Efficiency of rural distribution feeders against lightning: A case study

This paper presents a study which analyzes the performance of rural distribution lines against the occurrence of lightning. The ATP-Draw program was used to simulate the electromagnetic phenomena and to evaluate the transients caused by lightning discharges. The model of the distribution system is based on the representation of its elements (poles, insulators, equivalent circuit, cross-arm and grounding system). The elements are modeled by its electrical parameters. In the proposed study the rural feeder was represented taken into account the frequency dependence of its parameters. Three topologies of distribution lines are analyzed. A comparative analysis of their performance is discussed.