Does Lightning Damage Depend on OPGW Technology?

摘要

The present study compares the lightning performance of OPGW cables based on Aluminum Extruded Tube and Stainless Steel Welded Tube Technologies. The type and level of damage caused by lightning is analyzed in terms of the charge transference level for OPGW cables of similar armor structure but different optical core protection materials. It is demonstrated that OPGW cables based on stainless steel tube show strong damage on the optical fibers at charge transference levels considerably lower than for cables where the optical fibers are protected by an aluminium tube. The electrical and thermal conductivity of each material explain the different performance against lightning.