814

IEEE Traneactions on Power Delivery, Vol. 13, No. 3, July 1998

Lightning Protection of Distribution Lines by Long Flashover Arresters (LFA)

G. V. Podporkin
Senior Member IEEE Streamer Electric Company
194902, St. Petersburg, Pargolovo, Lomonosova 97, Russia

A. D. Sivaev

.4bstract

- The paper describes a new method of lightning protection of overhead distribution lines by Long Flashover Arresters (LFA) which were invented and developed by the authors. The LFAs are low - cost arresters which are installed in parallel or in series to the line insulators. An Insulator with characteristics LFA (ILFA) is also presented. With the use of LFAs or ILFAs the number of line outages may be drastically reduced, The LFA principle, its main applications and some laboratory test results are presented.

greater than that of the insulator which it protects. The LFA can be connected between the conductor and ground or in series with the insulator. It is inexpensive (its construction is simple) and reliable because lightning discharge develops along the LFA and no Power Arc Follow (PAF) occurs. 11. THE LFA PRINCIPLE When a lightning surge gets to an insulator, the insulator may flash over depending on the overvoltage value and insulation level of the line. Probability of PAF depends on many parameters: nominal voltage of the line U, , length of the flashover path L, moment at which lightning stroke occurred, lightning current magnitude, line parameters, etc. Many efforts have been made by different laboratories around the world to study this problem [3-121. It was found that the main factor, which determines the probability of PAF, is the mean gradient of operational voltage along the flashover path E = up& (1) where Uph= U,, ld3 = phase voltage, kV; L = length of flashover, m. The probability of PAF sharply decreases with a decrease in E. An analysis of available data on sparkover discharge transition to PAF [12] concluded that for E=7 to 10 kV/m probability of PAF is practically zero. The flashover length, L is greater for lines with wooden structures rather than steel or concrete structures, because a wooden crossarm increases the flashover path. As a result probability of PAF for wooden structures is sufficiently lower than for steel or concrete towers. From the short analysis presented above, it is clear that it is possible to improve the protection against lightning by increasing the length of lightning flashover path. The suggested LFA accomplishes this principle. The LFA's length may be several times greater than that of an insulator (string, etc.). Due to a special inner structure the LFA impulse flashover voltage is lower than that of the insulator and when subjected to lightning overvoltage the LFA will flashover before the insulator. Due to the LFA's length there is no PAF. This is the main difference from conventional arresters which deal with the problem of extinguishing the power arc.

Kewords: lightning stroke, flashover, power arc follow, arrester, insulator I. INTRODUCTION Outages of overhead power lines due to lightning strokes is one of the main causes of shortages of electric supplies and economic losses of power utilities. A previous study [ 11 has concluded that widely separated pole-top arresters can effectively protect a distribution line from induced-voltage flashovers. In order to prevent arc fusion of insulated conductors on distribution lines due to lightning flashovers it is recommended to install an arrester at every insulator. Millions of metal - oxide arresters are already installed in Japan and more will be installed in the future [2]. The main problem of using pole-top arresters is their high cost. For mass application of arresters for 1ightn.ing protection of overhead distribution lines an arrester must be cheap, reliable with no need for maintenance. The method suggested in this paper for the protection of distribution lines is a simplified discharge circuit. It consists of a long surface flashover discharge element, called Long Flashover Arrester (LFA), with a length
PE-325-PWRD-0-04-1997 A paper recommended and approved by the IEEE Transmission and Distribution Committee of the IEEE Power Engineering Society for publication in the IEEE Transactions on Power Delivery. Manuscript submitted July 25, 1996; made available for printing April 11, 1997.

