Lightning protection of power systems using fuzzy logic techniques

As lightning surges are considered to be the most dangerous events in power distribution systems, the more we know about them the better we can select and coordinate protection devices. Moreover, a better knowledge of lightning surges gives rise to the accurate positioning of device protection, the reduction of insulation costs at installations and allows operation with well-known risks of failure. The development of a computer application based on fuzzy logic techniques, which allow the determination of the accurate position of the surge arrester in power systems, controls the risk of failure, thus permitting the selection of appropriate protection schemes for each network. As a consequence, protection costs are reduced in accordance with the costs of the elements actually protected and the continuity of service to be achieved.