A Methodology for Optimal Design of Transmission Lines Protection against Lightning Surges in the Presence of Arresters

Abstract

In this paper, a methodology for determining the optimal value of protection design parameters of transmission lines (TLs) is presented. The proposed method calculates the shielding failure flashover rate (SFFOR) and back flashover rate (BFR) of transmission lines based on the Electrogeometric model of TLs and the Monte Carlo simulation method, respectively. The accuracy of the proposed method is verified by comparing the associated results with those obtained with the IEEE FLASH program. The proposed method can be used to achieve the minimum lightning flashover rate (LFOR) of TLs by the minimum investment cost. Indirectly, it can be used for determining the appropriate value of the footing resistance, insulation strength, and arrester rating to satisfy a specified number of LFOR that might be given by the power utilities