Step-voltage-optimized Lightning Protection earth-termination systems analysis and simulation

Abstract

Earth-Termination Systems as an important part of the Lightning Protection Systems must be designed in a way that lightning currents are safely diverted into the ground without generating step-voltages on the surface of the soil that would be dangerous to human beings. The paper considers safety limits for step-voltages and examines the effectiveness of several design principles of earth-termination systems using the possibilities of finite element computer simulations.