribution lines, the calculation of the voltages induced by nearby lightning strokes hitting the ground. Generally, when calculating lightning-induced voltages using the time-domain approach and the TEM assumption, the most time-consuming stage is the calculation of the source terms of the coupling equations, which means, in turn, the electromagnetic field radiated by the lightning channel. Hence, simplified approaches are still desirable in order to save computational time. Analytical solution of the lighting-originated electric- and magnetic field is available in literature for the case of an ideal transmission-line (TL) return-stroke model with channel-base current having a stepwise waveshape. This paper describes an analytical approach that applies to the case of a general waveshape of the channel-base current, based on the piecewise straight-line approximation, in cylindrical coordinates, which is functional when using the TL return-stroke current model and the Agrawal et al. coupling model. This paper reports the exact solution for the case of trapezoidal waveshape of the current at the base of the channel and the analytical solution for the case of piecewise linear waveform. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper proposes an analytical formula for calculating lightning-induced voltages on an infinitely long overhead line generated by a lightning stroke departing from an arbitrary altitude. A calculation method of the lightning-induced voltages to consider various engineering return-stroke models that can account for the variation of both current amplitude and velocity in a lightning channel is proposed. The lightning stroke is divided into a number of segments, and the analytical formula of the lightning-induced voltage is applied to each segment. This paper discusses the influence of parameters of return-stroke models on lightning-induced voltages. The proposed method is applied to a case of lightning strike to a tall stack. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, a lightning return-stroke model proposed by the authors is used for investigating the effect of a nonlinear (current-dependent) channel resistance on lightning-induced voltages on an overhead wire. Lightning-induced voltages are shown to behave at early times as if they were calculated by assuming a lossy channel and at later times as if they were calculated by assuming a lossless channel, the transition between early and latter stages being smoothed by the continuous time decay of the channel resistance. Despite such a transitional behavior, it is argued that similar induced-voltage waveforms can be obtained if a channel resistance with constant value between the upper and lower limits associated to the leader and return-stroke channels is suitably selected. It is also shown that in the cases evaluated in this paper simple engineering return-stroke models are able to lead to lightning-induced voltages in relatively good agreement with those predicted by the considered nonlinear return-stroke model. Finally, lightning-induced voltages calculated using the nonlinear return-stroke model are shown to be in good agreement with experimental data. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The use of metal--oxide varistor surge arresters (MOVs) in lightning protection of overhead transmission lines to improve reliability is of great interest to electric utilities. However due to economic reasons, it is not possible to completely equip an overhead transmission line with surge arresters at each transmission structure. In this paper, an evaluation of lightning protection design on a 115 kV transmission line using surge arresters, utilizing a model based on field data, is presented. The model developed is used for computer simulation using the Alternative Transients Program. Various design procedures aimed at maximizing the reliability of service on the transmission line using a minimal number of surge arresters are analyzed. Different designs considered for transmission line lightning protection using MOV arresters include: the use of a different number of surge arresters per tower, distance between towers with surge arresters and the dependence of these configurations on tower footing resistance. The lightning protection designs are analyzed using 'lightning flashover charts,' proposed in this paper. Also, an analytical model of two 115 kV transmission lines in Southwest U.S. has been developed and different surge arrester location strategies used on these transmission lines have been analyzed. Practical experiences and effectiveness of various lightning protection designs used on these transmission lines are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In a previous paper [1], the voltage induced onto a 1-km above-ground pipeline by transmission line transients was shown to be significant in comparison to the induced voltage resulting from power system currents. This paper enhances the previous work in three distinct areas. First, both aerial and buried pipelines are considered. Above-ground pipelines are shown to be more at risk from transient-induced voltages. Second, parallelisms of up to 10km are simulated. The results show that increasing parallelisms do not result in higher induced voltages once a critical distance has been reached. Third, a backflashover from a tower in the vicinity to a pipeline is modeled. This allows conductive coupling to take place at the same time as inductive and capacitive coupling. Backflashovers are shown to be an important consideration in determining the maximum voltages observed on a nearby pipeline. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, we evaluate the validity of transmission line (TL) solutions in the study of interaction of lightning transients with buried wires. The considered transients have frequencies between a few kilohertz to a few megahertz with risetimes 0.1-10 µs. Comparative simulations using TL equations and full-wave Maxwell's equations are carried out in the paper, and the solutions to both the equations are based on the finite-difference time-domain method. It is found that TL solutions are sufficiently accurate for lightning transient analysis of buried wires. It is also claimed that the TL approach remains valid for all transients having frequencies lower than those of lightning. TL solutions are computationally efficient, particularly when dealing with distributed power and railway systems. The TL approach is valid as long as the transverse electromagnetic mode (TEM) is dominant. However, other modes of propagation, classified as antenna modes, might be present depending upon the type of excitation source, its location, frequency, and the associated media. A possible approximate formula for the frequency above which the validity of TL solutions for buried systems is questionable is proposed based on the concept of penetration depth of fields into the soil. Discussions presented in the paper could motivate the application of TL solutions for electromagnetic transient analyses of the buried conductors of power, railway, and telecommunication systems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The interaction of rocket-triggered lightning with two unenergized power distribution lines of about 800 m length was studied at the International Center for Lightning Research and Testing in Florida. A horizontally configured line was tested in 2000, and a vertically configured line in 2001, 2002, and 2003. The horizontally and vertically configured lines were equipped with six and four arrester stations, respectively, and, additionally, in 2003, the vertical line with a pole-mounted transformer. During the 2000, 2001, and 2002 experiments, arresters were frequently rendered inoperable by disconnector operation during triggered lightning strokes, but there was no disconnector operation during the 2003 experiment when the transformer was on the line. In all four years, there were commonly flashovers from the struck phase-conductor to the closest phase-conductor not subjected to direct lightning current injection. The self-consistency of measurements is assessed via comparison of the injected lightning current with: 1) the total current flowing to Earth through the multiple line groundings and 2) the total phase-to-neutral current flowing through the line arresters and line terminations. This paper is part one of two related papers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]