The Lightning Protection Assessment of Distribution Lines with Considering Frequency Grounding System

Ensuring the protection of all components within power systems from lightning-induced overvoltage is crucial. The issue of power interruptions caused by both direct and indirect lightning strikes (LS) presents significant challenges in the electrical sector. In medium voltage distribution feeders, the relatively low dielectric strength makes them susceptible to insulation degradation, which can ultimately lead to failures in the distribution system. Therefore, implementing effective protective measures against LS is vital for maintaining an acceptable level of reliability in distribution systems. This paper presents an analytical assessment of LS-induced system overvoltage through high-frequency modeling of components within a 20kV distribution system. The study utilizes EMTP-RV software for precise component modeling, including the grounding system, surge arresters, and distribution feeders. Additionally, the operational impacts of protective devices, such as ZnO surge arresters, shield wires, and lightning rods, are evaluated to mitigate LS-induced overvoltage. A frequency grounding system is implemented using the method of moments (MOM) to analyze the grounding system's influence on LS-induced overvoltage. Furthermore, eight different scenarios are explored to assess the anti-LS capabilities of the 20kV distribution system. Each scenario involves evaluating dielectric breakdown and overvoltage across the insulator chain while proposing suitable protective solutions. The results indicate that the absence of shielding wires and surge arresters leads to higher breakdown voltages, with the lowest breakdown voltage occurring when surge arresters are installed during LS events. Additionally, the use of a frequency grounding system, due to its accurate modeling, yields more precise results compared to a static resistor approach. The MOM simulation reveals a 50% reduction in breakdown voltage under the worst-case scenario, and overall overvoltage experiences a 2% decrease.