Modelling and evaluation of the lightning arc between a power line and a nearby tree

SUMMARY This paper addresses the modification of the existing dynamic arc model for lightning arc simulation application. The modified dynamic arc model combines the static and the dynamic arc equations that are already established in the literature to reproduce an arc fault involving a lightning-struck tree and a nearby power distribution line during rainfall. The results of experimental studies regarding arc creation between a tree and a nearby power line with artificial rainfall were obtained. A complete model of this phenomenon is reproduced using the electromagnetic transient program (ATP/EMTP) and the existing static and dynamic arc equations. The essential reason for modifying this model is graphically shown with a comparison of the dynamic arc and the modified dynamic arc models. The performance of the arc phenomenon was examined using a typical Finnish distribution network design. By means of simulation using the modified dynamic arc, developed within the ATP/EMTP software with its Transient Analysis Control System features, the lightning arc performance of the MV/LV network under the influence of nearby trees and the network characteristics is analyzed. It is expected that such a model can be included in the existing ATP/EMTP software packages for simulating power system transients. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.