Algorithm based on attractive radius for estimating the lightning protection efficiency

What is it about?

Abstract: Protection against direct lightning strokes in the power system's equipments is of great concern among the designing and operating personnel due to the severe implications related for such events. A proper designed lightning rod protective system will ensure a higher protection against direct lightning strokes. Although the rolling sphere method is the most used method for designing the lightning rods systems, this method was elaborated according to the electrometrical theory principles which were established in the late '60. Starting with the late '80 and up until the present day new models for estimating the lightning orientation towards the ground emerged, thus establishing a new theory known as leader progression theory. In this paper is presented a new methodology for calculating the lightning protection zones dimensions developed on the base of the new leader progression theory principles, named the attractive radius method.

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Why is it important?

The present paper presents a new algorithm for determining the lightning protection zones generated by vertical rods protective systems. In this paper the authors continue the work conducted by Rizk, succeeding to improve and develop a complete methodology, as graphical construction rules and mathematical expression for calculating the dimensions of the protection zones were established for groups of one up to four vertical rods. Extensive discussions were carried on for all possible situations thus identifying some existing limitations, especially when estimating the inner protected height between groups of three or four vertical rods. The obtained model was named the attractive radius method.