Chapter 2 - A reasoned approach to lightning electromagnetics and coupling to nearby power transmission lines

Abstract

This chapter presents a reasoned approach to lightning electromagnetics and coupling to nearby power transmission lines. The prerequisite for an evaluation of the induced effects on transmission and distribution lines exposed to lightning originated electromagnetic fields involves reconstructing the source from available lightning electromagnetic pulse (LEMP) databases. The current difficulty in finding a discharge model to inverse source problems of electromagnetics should invite to make use of reasonably simple but rigorous formulations. The chapter emphasizes the fact that often-overlooked basic properties of rigorous basic models can successfully promote subsequent improvements and interpretation of the simulated physical mechanisms. This method permits the subsidiary roles actually played by the earth and thundercloud in the overall discharge to be better understood. The approach recommended in this chapter also gives coupling results affected by errors comparable to and, paradoxically, less than those derived from currently available more complex models. The chapter highlights that the most striking finding connected to the engineering approach is the purely radiating nature of the electromagnetic field implied in the coupling mechanism.