Methods to Improve the Reliability in 24kV Boscan Field Distribution Lines

CVX Company operates BOSCAN oil field with more than 530 wells, which are led by a 24 kV electrical distribution network, with more than 480 km three-phase overhead lines, solidly grounding and concrete poles. During the last few years, there has been a high level of faults because these electric lines are located in agricultural zones at western of Maracaibo´s lake, which is one of the places with highest level of lightning in Venezuela. With the purpose of decreasing lightning effects, several technical studies were developed with different solutions: grounding improvements, anti perching for birds, ornithology study, load immunity (back spin solutions, ride thru), recloser and NGR study. The paper summarizes the analysis methodology to obtain the different solutions from 75% of the failures in overhead distribution lines, statistical registries, calculations, preliminary plan of implementation and results and expectations on fault reductions in the next years