Novel Solution to Back Flashovers on High Voltage Transmission Lines: The Embedded Ground Conductor

It is well known that for high voltage transmission lines in the range of 245 kV–525 kV, particularly in regions of high ground resistivity, lightning back flashover problems could be a major concern. Line arresters have been used successfully to address the problem. Underbuilt ground wires have been proposed as a viable alternative. The present paper shows that the full potential of additional ground wires could be achieved by optimizing their position on the tower. Such optimization often results in a preferred position at the level, or higher than the attachment height of the lower phase conductors; therefore the designation Embedded Ground Conductor. An essential requirement is that such positioning does not infringe in any way on the dielectric integrity of the electrical clearances and, under the influence of induced charge, does not become a source of positive streamers that may lead to additional radio or audible noise. It is found that a streamer- inhibited conductor, when properly placed, fully satisfies the above requirements. It is determined that for 245 kV, 345 kV and 420 kV lines, a streamer-inhibited embedded conductor could improve the back flashover rate by a factor of 10 or more