DISTRIBUTION NETWORK MODERNIZATION IN TNB WITH THE APPLICATION OF LINE LIGHTNING PROTECTION DEVICE ONTO THE 33KV OVERHEAD LINES WITH HIGH SOIL RESISTIVITY IN TENAGA NASIONAL BERHAD - REIMAGINED TNB TOWARDS GRID OF THE FUTURE

This paper focuses on the use of a line lightning protection device (LLPD) for the improvement of the 33kV overhead line lightning performance in TNB Distribution Network. This initiative is part of TNB Distribution Network Modernization Program that seeks for long term and efficient solutions for medium voltage overhead lines (MV OHL) lightning protection issues especially for those MV OHL that have been erected on high soil resistivity areas. The current lightning protection installed on MV OHL is metal oxide varistor (MOV) Line Surge Arrester (LSA) Class II, as per the IEEE 1410 Guide for Improving the Lightning Performance of Electric Power OH Distribution Lines. However, the earthing system high resistance and the high soil resistivity values can affect LSA service life. MOV LSA requires low earthing resistance so that surge current can be discharged and dispersed effectively to ground in improving the line lightning performance and ensuring that MOV LSA operates according to its intended lifetime. The use of LLPD that is based on long arc flashover concept without the use of MOV is a proven solution for improving line lightning performance for poles located in areas with high resistivity soils and high intensity and frequency of lightning activities.