Statistical analysis of lightning performance of distribution lines based on observation in fields

Because of the lower insulation level than for transmission lines, in this study on lightning protection design of distribution lines, not only direct lightning strokes but also induced voltages caused by nearby strokes must be taken into account. Thus, it is necessary to grasp the frequency of occurrence of lightning phenomena around distribution lines. For this aim, lightning phenomena on TEPCO's distribution lines in use were continuously observed for 6 years (1996 to 2001). Through this observation, new interesting statistical data that can be a useful basis for rationalization of lightning protection design of distribution lines were obtained. Two hundred and four lightning strokes were observed through the six‐year period. Probability of occurrence of a direct stroke was 22% (45 direct strokes were obtained). The fact that in 47% of direct strokes the electric outage did not occur is very interesting. Moreover, the value of surge discharge current of the arrester in the case of nearby stroke is the basis for conventional theory of grounding system. Therefore, statistical analysis of ZnO discharging current in the case of nearby strokes was carried out. As a result, in the case of nearby strokes, 5% value of cumulative frequency of discharging current is 0.5 kA. This value is half the conventional data. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Electr Eng Jpn, 155(2): 8–16, 2006; Published online in Wiley InterScience ( www.interscience.wiley.com ). DOI 10.1002/eej.20180     

Statistical analysis of lightning surges on distribution lines based on the observation

Probability distribution of surge discharging current of arresters provided a basis for conventional theory of grounding systems. In order to rationalize the grounding systems, it is necessary to grasp the statistical data of lightning surges on distribution lines caused by direct lightning strokes and indirect lightning strokes. Lightning phenomena on TEPCO's distribution lines had been continuously observed for the rationalization of lightning protection design of distribution lines. The observation had been carried out with still cameras and monitoring sensors of lightning surges. This makes it possible to discover new interesting facts that can be useful for rationalization of lightning protection design of distribution lines. Cumulative frequency distribution of conventional data is close to that of ZnO discharging current in the case of direct strokes and indirect strokes through TEPCO's observation. Moreover, to verify the cumulative current distribution in concrete poles, the authors have compared the cumulative distribution of current through ground lines with that of current through ground lines and concrete poles. The results show that the distribution of current through ground lines and concrete poles is larger than that of current through only ground lines for high currents exceeding 1 kA. This fact suggests that lightning surge current flows not only in ground lines but also in concrete poles. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Electr Eng Jpn, 165(2): 36–44, 2008; Published online in Wiley InterScience ( www.interscience.wiley.com ). DOI 10.1002/eej.20468     

Effect of lightning overvoltages on low-voltage power distribution lines due to direct lightning hits to overhead ground wire

Overhead ground wires and surge arresters have been installed to protect high-voltage power distribution lines and apparatus from overvoltages induced by nearby lightning strokes. The effects of surge arresters for protection of high-voltage distribution lines against direct lightning strokes have already been investigated using the digital simulation program EMTP (Electromagnetic Transients Program). With regard to the protection of low-voltage distribution lines from overvoltages induced by lightning strokes, experimental analyses using a scale model line have been reported. This paper reports on the comparison between the experimental analyses and EMTP simulation of power distribution lines, including low-voltage lines, and the validity of EMTP simulation. Furthermore, this paper analyzes the overvoltages on low-voltage power distribution lines against direct lightning strokes to overhead ground wire using the digital simulation.     

Lightning protection of distribution lines

This paper reports a study of distribution line lightning performance, using computer simulations of lightning overvoltages. The results of previous investigations are extended with a detailed model of induced voltages from nearby strokes, coupled into a realistic power system model. The paper also considers the energy duty of distribution-class surge arresters exposed to direct strokes. The principal result is that widely separated pole-top arresters can effectively protect a distribution line from induced-voltage flashovers. This means that nearby lightning strokes need not be a significant lightning performance problem for most distribution lines     

Distribution Lightning Protection?Past, Present, Future

The problem with lightning on distribution systems is defined. Lightning physics as it relates to distribution systems is discussed, and the background of line design based on direct strokes is explained. The historical evolution of lightning protection of distribution lines is covered with emphasis on present methods and designs. State of the art protective designs are explained and future methods explored.     

Suppression of lightning-induced overvoltages by distribution line surge arresters

The primary aim of surge arresters in power distribution lines is to protect lines and equipment from the voltage induced by nearby lightning strokes. To further improve power systems, methods to protect distribution lines against direct lightning strokes are still needed. An effective measure against direct lightning strokes is to increase the number of arresters. However, if the surge current is too large, some surge arresters absorb energy in excess of their capability and may break; this leads to a line fault. To evaluate the protective effect of the surge arresters against direct lightning strokes to overhead ground wire, the authors measured both the voltage across the surge arresters and the energy absorbed by them using a full-scale model line and a 12 MV impulse generator. The results were compared with simulation results by EMTP. There have been no previous studies making a comparison of this kind.     

