A Statistical Approach for Estimating the Correlation between Lightning and Faults in Power Distribution Systems

Abstract

The paper deals with the subject of the source-identification of transient voltage disturbances in distribution system buses. In particular, a statistical procedure is proposed for the evaluation of the probability that a lightning flash detected by a lightning location system (LLS) could cause a fault and, therefore, relay interventions, generally associated with voltage dips. The proposed procedure is based on the coordinated use of the information provided by the LLS and the availability of an advanced simulation tool for the accurate simulation of lightning-induced voltages on complex power systems, namely the LIOV-EMTP code. The uncertainty levels of the stroke location and of the peak current estimations provided by the LLS are discussed and their influence on the lightning-fault correlation is analyzed