Preliminary study of lightning exposure of double-circuit 400 kV transmission line with special design of towers in Poland/Lithuania

The paper describes main characteristics of new 400 kV transmission line located in Poland to Lithuania which is important part of Baltic Ring - EU Power grid project. The main features of the line related to lightning hazard due to unusual height of towers influencing its lightning exposure are described. Preliminary analyses of expected frequency of lightning direct and nearby strikes to the line and to substations located on both ends of the line are presented. Special attention is paid to the lightning hazard of HVDC “back-to-back” convertor station located on Lithuania side and its sensitive electronic equipment. Some data of lightning activity in area of line location are used form LINET lightning location system data base to assess possible lightning overvoltages frequency in the line and their magnitude taking into account of measurements results of tower's earthing system parameters.