Protection of the distribution lines against lightning overvoltages by surge arrester in the context of distributed generation and smart grids

The new technologies of energy supply and analysis of the operation of electrical systems, brought by the distributed generation and by the smart grid concepts, emphasize even more the importance of conservation of security and reliability of distribution networks. This occurs due to the sensibility of modern equipment being introduced in these networks. At this juncture, the protection of electric power systems against lightning overvoltage has increased its relevance in the search for greater continuity, reliability and quality of the energy supplied. Thus, in this paper it is simulated the performance of a protection system, constituted by the metal-oxide surge arresters, against lightning overvoltage, in the presence of distributed generators and of concepts of smart grids. It is also performed a technical/economic feasibility study through the development of a procedure for the definition of the best sizing, allocation and quantification of the surge arrester to the protection of a distribution line.