Energy absorption of surge arresters on power distribution lines due to direct lightning strokes-effects of an overhead ground wire and installation position of surge arresters

We describe the characteristics of energy absorption of surge arresters on power distribution lines due to direct lightning strokes. Using the EMTP, the effect of an overhead ground wire and the influence of the installation position of a surge arrester on the energy absorption are investigated quantitatively. The analysis shows that: (1) an overhead ground wire is more effective to prevent damage to surge arresters than increasing the withstand capabilities of surge arresters by a factor of two, (2) the energy absorption without an overhead ground wire is about 3-5 times larger than that with one, and (3) in the case of direct lightning strokes to an overhead ground wire, the energy absorption of surge arresters installed at the termination of a line is approximately 2.3 times larger at maximum than that of arresters installed in the midst ofa line.