Sensitivity Assessment of Lightning-Induced Surges in
Distribution Feeders Using ATP
Roberto J. Cabral*, Arturo S. Bretas*, Roberto C. Leborgne*, John A. Morales, Eduardo A. Ordua
* Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul UFRGS, Porto Alegre, Brazil, rjcabral@ece.ufrgs.br
Electric Energy Institute National University of San Juan UNSJ, San Juan, Argentina, jmorales@iee.unsj.edu.ar
Keywords: Electromagnetic Transients, Grounding,
Lightning Protection, Power System Protection, Sensitivity
Analysis.
Abstract
This paper presents a sensitivity assessment of a 23kV
distribution feeder subject of indirect lightning. The study
focuses in a comparative performance analysis of different
configurations poles. Four distribution lines topologies
performance are assessed. ATP program was used to simulate
the electromagnetic phenomena and to evaluate the transients
caused by induced lightning discharges.
1 Introduction
Lightning is a major cause of overhead line faults. Between
5% to 10% of the lightning-caused faults are thought to result
in permanent damage to power system equipment [1].
Analysis of lightning performance is fundamental when
designing new lines and for uprating existing lines to higher
voltages.
Brazil is in its majority a tropical country with high ground
flash density. Lightning overvoltages are one of the most
frequent causes of medium voltage distribution systems
outages. The induced overvoltages caused by the indirect
lightning strikes to the nearby objects or ground have smaller
amplitude than overvoltages caused by the direct strikes.
Different studies have evidenced that the indirect lightning
return strokes, hitting the ground in the vicinity of overhead
lines, constitute a more dangerous cause of damage than
direct strikes, because of their more frequent occurrence.
Lightning induced overvoltages may cause damage to the
insulation of the distribution feeders or other power
equipments and can strongly influence lightning performance
of the overhead distribution feeders.
In this context, experience and observations show that many
of the lightning-related outages of low-insulation lines are due
to lightning that flashes to the ground or to structures in
proximity of the line. Most voltages induced on a distribution
line by flashes that terminate near a line are less than 300 kV
[2].
With respect to traditional methodologies for the study of
lightning effect on distribution feeders, those are usually
carried out by digital simulation, which reproduce the transient
overvoltages at the insulators and by using manual processing
they are developed [1]-[13].
1
Lightning is an important disturbing phenomenon for the
distribution feeders performance analysis [13]. Studies of
lightning protection in power systems are generally carried
out by digital simulation [3]. Thus, this paper presents a
comparative lightning performance study conducted on a 23
kV distribution feeders using software ATP-Draw [15].
Preliminary results obtained with this approach have been
presented in [4], [5] and [6].
Four different poles configurations were modelled, two are
horizontal feeders; and two are vertical feeders. For each type
of structures are considered two cases: a) unshielded feeder
and b) shielded feeder with grounding connection.
The format of the remaining of this paper is as follows:
Section 2 gives a brief description about lightning
performance. Section 3 presents the power system modelled in
ATP-Draw. Application of the case study and simulation
results is presented in Section 4. Finally, Section 5 summarizes
the main conclusions, presents the main contributions of this
work and possible future works.
2 Lightning Performance
2.1 Induced Overvoltage Calculation
The maximum-induced voltage on the line due to nearby
strikes can be estimated through equation (1). Values from
flashes that terminate near a distribution feeder are obtained
by using the simplified Rusk formula [2], [17].
30 I 0 h 1 v 1
U Induced 1 (1)
y 2 c 1 v
2
1 
2 c
Where UInduced is the maximum overvoltage at the location
nearest the ground flash (kV), I0 is the peak stroke current
(kA), h is the height of the conductor over ground (m), y is
the lateral distance from the horizontal line to the vertical
lightning stroke ground termination (m), c is the velocity of
light in free space (3108 m/s), v is the speed of propagation
of the return stroke (m/s), typically c/3.
One limitation in the Rusck simplified formula, related to
imperfect ground effects, can be resolved efficiently with
reasonable accuracy by artificially increasing the apparent
height of the phase conductors over ground, using equation ground flash per km2 for various values of the distribution line
(2) [2]. critical impulse flashover voltage (CFO) [2]. Assuming that
the number of induced flashovers is directly proportional to
4.7 the line height (h) and the GFD during a storm event (Ng
heff h (2) lightning flashes/100km2/yr) the lightning-induced overhead
V line flashover rate, Nind can then be obtained by Eq. (6) [2].

Where: heff is an effective height (m), h is the height of the

h
conductor over ground (m) and is the conductivity of the Nind Ni N g P( I 0 t i0 ) (6)
uniform, lossy ground beneath the conductor (mS/m). 10
The surge impedance of a single wire over ground, fed from
one end, is calculated from equation (3) [2].