Observation of lightning effect on power distribution lines by still cameras

In order to clarify the cause of lightning outages of a distribution line, simultaneous observation of lightning discharge channels and types of damage on distribution lines were carried out with still cameras from July 1993 through July 1995. High-voltage lines located in the observation area did not suffer from induced voltages due to indirect lightning strikes, even if such lightning strikes were nearby. One instance of a direct lightning strike on a distribution line was observed. The striking point was the span center of the overhead ground wire, and only a transformer fuse was blown on the high-voltage line. Damage to surge arresters was observed in the case of a lightning strike on a building located near a distribution line. The cause is thought to have been lightning current which flowed into the nearby distribution line through the damaged arresters. © 1997 Scripta Technica, Inc. Electr Eng Jpn 119(1): 17–23, 1997     

A distribution line model for lightning overvoltage studies

Recently, the focus of lightning protection measures for distribution lines has moved from a nearby lightning stroke to a direct lightning stroke. Studies of direct lightning stroke countermeasures are generally carried out by digital simulations using the EMTP (Electro‐Magnetic Transients Program). Thus, components of a distribution line must be modeled appropriately in the EMTP for accurate simulations. The authors have previously clarified the surge response of a distribution line by pulse tests using a reduced‐scale distribution line model. In this paper, first, the results of the pulse tests are simulated in the EMTP using a conventional model which represents a distribution pole by a single lossless distributed‐parameter line model, and comparisons with the test results show that transient overvoltages generated at the insulators cannot accurately be reproduced by the conventional model. This indicates that a special treatment is required to represent the transient response of a distribution pole and wires. Then, this paper proposes new EMTP models of the pole and wires which can reproduce the transient overvoltages at the insulators. The parameter values of the proposed models can be determined based on a pulse test result. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Electr Eng Jpn, 173(1): 11–23, 2010; Published online in Wiley InterScience ( www.interscience.wiley.com ). DOI 10.1002/eej.21001     

Lightning protection of medium voltage overhead lines by modular long-flashover arresters

A long flashover arrester (LFA), which comprises three flashover modules using the creeping discharge effect, is described in this paper. In this design, the total arrester-stressing voltage is applied simultaneously to all of the modules so that the voltage-time characteristics of the arrester are improved considerably assuring reliable protection of medium voltage (e.g. 10 kV) overhead power lines against both induced overvoltages and direct lightning strokes. A single LFA per support or pole is found to be sufficient to protect an overhead line against induced overvoltages. An LFA should be arranged in parallel with each insulator in order to protect a line against direct lightning strokes.     

树木对10kV配电线路防雷性能的影响

10kV配电线路所处的复杂地理环境、线路高度,树木等会对雷击位置、雷击过电压产生影响.运用产生雷击距里这个概念建立了雷击位置判断模型及过电压计算模型,仿真分析树木对线路防雷性能的影响.仿真结果表明：对于10 kV配电线路,位于特定位置并具有一定高度的树木能降低线路遭受直击和反击的次数.但会增加感应过电压给线路带来的威胁;树木对于10 kV配电线路防雷性能的综合影响随着树木位置及高度的改变而不同,合理管理树木才能达到保护线路的目的.     

Experimental analysis of lightning overvoltages induced on low-voltage distribution lines

Problems have often been caused in low-voltage distribution lines such as single-phase 100/200 V and three-phase 200-V systems. For instance, the burning of low-voltage devices and the unnecessary operation of ground fault interrupters have occurred, which are caused possibly by lightning overvoltages. Experimental analysis was performed on the generation modes of lightning overvoltages on low-voltage distribution lines. A scale model line, one-fourth the size of an actual power distribution line of Tokyo Electric Power Company (TEPCO), was installed for experimental analysis on the lightning protection of an overhead ground wire, an overhead common grounding wire (system neutral conductor), surge arresters and pole transformers against the overvoltages induced on low-voltage distribution lines due to a nearby lightning stroke. A balloon was flown at a location 30 km away from the scale model line in a normal direction to it. A 200-m long wire is suspended from the balloon to simulate a lightning path. Pulse current is applied to the simulated path using a pulse generator and the voltages induced on the line conductors are measured. This paper analyzes those overvoltages by means of the experimental and the theoretical methods.     

基于小波多尺度分析的输电线路直击雷暂态识别

研究和识别输电线路直击雷的暂态特征对研制基于暂态量的保护及提高其可靠性都具有十分重要的意义。该文首先从保护的角度对输电线路各类直击雷的特点进行深入的研究分析；通过小波变换对输电线路直击雷、短路故障等暂态信号的多分辨率分析，发现其暂态电流附加分量的能量分布特点反映了对应暂态过程的内在特征，可用以构成判据实现输电线路非故障性雷击暂态的准确、可靠识别，从而大大提高保护的抗雷电干扰能力。大量EMTP仿真计算验证了所提方法是正确、有效的。     

多导体配电线路感应雷过电压分析

为分析多导体架空线负载感应雷过电压及架空地线屏蔽特性,利用傅里叶变换计算雷电流的频谱分布,根据求多导体传输线负载响应的BLT方程,在频域内求其外电磁场激励下的电报方程,计算多导体配电线路感应雷过电压的频域响应,再根据傅里叶反变换求得负载端的暂态响应。配电线路感应雷过电压特性及架空地线屏蔽作用的分析结果表明,线路垂直排列时,感应雷在负载端引起的差模干扰较大,大地电导率越小架空地线的屏蔽作用越好。     

