A Reliability-based Optimization Model for Lightning Protection System Design of Distribution Networks

Lightning is the main cause of faults in distribution networks, which imposes a serious impact on system reliability. The existing research is mainly aimed at a specific lightning protection method, but lack of combined research on different lightning protection methods. This paper presents an optimization model for lightning protection design based on the reliability index of distribution networks while leveraging costs. The model is mixed-integer linear programming (MILP), which can set different lightning protection methods in different feeders. Case study considers a real distribution network and applies the presented model. The simulation results render the efficiency of the presented optimization model.