Modeling and Simulation to Improve 66 kV Overhead Transmission Lines Performance toward Lightning Strike

Abstract

Outages due to lightning stroke frequently occur on the overhead transmission line operating under tropical conditions. The high lightning flash density makes a higher probability of having either shielding failure or back flashover at the tower. Therefore, mitigation is necessary. This paper evaluates options to improve the 66 kV tower design against a lightning strike. Provided models evaluate effect of polarity, strike time, and lightning peak currents on the performance of 66 kV overhead transmission lines also two scenarios of improving shielding protection, i.e., by additional ground wire and by elevating the cone top of the tower.