A methodology for estimating transmission lines lightning performance using a statistical approach

Abstract

This paper describes the application of a Monte Carlo statistical method to evaluate the lightning performance of transmission lines. Monte Carlo routines were developed in Matlab software, to conduct calculation of transients in EMTP-RV-RV, using custom Electro-Geometric Model and acceleration algorithms. The main goal of this paper is to increase the accuracy of flashover rates calculation through the accurate modelling of network components, simulation of non-vertical strokes and lightning current calculation from the LLS data for the region where the line passes. The methodology was validated with Portuguese typical transmission line configurations, by comparing simulated and actual performance indexes. The use of the EGM model with non-vertical strokes and LLS data was also validated.