Lightning and Surge Arrester Simulation in Power Distribution System

Lightning is a very significant occurrence that exists on earth. One stroke of lightning on a distribution network can be enough to be the root of a power outage. Therefore, this study examines and investigates the consequences of lightning and surge arresters in the power distribution system. A lightning surge is designed to examine consequences on a network. The metal oxide surge arrester (MOSA) performance illustration is pointedly diverse during significant impulse transients are considered. The MOSA is selected after comparing the shielding stages, momentary overvoltage, and power captivation competency. Picking a greater valued surge arrester raises its momentary overvoltage scope. Hence, its capability to endure against network voltage pressures develops but decreases the arrester's safety level for a specified shielding range. However, for the fast front surge arrester, its vital features are important for overvoltage related investigations relating quick front surges. Lightning surge and surge arrester simulation were carried out in the PSCAD software environment to investigate the effects of lightning and surge arresters in the distribution system. This study's simulation results indicate the significance and requirement of lightning defense systems installation in distribution networks.

I. Introduction

A massive quantity of power outages encountered by electricity consumers is triggered by bizarre circumstances happening on the distribution side [1], [2]. An atypical or dangerous state, for instance, a short circuit, brings to disruption in the electricity stream for some of the electricity users because of safety scheme. Several influences can instigate these atypical or contingency situations [3]. Cases and instances of situations that can eventually affect power outage for end-users include falling trees, animals' influence with the distribution machinery, uncompromising climate circumstances, lightning strokes, strong winds, periodic maintenance of distribution machinery, and road accidents [4].