Research on a new type of lightning protection device for distribution network based on the principle of multi-short-gaps

Abstract

The arc quenching device with multi-short-gaps introduced in this paper allows the arc to be established by a lightning strike, and then the device extend arc with the high temperature and high pressure produced by arc until arc extinguishes. The duration of the process is very short and act trip caused by relay protection devices would not happen. To test the lightning protection performance of the device, a series tests such as impact test, power frequency withstand voltage test and volt-second characteristic test have been taken. The results show that the impulse breakdown voltages of the samples are between 35∼50kV, the power frequency withstand voltages are about 30kV, the volt-second characteristic curves are all above the 10kV insulator. In order to solve the problem of unstable discharge characteristic of the device, the method of series a main gap is put forward. At the same time, with the increase of the number of gaps, the power frequency withstand voltage increases linearly and the impulse breakdown voltage is not increased accordingly. Overall, the lightning protection device with the multi-short-gaps has excellent lightning protection performance.