Expert System for Selection of Regions that Require Improvements in Lightning Protection in Distribution Feeder

Lightning cause faults, damage to equipment and malfunctions to electric power systems, compromising the quality, continuity and reliability of the electrical energy supply. In this context, research development is crucial to improve lightning protection procedures, especially for electrical systems located in areas with high ground flash densities. In this context, this article presents the results of an Expert System developed for selecting the areas of the protection system that need improvement compared to their greater exposure to lightning. To this end, the proposed Expert System is based on crossing the lightning database incident on a distribution feeder and the investigation of complaint against damages and losses for customers of a Brazilian utility in the 3-year period.