LPAT: An interactive simulation tool for assessing the lightning performance of Hellenic high voltage transmission lines

Abstract

The paper presents the Lightning Performance Assessment Tool (LPAT), an interactive simulation tool which assesses the lightning performance of high voltage transmission lines. The LPAT design was based on a recently published methodology that has been developed in order to assess the lightning performance of the Hellenic high voltage transmission lines. This methodology has been adapted to enable tool's users to enter a large dataset required for the computations eliminating the possibility of mistakes. Moreover, LPAT, written in a high-level programming language and using the appropriate user interface models and programming architecture, enables electrical engineers to adapt the level of granularity in which they prefer to examine the lightning performance of a transmission line. This approach is proved to be ideal for electrical systems such as the Hellenic transmission system whose individual characteristics depend upon the meteorological and geographical characteristics of the Hellenic territory. This tool is also flexible to any modification and change in order to support different transmission systems. The presented simulation tool is valuable for designers of electric power systems intending in a more effective lightning protection.