Software Tool for Estimating the 3D Lightning Protection Zone of High Voltage Substations

Abstract

This work presents the application of an expanded version of a software tool, formed using powerful AutoCAD software and the programming language Visual Basic, which enables the estimation and visualisation of a 3D lightning protection zone for a high voltage substation (HVS). Various models, methods and protective devices used for protected zone evaluation are discussed. Special attention is dedicated to ground wires as an efficient protective device in forming lighting protection for an HVS. A sensitivity analysis is conducted for a presented 220/110/10 kV HVS protected zone construction depending on the type and dimensions of the protective devices, impulse current magnitude and the various methods. The educational aspects of the application of this software tool are very important for both undergraduate and PhD students studying High Voltage Technique and Computer-Aided Design/Engineering (CAD/CAE) in Power Systems. During the past two academic years, the software application has received favourable comments from students.