0885-8977/98/$10.00 0 1997 IEEE

815

The main element of an LFA is a piece of insulated conductor. It is well known that surface flashover voltages of insulated conductors are very low. For example, in [13] puncture voltages of polyethylene covered conductors were studied. The authors reported that at a voltage level of 150 kV there were surface flashovers of a length up to 15 m and solid insulation (polyethylene) of 3 mm thickness was not punctured. 111. MAIN APPLICATIONS Fig. 1 presents an LFA installed on a distribution pole. A piece of rigid insulated coaductor (it can be a steel rod covered with insulation) is connected to the pole with a clamp. A metallic tube is placed over the insulated conductor in its middle part. The metallic tube forms with the line conductor a sparkover air gap, S. The insulated conductor is at the same potential as the pole Due to relatively big capacitance between the metallic tube and the insulated conductor the tube is practically at the same potential as the pole. Therefore an overvoltage which appears between the line conductor and the pole will be also applied between the metallic tube and the line conductor. If the overvoltage is large enough, the sparkover gap S will breakdown and the overvoltage will be applied between the metallic tube and the insulated conductor to its insulation.
Fig. 2 Long Flashover Arrester installed at a conductor of distribution line 1-insulated conductor; 2-power line conductor; 3-insulator; 4- clamps; 5- metallic tube; 6- structure; 7- flashover channel, 8 - hook.

A
7

Y/

a)

b)

Fig. 1 Long Flashover Arrester installed on a distribution line pole a) distribution line, b) Long Flashover Arrester 1-insulated conductor; 2-power line conductor; 3-insulator; 4- clamp; 5- metallic tube; 6- structure; 7- flashover channel.

Due to the overvoltage a surface flashover develops from the metallic tube to one or both ends of the insulated rod and then - to the pole by this manner completing the discharge circuit. For example, for a 6 kV line and an LFA flashover length L = 50 cm, the mean gradient of power frequency voltage at the channel E=6/-\/3/0.5=6.9kV/m is less than 7 kV/m. At such low gradient there is no PAF and the overhead line continues its normal operation without trip out. Fig. 2 presents an LFA installed on an overhead distribution line conductor. A piece of insulated conductor is connected to the line conductor with the help of clamps. A metallic tube is placed over the insulated conductor and has practically the same potential as the insulated conductor or the power line conductor. The metallic tube forms with the hook supporting the insulator a sparkover s ht gap S. The main principle is the same a t a shown inFg 1 Due to the circular form of the hook, the sparkover gap does not change very much during possible movement of the insulated conductor under wind conditions. Therefore in this case there is no need of additional insulator for fixing the position of the insulated conductor. However, for other cross-arm constructions such insulator can bt. installed between the line conductor and the insulated conductor. In some cases, e. g. at substations, the LFA can be installed in series with the insulator which it protects ( Fig. 3). During an overvoltage first the insulator flashes over and then - the LFA. Due to the large total length of the lightning impulse flashover path (insulator plus LFA) there is no PAF. It is worthwhile to mention that series installation of the LFA increases the main insulation of the overhead line and therefore the line reliability at operational voltage is improved.

816
3

to equipment

Fig. 3 Long Flashover Arrester installed in series with an insulator

Fig. 4 presents an LFA installed on a line conductor for the protection of a string of insulators. A piece of insulated conductor is connected to the line conductor with two clamps. A composite insulator is installed at the lower end of the insulator string. A metallic lead connects the upper end of the composite insulator to the metallic tube. When a lightning overvoltage is applied between the line conductor and the structure, first a gap S between the end of the composite insulator and the structure will flashover, then the overvoltage is applied to the metallic tube and a discharge channel will form from the tube to the clamps in one or both directions. Gap S must be of such length so that it can withstand operational voltage and switching overvoltages but it must flashover at lightning overvoltages at a voltage level sufficiently lower than the flashover voltage of the insulator string. The puncture voltage of the LFA solid insulation and the breakdown voltage of air gap g between the line conductor and insulated conductor must be higher than the flashover \roltage along the surface of the iiisulated conductor.

Fig. 5 Long Flashover Arrester in a form of an insulation sleeve 1-LFA; 2-power line conductor; 3-insulator; 5- metallic tube; 6- structure; 7- flashover channel.

