On the Influence of Multigrounded Conductors on the Performance of Compact Distribution Lines Against Nearby Lightning Strikes

This paper is dedicated to investigate the impact of two multigrounded conductors on the performance of a three-phase compact distribution line against lightning-induced voltages. The natural presence of a multigrounded messenger cable in close proximity with the phase conductors, combined with the use of a periodically-grounded neutral required in multigrounded distribution systems, is shown to reduce the voltages induced across the line insulators compared to the case in which the neutral is absent. It is also shown that the phase-to-messenger voltages increase with the reduction of both the grounding intervals and the values of grounding resistance. Finally, it is confirmed that it is possible to neglect the presence of the insulating layer covering the phase conductors in lightning-induced voltage calculations considering multigrounded conductors.