Evaluation of surge arrester requirement for overhead transmission line using Electromagnetic Transient Program

This paper generalizes the modelling of 132kV transmission line design for the purpose of backflashover simulation using the Electromagnetic Transient Program that is Power System Computer Aided Design (PSCAD) software. Sample of transmission line data was taken from Tenaga National Berhad (TNB) for the purpose of simulation using PSCAD software. Crucial part of the studies include the model of transmission line components such as insulator coordination, tower model, tower footing model and surge arrester. This research will focus on the effect of different position of transmission line surge arrester placement at transmission line to the value of backflashover rate. A model of surge arrester is implemented using PSCAD software and was located across the line insulation, to prevent flashover. The capabilities of arrester in reducing backflashover rate are investigated so that the proper arrester rating can be selected for any system requirement. Results were analyzed and the influence of transmission line surge arrester placement to backflashover rate at transmission line was discussed. Findings from this research can be a significant modelling guideline to the transmission line designers or other researchers to improve the performance of overhead transmission line in term of reducing the backflashover rate.