Insulation Coordination in Modern Distribution Networks

Abstract

The appropriate analysis of the response of distribution networks against Lightning Electro Magnetic Pulse (LEMP) – originated by nearby strikes – requires the availability of accurate coupling models in order to reproduce the real and complex configuration of distribution systems. The above models represent a fundamental tool for estimating the number of protective devices and their most appropriate location in order to guarantee a given minimum number of flashovers and outages per year. When dealing with real networks, such an optimization could require huge computational efforts due to the vast number of power components and feeders. This thesis thoroughly analyzes many of the possible engineering simplifications that, without losing accuracy, can be adopted in the statistical evaluation of the lightning performance of distribution networks in order to limit computational times. Particular attention is devoted to the effect of the ground conductivity on the LEMP and on the line parameters; two new analytical expressions for the evaluation of the inverse Laplace transform of the ground impedance matrix elements of multiconductor overhead lines are derived. The first expression is the inverse Laplace transform of Sunde’s logarithmic formula and is given in two equivalent forms. The second expression is the inverse Laplace transform of Sunde’s general integral expression. Finally, a procedure able to evaluate the lightning performance of a real medium-voltage distribution network, which includes several lines, transformers and surge protection devices is developed and proposed for the analysis of some real cases. Such a procedure allows inferring the characteristics of the statistical distributions of lightning-originated voltages at any point and phase of the network. The analysis aims at assessing the expected mean time between failures of transformers caused by both direct and indirect lightning strikes.