It is worthwhile to note that at normal operational conditions no voltage is applied across the LFA or the composite insulator. Impulse voltage is applied to them only after the occurrence of a flashover between the end of the composite insulator and the structure (Fig. 4). Fig. 5 shows another application of the LFA as an insulation sleeve covering the line conductor. Under overvoltage conditions first the air gap between the pole and the tube flashes over and then a discharge channel travels along the sleeve until it reaches the line conductor. This LFA application is very simple. The arrester consists only of an insulation sleeve. Its application improves the line reliability because it increases the main insulation of the line between the line conductor and the structure. In other words, the LFA insulation is connected in series with the line insulator. The total flashover length necessary to eliminate PAF can be calculated as L= UPh/E. Taking into account the length of the insulator flashover path S, the necessary flashover length of the sleeve is 1=L-S. Sleeve lengths calculated for different nominal voltages are listed in Table 1. For new overhead lines the insulation sleeves could be placed on the conductor by the conductor manufacturer at intervals approximately equal to a span length. The sleeves should move freely along the conductor and must be fixed at the insulators during the line installation. For an overhead line already in operation the line conductor can be disconnected from an insulator, wrapped with insulation film with glue and then placed back at the insulator. Also a technology similar to that of underground cable insulation recovery could be used.

Fig. 4 Long Flashover Arrester installed on a line conductor 1-insulated conductor: 2-power line conductor; 3-insulator: 4- clamps; 5- metallic tube; 6- structure; 7- flashover channel: 8- metallic lead; 9- rod insulator.

where.

S = insulator flashover length 1 = sleeve flashover length, 21= hill length of a sleeve.

817
12

Flg. 6 Long Flashover ~4rrester protection of an air gap between for a conductor and grounded wire 1 - LFA, 2 - power line conductor; 5 - metallic tube; 7 - flashover channel; 11 - additional electrode; 12 - ground wire.

flashover to develop along the surface of the insulator rather than through the shortest way in air. Due to the spiral shed the flashover goes by the long spiral path along the surface of the insulator. Therefore the electric field mean gradient at nominal voltage along the channel is low and there is no PAF. For standard insulators (with parallel or spiral sheds) flashover develops through the shortest way in air.
V. TESTS

A. insulated conductors A standard lightning impulse 1.2/50 psec of positive and negative polarity was used for testing purposes. The tested samples of insulated conductors were in a form of a loop (Fig. 3). A metallic tube was placed at the center of the sample over its insulation and the ends of the conductor were grounded. Lightning impulses were applied to the metallic tube placed over the insulation of the insulated conductor. There were two options for a breakdown: a puncture of solid insulation or a surface flashover. Several types of insulated conductors were tested. Best results were obtained for conductors covered with polyethylene insulation. Test results are presented in Fig. 8. As it can be seen, large gaps of 5 m or more flashover at relatively low voltages. Fladiover voltages are significantly lower for negative polarity impulses rather than for positive ones. The thinner the insulation, the lower the flashover and puncturing voltages are. The flashover voltage must be lower than the puncturing voltage and therefore the flashover length must be coordinated with the insulation thickness.
350

The iiistallation of LFAs on overhead distribution lines with insulated conductors is very simple. It is sufficient to put a clainp which puiictures the insulation and contacts the conductor at a distance 1 from the line insulator. Required lengths 1 are shown in Table 1. The LFA in a form of a sleeve could be used for phase-tophase protection or for protection of an air gap between a grounded wire and a conductor (Fig. 6). For fixing the flashover location an additional electrode is installed on the ground wire. VI. INSULATOR - LONG FLASHOVER ARRESTER (ILFA) The principle of the LFA can be used for the del elopment of an insulator having characteristics of a Iightiiing arrester as well The ILFA has a long lightning flashover spiral shape path In order to secure this flashover path an additional electrode is installed inside the insulator body (Fig 7) When a lightning impulse is applied to the insulator a discharge channel starts from the upper flange The cidditional electrode (Fig 7). which is at ground potential. raises the electric field strength at the tip of a flashover channel and insures more favorable conditions for the
, -

300
--cd=9i,b=85
x

250

---ed=9.

b=7 5 +
3 4 , b=3 8 +

a 5

--td= 200

P LL

.. -0...d= 9 , b.7 5.
-A- -

w 4
2

150

- d = 3 4, b 4 8 .
d=94 b=25.