Study on Lightning Protection Measures for Distribution Lines and Customer Equipment against Back Flow Lightning Current from Radio Communication Station

Recently, with the expansion of communication network areas, the number of radio communication stations built in the neighborhood of customer houses has increased. If lightning strikes a communication radio tower, part of the lightning current flows into the distribution line and into customer houses. This may cause the failure of distribution lines or customer equipment. To protect distribution lines and customer equipment from lightning faults, it is necessary to analyze the surge phenomena in distribution lines and customer equipment and take appropriate protection measures. In this study, we examined the effect of lightning protection measures for distribution lines and customer equipment against lightning strikes to a communication tower. First, using an actual‐scale test distribution line, we measured the lightning current flowing into distribution lines and customer equipment. Second, we quantitatively examined the effect of lightning protection measures by lighting surge analysis while changing each parameter. From the experimental and analytical results, we show that the proposed protection measures can reduce the lightning current flowing into distribution lines and customer equipment.     

发电厂直配线路防雷保护措施的研究

对发电厂直配线路的防雷保护现状进行了分析和探讨，对发电机的耐雷水平进行了讨论，对目前一些直配线路的防雷保护缺陷进行了分析，提出了用避雷器、电抗器和电缆联合配置的发电厂直配线路的综合防雷保护措施，并且对直配线路所用避雷器选型、安装和运行维护以及防雷装置的接地问题都提出了一些改进建议．     

鄂西三峡地区220kV线路差异化防雷技术与策略

鄂西三峡地区气候、地理环境复杂,雷电活动频发,线路抵御雷击能力薄弱。有效提高输电线路防雷性能评估水平与治理能力,对保证鄂西三峡地区供电的稳定可靠是十分重要的。为此,基于差异化防雷技术与策略开展了鄂西三峡地区220kV线路防雷综合治理研究。具体来说,从线路回数、塔形、档距、地貌、防雷措施等方面统计分析了鄂西三峡地区220kV线路雷击故障分布规律,分析结果可从宏观上指导实施差异化防雷改造;进而选择雷害严重的典型线路采用差异化防雷技术开展逐基杆塔的微观化防雷风险评估,评估时综合考虑线路走廊雷电活动、地形地貌、线路结构和绝缘配置的差异性;根据风险评估结果,选择合适的防雷措施,并依据投入产出比制定技术经济性较高的差异化防雷治理方案;针对治理方案开展逐基杆塔和全线防雷性能预评估,分析改造前后防雷性能变化情况;最后应跟踪评估改造方案挂网后的实际治理效果。     

农村配电线路的雷电过电压

This paper presents information concerning the characteristics of lightning overvoltages on overhead power distribution lines.Discussion on the protection measures against transients caused by both direct and indirect strokes is also presented.     

A field study of lightning overvoltages in low‐voltage distribution lines

The number of home electric appliances, such as personal computers and telephones, has been rapidly increasing. Lightning damage to these home electric appliances has a great impact on a highly sophisticated information society. There are cases in which lightning overvoltages in low‐voltage distribution lines cause malfunctions in them, even though they are equipped with surge protective devices to protect against lightning overvoltages. Therefore, for lightning protection of low‐voltage equipment including home electric appliances, it is important to understand the phenomenon of lightning overvoltages in low‐voltage power distribution lines. However, many aspects of this problem are not entirely clear, in particular how they are generated. The Tokyo Electric Power Company carried out lightning observations on low‐voltage distribution lines. The observation results provide a statistical distribution of lightning overvoltages in low‐voltage distribution lines. A mechanism for generating lightning overvoltages in low‐voltage distribution lines is inferred from the observed waveforms and facilities data. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Electr Eng Jpn, 183(2): 12–21, 2013; Published online in Wiley Online Library (wileyonlinelibrary.com). DOI 10.1002/eej.21299     

山西电网的雷害及防雷措施探讨

随着电网的发展，输电线路分布日益广阔。由于山西特殊的地理形势，线路遭受雷击而掉闸事故有增长趋势，并对电网的正常运行构成危害。因而防雷措施日益重要。本文分析了山西电网的特点，并从调度角度提出在考虑线路防雷的同时加强电网防雹的看法，把线路防雷扩展为系统防雷，最终提高电网的安全性、稳定性。     

Lightning protection of overhead power distribution lines

There are two major protective methods against lightning outages on overhead distribution lines. One is by use of surge arresters and the other is by an overhead ground wire. Surge arresters have rather constant effect regardless of the type of lightning outage causes. On the other hand, the effect of an overhead ground wire is quite different against the two major causes: direct lightning hit and induced overvoltages. This paper shows how to design lightning protection for overhead power distribution lines taking these characteristics into account. Copyright © 2007 Institute of Electrical Engineers of Japan. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.