Lightning-Induced Voltages over Gaussian-Shaped Terrain Considering Different Lightning Strike Locations

Abstract

Lightning-induced voltages (LIVs) computation is crucial for lightning protection of power systems and equipment, yet the effect of complex terrain on LIVs remains not fully evaluated. This study establishes a three-dimensional finite-difference time-domain model to investigate the LIVs over Gaussian-shaped mountainous terrain, considering different lightning strike locations. Simulation results show that the influence of Gaussian-shaped mountains on LIVs is directly related to the lightning strike location. Compared with the flat ground scenario, the LIVs’ amplitude can increase by approximately 56% when lightning strikes the mountain top. However, for lightning strikes to the ground adjacent to the mountain, the LIVs’ amplitude is attenuated to varying degrees due to the shielding effect of the mountain. Additionally, the influences of line configuration, as well as mountain height and width on the LIVs, are evaluated.

Keywords

• lightning-induced voltage
• finite-difference time-domain method
• distribution line
• mountainous terrain
• strike location