...+..
100

50

F L A S H O M R LENGTH, m

a) b) Fig. 7 Iiisulator - Long Flashover Arrester (ILFA) a) sketch b) ILFA under tests 1-insulation body with spiral shed: 2 - hardware; 3 - line conductor; 4 - additional electrode.

Fig. 8

50% flashover voltages of insulated conductors d = diameter of the metallic conductor, nun

b = thickness ofthe insulation, ~ i m i

+ = positive polarity - = negative polarity.

In order to check the behavior of the insulated conductor under lightning, impulse current tests using a high voltage impulse current generator were performed. Twenty 40 kA 0 5/35 p e c current impulses were applied to an LFA sample of 1= 5 ni. No signs of surface deterioration was noticed. There was only a light track of carbonization which could be easily removed by a rag or by rain.

insulator will flashover first, thus protecting LFA froin being destroyed.

C. Insulator-Long Flashover Arrester (ILFA)prototype

An ILFA prototype for 10 kV nominal voltage was made of polymer material and tested with positive and negative polarity lightning impulses. Without inner electrode (see Fig. 7 , a) the flashover developed in air through the shortest way. The path length was approximately 16 cni + 155 - 150 and U50%,ms+= kV, U500,0,ms~= kV. With an installed iiiiier electrode the flashover developed along the spiral path (see Fig. 7, b). Its length was approximately 70 cm aiid Uv,w~=+104 kV, Ug,ui=-74 kV, The 10 kV ILFA was also tested with several 0.5/35 p e c 20 and 40 kA current impulses. For these high amplitude impulses flashover developed along tlie LFA spiral path and no signs of surface erosion or damage were registered.

B. Long Flnshoser Arrester (LFA) prototypes

LFA prototypes for 6 and 10 kV distribution lines were built in accordance with Figures 1, 2 and 3. An insulated conductor of 9 nim diameter and polyethylene iiisulatioii thidam of 4 i i q was & Test m t are p $ e d i~i 2. ds Table A 35 kV LFA prototype was made in accordance with Fig. 4. An insulated conductor of 9 mm diameter and 7 nim thickness of polyethylene insulation was used. Flashover length along the insulated conductor was 1 =2 in (see Fig. 4). Sparkover air gap was S=0.25 in. Hence total flashover path length was L=l+S=2.25m The line insulator was modeled using a 40 cm composite insulator. Test results are also shown in Table 2. The inipulse amplitude was varied from zero to 900 kV. In the voltage range Uoj LFA to Ulnnlt(see Table 2.) the LFA flashovers. For impulses greater than Ulnnlt- the line insulator flashovers. It means that the LFA voltage - time clinre is steeper than that of an insulator and they cross at a .izalue U I ~Therefore~tlie LFA is able to protect a power ~ ~ ~ . line against lightning overvoltages of not larger than Ulnnn, Indeed, for distribution lines more than 95% of overvoltages are in the above mentioned range 121. For the rare cases of larger lightning overvoltages, for example those due to direct lightning stroke, the line Table 2 - Test Results
1

