Calculation of lightning induced voltages on a distribution line with lightning arresters using the fdtd method

Abstract

If a return stroke occurs nearby a distribution line, the electromagnetic field radiated by the return-stroke current induces voltages on the distribution line. A lightning arrester is often applied to the distribution line to suppress such overvoltage. In this study, the finite difference time domain (FDTD) method, in which Maxwell's equations are solved directly, is applied to the calculation of the lightning-induced voltages on the distribution line. We calculate lightning-induced voltages on a distribution line with a lightning arrester and compare the results calculated by the FDTD method with those obtained by a conventional method based on circuit theory for validation purposes. Moreover, we calculate the lightning-induced voltages on a three-phase distribution line with lightning arresters and a grounding wire.