Implementation and use of lightning detection network in Malaysia

Lightning has been a major cause of power interruptions in Tenaga Nasional Berhad (TNB), one of power utility in Malaysia as this country is among the countries with the highest lightning activities in the world. In an effort to reduce the impact of lightning in TNB, TNB Research Sdn. Bhd. (TNBR), a research arm of TNB, has installed a lightning detection network (LDN) in Peninsular Malaysia in 1994. After ten years of operations, the network was upgraded to include sensors with better location accuracy and sensitivity. In December 2003, the network consists of five IMPACT ESP sensors and two LPATS IV sensors were successfully commissioned. Continuous monitoring of sensors performance for upgraded network is being carried out by Lightning Detection System Laboratory operated by TNBR. This paper presents TNBR experience in the development and use of the network in TNB. Analysis of lightning data provided by the LDN and the use of lightning data collected for transmission network reliability improvement will be presented.