Application of Genetic Algorithm to Estimation of Function Parameters in Lightning Currents Approximations

Abstract

Genetic algorithm (GA) is applied for the estimation of two-peaked analytically extended function (2P-AEF) parameters in this paper. 2P-AEF is used for approximation of measured and typical lightning discharge currents. Lightning discharge channel is often modeled as thin-wire vertical antenna at perfectly conducting ground. Engineering lightning stroke models assume that the current along that channel is related to the channel-base current which may be measured at the instrumented tall towers and in triggered lightning experiments. Mathematical modeling of lightning currents is important in verification of lightning strokes models based on simultaneously measured electromagnetic fields at various distances, so as in lightning protection studies, computation of lightning induced effects and simulation of overvoltages in power systems. Typical lightning discharge currents of the first positive, first negative, and subsequent negative strokes are defined by IEC 62305 Standard based on comprehensive measurements. Parameters of 2P-AEF’s approximation of the typical negative first stroke current are determined by GA and compared to approximations obtained by other functions. Measured currents at Monte San Salvatore in Switzerland, at Morro de Cachimbo Station in Brazil, and in rocket-triggered lightning experiments at Camp Blanding in Florida are approximated by 2P-AEFs, and good agreement with experimentally measured waveshapes is obtained.