2000 heff
Z0 60ln (3)
r

Where Z0 is the surge impedance (), heff is the height of the

conductor over ground (m) and r is the radius of the
conductor (mm).
Currently data from current discharge can be obtained
through measurements on poles with current transducers.
Although this procedure presents sources of error, this
process is widely used.
The cumulative distribution function to calculate the
probability that the peak discharge current is equal to or
greater than a current value I, and can be approximated by the
following equation [2]:
1
P( I 0 t i0 ) 2.6
i
1 0
31
Where: P(I0 i0) is the probability that a subsequent return
stroke has a peak current I0 that exceeds i0, and i0 is the
prospective subsequent return stroke peak current (kA).
2.2 Flashover Voltage Calculation
An insulation flashover in the distribution line will occur
whenever the resulting maximum voltage (Vmax), from a direct
or nearby lightning strikes satisfies [2].
Vmax t 1.5 CFO
Fig. 1. Number of induced-voltage flashovers versus
distribution-line insulation level CFO [2].
3 Power System Modelled in ATP
(4) The power system simulated for lightning effect analysis is
presented in this section. The intrinsic characteristics of each
element of the distribution feeder are evaluated through their
voltage levels throughout the distribution network [4]-[6].
Based on this, previously studies have been done analysing
performance of 23 kV distribution feeders related to the
occurrence of lightning disturbances. Therefore, a distribution
feeder located in southern Brazil is employed as a case study
to illustrate the potential of the developed methodology.
Using ATP-Draw software [15], the 23 kV distribution feeders
is simulated, which is single-circuit line with poles and
without wire-guard. Furthermore, an adequate model has to
been represented. Thus, by using studies published in recent
years regarding the modelling of components in power system
transient analysis [2], [16] and [18], those different elements
(5)
of distribution line are simulated

Where CFO is the critical impulse flashover voltage (kV), - Wooden Pole: The wooden pole impedance ZPole is
which characterizes the insulation level of the structures used. calculated according to the equation (7) [2], [4], [5] and [6].
The CFO values, adopted for the common types of structures,
were obtained from laboratory tests in accordance with the H
up-and-down method. The extended CFO-added method [2] Z Pole 60ln 2 2 c  60 (7)
was used in some configurations. rc

The number of faults caused by induced flashover depends on
the number of ground flashes, the distance of shielding
objects from the overhead line, and the height of the shielding
objects. Fig. 1 shows the induced flash-over rate, Ni of a 10-
meter-high overhead line at a location that expects 1 lightning
Where Hc and rc stand for the average height of the poles (m)
and the radius of the base of the poles (m) respectively.
The wooden poles are simulated by series connected
impedances, with the same value to avoid wave reflections.

2
- Grounding Resistance: An approach to the surge impedance
can be made in terms of the grounding static resistance Rg. [4],
[5]. The grounding resistance Rg is modeled by a concentrated
resistance (estimated average value for all the poles of the
region).
The grounding resistance is also considered and again it is
connected in series with the pole impedances that is modeled
using distributed parameters LINEZT_1, with values
calculated according formulas for the calculation of resistances
to grounding. [19]. The pole structure and grounding
geometries are shown in Fig. 2.
Fig. 2. Model representation of the pole with grounding
system in distribution systems.
- Lightning Model: The lightning was simulated by a source
of current impulse available in the library of ATP-Draw.
These parameters can be randomly changed, representing the
stochastic behavior of a lightning strike. In this study, 500
kHz was used as a characteristic frequency.
- Frequency Dependent Distribution Line: The modeled feeder
is represented by distributed frequency-dependent parameters
(type J.Marti). The parameters are generally calculated at 500
kHz for lightning studies with the skin effect considered in
calculations. The wave propagation speed is assumed in this
work to be equal to the speed of light [18]. Since the highest
voltages will be observed at the point of impact, it is only
necessary to consider the poles near the affected one. In this
study, lightning discharge is applied on the pole.
- Equivalent Distribution Systems: For distribution feeders the
contribution of the 60 Hz voltage to the total overvoltage is
negligible [2]. In order to reproduce the effect of length of the
line, the affected pole is connected between two sections of 3
km feeder, that are modeled using model type LINEZT_3
[15]. One of the feeders sections is connected to the
substation and the other with an array of resistances, which is
equal to the characteristic impedance of the feeder to prevent
the reflection of voltage waves [18].
The simulated feeder is connected to the Brazilian national
grid at the Marmeleiro substation. The national grid is
represented by an equivalent network modeled by an ideal
voltage source type ACSOURSE and the equivalent system
impedance is modeled by a line type PI (RLC3) [15].
3
- Insulators: Porcelain and glass insulators are represented by
voltage-controlled switches [18]. The insulation failure occurs
when the voltage exceeds the critical impulse flashover
voltage (CFO). Therefore, if the CFO has been exceeded,
flashover or backflashover discharge can occur. It is
important to explain that the ability of electrical equipment to
withstand surge is not easily defined and depends on the
exposure time.
4 Case Study and Simulation Results
The line is assumed to be located on flat terrain with a ground
flat density of Ng of a 10 flashes per kilometre square per year
(flashes/km2/year). It is also assumed that there is no nearby
object present to cause an induced voltage flashover on the
line.
The phase and wire-guard conductors were assumed without
mid-span sag. The pole structure and conductor geometry are
shown in Fig. 3
(a) (b) (c) (d)
Fig. 3. N-type structure: (a)- unshielded and (b)- shielded;
P2-type structure: (c)- unshielded and (d)- shielded.
Characteristics of distribution feeders:
x A 23kV single circuit line with 80m span length was
selected in this study.
x The surge impedance of the pole using equation (7).
The power frequency voltage may influence the
insulator flashover.
x The effect of corona coupling in the line it is ignored
in ATP-Draw.
x Main feeder length 45.9 km, primary branch network
112.7 km.
Transient overvoltages across the insulators depend of the
voltages induced in the conductors of the circuit. When a
lightning strike occurs, the insulators are the most affected
elements of the power system and are considered of vital
importance in studies of protection and performance.
For the sensitivity analysis it was considered the following
parameters: structures type, amplitude of lightning current,
soil resistivity and grounding resistance. A typical soil
resistivity value of the studied region varies between 100 and
2000 m, as shown in TABLE I.
 TABLE I. TYPICAL SOIL RESISTIVITY. TABLE II. GROUNDING RESISTANCE VS SOIL RESISTIVITY
AND GROUNDING SYSTEM.
Soil type Resistivity [m]
Earth wet, humus, mud, swamp 100 Grounding Soil Resistivity [m]
500 Resistance []
Earth or clay with 20% humidity 100 500 1000 1500 2000
1000 Equivalent
Wet sand 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000
ungrounded
Limestone, granite, dry sand 2000 1gr 40.47 202.35 404.69 607.04 809.39
2gr 23.32 116.61 233.21 349.82 466.42
For unshielded feeders, the grounding resistance was constant
bhw 26.17 130.87 261.74 392.60 523.47
and equal to 1000 regardless the soil resistivity variation
from 100 to 2000 m). However, the feeders with wire-guard 4ps 16.12 80.61 161.22 241.83 322.44
simulations were performed according to two grounding grid 13.53 67.64 135.28 202.92 270.56
topologies. The different cases gave benchmarks dependent of
soil resistivity.
In addition to variations in resistivity of the ground is In order to determine the parameters related to this natural
considered the grounding resistance calculated for a rod of phenomenon with greater influence on the generation of
2.4 m of length and inch diameter, see TABLE II. overvoltages in feeders, a sensitivity study was performed to
Where: determine those parameters that most influenced the
1gr = one ground rod, atmospheric overvoltages.
2gr = two ground rods, During the sensibility study, the peak current of the lightning
bhw = buried horizontal wire, is increased of 0.1 kA until flashes is observed. The voltages
4ps = four point star and, on the insulators and on the lightning injection point, with
grid = grid. reference to the remote ground, were measured. The critical
current values producing flashes are presented upon Fig. 4
and Fig. 5.

