Update on Transient Surge Arresters (SA) and Insulators At Medium-Voltage Power Distribution System : I &CPS IEEE-IAS May Conference in Las Vegas

The integration of renewable energy resources, a step forward for decarbonization, has posed a power system protection and reliability challenge. Such challenge is switching surges and power system harmonics generated by the power electronics of renewable energy resources. Severe weather changes, switching surges, harmonics, and lightning surges cause electrical insulation failure which leads to unpredictable equipment hazards and electrical safety threats. This paper reviews application of power system surge arresters, insulators, surge limiters to mitigate power system insulation failure by diverting surge energy to earth. Application of ac and dc surge protection devices for industrial projects using grid power with renewable energy resources is included in this paper. Tables of current IEEE and IEC standards on surge arresters and insulators are included to establish difference of these devices’ selection methods. A design approach for appropriate selection and application of surge protection devices for electrical insulation protection, normally used equipment insulation coordination with margin of protection is included. Transient surge voltages and associated surge currents containing damaging transient surge energy obeys surge propagation laws using theory of surge reflection, surge refraction, surge impedance, requiring distributed inductance and capacitance parameters as if the surge is travelling long distance on overhead lines and underground cables within the facility. Surge propagation theory is known to industry long before the current software analysis of electromagnetic transients (EMT) used by engineers to model accurately power electronic devices and surge arresters for selection of adequately rated surge protection devices. This paper ends with practical application recommendations of surge protection devices based upon power system equipment configuration, insulation level, and surge propagation theory.