Exponential regression models for wind and lightning caused outages on overhead distribution feeders

Abstract

Power distribution systems play an important role in modern society. Environmental factors, such as weather, trees, and animals, are the some of the main causes of outages in distribution systems. Of these wind and lighting continue to be the major factors affecting outages. This paper reports two different exponential regression models to study and analyze outages due to wind and lightning on overhead distribution lines in different districts in Kansas from 2005 to 2009. Estimated outages obtained for three districts in Kansas of different sizes are compared with observed outages to evaluate performance of the models. The results are also compared with previously studied models to determine the most suitable model to represent effects of wind and lightning.