Fig. 4. Critical Current due to Induced Lightning on Overhead Distribution Feeder N-Type.

Fig. 5. Critical Current due to Induced Lightning on Overhead Distribution Feeder P2-Type.

4
During the study of flashover voltage calculation, the Fig. 6 present the backflashover rate due to induced lightning
performance indices for each type of pole structure were Nind on overhead distribution feeder N-type; and Fig. 7 present
calculated in accordance with Eq. (6). the backflashover rate due to induced lightning Nind on
overhead distribution feeder P2-type.

Fig. 6. Backflashover Rate Due to Induced Lightning, Nind on overhead distribution feeder N-type.

Fig. 7. Backflashover Rate Due to Induced Lightning, Nind on overhead distribution feeder P2-type.

According to the results, the shielded feeder with wire-guard
is the one with the best performance against induced
overvoltage lightning. The different sensitivity parameters,
such as the type of grounding and soil resistivity considerably
affect the behaviour of types structures analysed.
5 Conclusions
It has been investigated in this paper the effects of grounding
and soil resistivity with wire-guard on overhead distribution
feeder N-type and P2-type circuits of 23kV; which is used in
South-Brazil distribution systems. Efficiency against
lightning stroke was performed to identify an appropriate
structure with grounding.
The existing system unshielded feeders and modified
configurations with wire-guard were carried out by ATP-
Draw. The simulation result revealed that structures N-type
and P2-type with wire-guard and grounding, tended to
improve the lightning performance indices. It was observed a
reduction of overvoltages, increase in critical current, and
reduction in flashover rate.

5
Although most distribution feeders are not shielded, a small
percentage of those feeders are built with grounding wire-
guard [4]-[6]. The use of wire-guard on rural distribution
systems is justified for regions with high Ground Flash
Density and in cases where the power supply to industrial
consumers and agricultural producers is paramount.
The knowledge developed in this research can be considered
like a possible solution to be adopted by Electricity
Distribution Utilities, could serve as guideline for the design
of the grounding of distribution lines.
As well as for the modification of the standards of the State
Electricity Company which may be experiencing frequent
interruptions due to weak protection of feeders against
discharge atmospheric affecting directly the users and causing
financial losses to the Power Distribution Companies due to
the penalties imposed by the Regulator.
Acknowledgements
The authors gratefully acknowledge the contributions of
National Council for Scientific and Technological
Development (CNPq) and State Company of Electrical
Energy - Distribution (CEEE-D) by the assistance and
financial support.
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