Numerical Electromagnetic Analysis of Current and Voltage Distribution along Down Conductors and Towers Hit by Direct Lightning

Hegde, Vishwanath and Kunkolienker, Govind R and Kumar, Udaya (2011) Numerical Electromagnetic Analysis of Current and Voltage Distribution along Down Conductors and Towers Hit by Direct Lightning. In: Electric Power Components and Systems, 39 (3). pp. 225-236.

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Abstract

In order to answer the practically important question of whether the down conductors of lightning protection systems to tall towers and buildings can be electrically isolated from the structure itself, this work is conducted. As a first step in this regard, it is presumed that the down conductor placed on metallic tower will be a pessimistic representation of the actual problem. This opinion was based on the fact that the proximity of heavy metallic structure will have a large damping effect. The post-stroke current distributions along the down conductors and towers, which can be quite different from that in the lightning channel, govern the post-stroke near field and the resulting gradient in the soil. Also, for a reliable estimation of the actual stroke current from the measured down conductor currents, it is essential to know the current distribution characteristics along the down conductors. In view of these, the present work attempts to deduce the post-stroke current and voltage distribution along typical down conductors and towers. A solution of the governing field equations on an electromagnetic model of the system is sought for the investigation. Simulation results providing the spatio-temporal distribution of the post-stroke current and voltage has provided very interesting results. It is concluded that it is almost impossible to achieve electrical isolation between the structure and the down conductor. Furthermore, there will be significant induction into the steel matrix of the supporting structure.

Item Type:	Journal Article
Publication:	Electric Power Components and Systems
Publisher:	Taylor and Francis Group
Additional Information:	Copyright of this article belongs to Taylor and Francis Group.
Keywords:	lightning; post-stroke current distribution; voltage difference; down conductors; towers
Department/Centre:	Division of Electrical Sciences > Electrical Engineering
Date Deposited:	07 Mar 2011 10:34
Last Modified:	15 Oct 2018 14:21
URI:	http://eprints.iisc.ac.in/id/eprint/35902

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