Impulsive currents and voltages induced into loops due to nearby lightning

Abstract

This paper presents the effect of considering propagation delays and displacement currents in the calculation of currents and voltages induced into loops due to nearby lightning flashes. Results from numerical calculation, based on a more complete electromagnetic formulation (Method of Moments -MoM) are compared with results from a quasistationary approach. It is shown that the voltages induced into loops by very fast currents, such as the subsequent lightning strokes, can be significantly influenced by the displacement currents and propagation delays. This effect depends also on the loop dimensions and its earthing configuration. In the example considered in this paper, the induced voltage reached a peak value one-third above the peak value calculated by magnetic induction only, besides exhibiting oscillatory wave forms. This increase in the magnitude and change of the induced voltage waveform may impact the design of clearance distances and, under specific conditions, may also jeopardize electronic equipment that otherwise would be considered safe based on the quasi-stationary approach.

Genetic algorithm technique on wind turbine and sensitive equipment placement against lightning

“…The average mutual inductance between the turbine's tower and a loop at a distance d is 1.32 μH/m and the current rises from zero to 50 kA in 0.25 μs [18]; so, the voltage per meter length of the tower is calculated as: Solid state devices can be damaged by such lightning transients. Potential differences of sufficient magnitude to damage electronics may exist between points in space separated by small distances in any direction in the vicinity of a wind turbine subjected to a direct or nearby lightning strike [19].…”

Evaluating transient behaviour of large‐scale photovoltaic systems during lightning events using enhanced finite difference time domain method with variable cell size approach

“…Lightning strikes result in high transient overvoltages and potential damage to PV systems [9]. Also, they can cause deterioration or destruction of the PV system as well as failures in sensitive electronic components such as meters, inverters, and data networks [10,11]. Furthermore, other power system components like transmission lines can also be affected [12].…”