Statistical Analysis of Transmission Line Outages Due to Lightning Discharges by Krzysztof Lenarczyk

Lightning discharges can cause significant damage to HV transmission lines, resulting in temporary disconnection, shutdown or re-closures in the case of direct strikes or in temporary disturbances due to nearby strikes. Assessment of whether a shutdown or temporary line disconnection has been caused by direct or nearby strike can sometimes be difficult since verification of equipment damage usually requires visual inspection. This presentation describes how the Polish TSO has been collecting and addressing data on HV transmission line lightning performance since 2006 with focus on recorded cloud-to-ground discharges. It also reviews case histories of lightning related shutdowns of 220 kV and 400 kV overhead lines.