A program, the distribution lightning program (DLP), for analyzing lightning flashovers is discussed. The goal is to improve protection of overhead distribution circuits from lightning. Various lightning protection schemes can be simulated. The program uses traveling wave calculations to analyze direct lightning strokes and induced voltages caused by nearby strokes. Shield wires and arresters, two line protection options that reduce momentary outages caused by lightning, are discussed. The analysis shows that enhanced insulation level, grounding, and conductor placement can improve flashover performance. Two examples are provided to show the flexibility of computer analysis in the design and selection of overhead distribution structures. DLP was written to analyze distribution designs, but the calculation techniques and some of the results can be applied to transmission lines as well.
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