VI. DISCUSSION
Effective protection of distribution lines against lightning overvoltages is best achieved when arresters of any type (metal-oxide, protector tubes, etc.) are placed at each pole aiid phase. For protection of lilies with insulated conductors it is also necessary to install arresters in parallel with each insulator [%I. Due to the high cost of metal - oxide arresters some other options were investigated, for example placing one arrester at each pole, or three arresters every third pole etc. It is obvious that these alternatives are less effective than the installation of arresters at each insulator. The cost of LFAs is only about one tenth of that of metal-oxide arresters. For example, in Russia the cost of 10 kV metal-oxide arrester is $80 to $90 and the cost of LFA does not exceed $8. Thus, installation of LFAs at each pole and phase is more attractive than for metal-oxide arresters. However, they could also be installed in the same niaiiner as metal - oxide arresters: one at each pole, or three every third pole, etc. Therefore, for lightning protection of overhead distribution lilies tlie LFA are competitive with lnetal -oxi& ilITes2eTs because tky are d & l y l a qm&. The LFAs are a more effective alternative to protector tubes, because they are more reliable and do not require maintenance. The LFAs could be used as the main protective devices on distribution lines without shield wires and as additional protection for lines with shield wires.
VII. CONCLUSIONS

kT

where: IJ,,,,, = power line nominal voltage, S = sparkover air gap, 1 surface flashovei- length. L = total flashover length, l,,, = flashover lellgth ofthe insulator, UOS = 50% flashover voltage ofthe insulator (top - positive polarlty inipulse. bottom - negative polarity), IJo LFA = 50% flashover voltage otths LFX = llashovsr voltage limit.

1. A new simple aiid effective method for lightning protection of overhead distribution lines by Long Flashover Arresters (LFA) is presented.

819

2. The LFA, which is based on the principle of surface discharge along a piece of insulated conductor, increases the lightning flashover length significantly and by this manner eliminates Power Arc Follow (PAF). 3. An Insulator with LFA characteristics (ILFA) is also presented. With the use of ILFA the number of lightning outages of distribution lines will be drastically reduced. 4. An LFA is connected to a line via a sparkover air gap. It can be installed at high potential (on a line conductor) or at ground potential (on a tower). In both cases an LFA is not sdjected to operational voltage and there is no problem of tracking. 5. A simple and reliable application of the LFA is as an insulation sleeve placed over a line conductor. The sleeve increases the insulation between the conductor and a structure and therefore the insulation reliability at operational voltage is enhanced. 6. The LFA can be applied on overhead distribution lines with insulated conductors. In this case it is necessary to install a clamp, which punctures the insulation and contacts the conductor, at a certain distance from the line insulator. 7. The LFA in a form of an insulation sleeve can be used for protection of phase - to - phase gaps, a gap between shield wire and a conductor or for protection of a gap between two crossing o1;erhead lines.

Lightning Protection of Medium Voltage Lines",

A.I.E.E. Eng. Trans. Vol. 60, 1941, pp.128 Elect.

[7] P.L. Bellaschi, "Lightning and 60-Cycle Power Tests on Wood Pole line Insulation", A.I.E.E. Trans. Vol. 66, 1947, pp. 838-50. V.V. Burgsdorf, A. S. Maijkopar, "Investigation of Powerful Impulse Discharge in Air at Atmospheric Pressure",Elektrichcs~o, 12, 1957 (in Russian) No. V.V. Burgsdorf, "Lightning Protection of Overhead Transmission Lnnes and Operating Experience in the U.S.S.R.", CIGRE Paper, No. 326, Paris, 29 pp., 1958. A.S. Maijkopar, Arcs on Overhead Transmission Lines, publishing house "Energia", Moscow, 1965 (in Russian).
H. R. Armstrong, H. 0. Stoelting and E. F. Veverka "Impulse Studies on Distribution Line Construction", IEEE Trans. on PAS, Vol. PAS-86, NO. 2 , 1967, pp. 206 - 214.

[8]

[9]

[lo]

[11]

[ 121

M. Darvenitza, Electrical Properties of Wood and Line Design, University of Queensland Press, St. Lucia. Quensland, 1980.
H. Tatizawa et al. "Comportamento, frente a impulsos atmosfericos, para diferentes amarracoes e isoladores", Eletricrdade Moderno, Setembro, 1994, pp. 94-103.

VIII. REFERENCES McDermott, T.A. Short and J. G. Anderson. "Lightning Protection of Distribution Lines", IEEE Trans. Power Delivery, Vol. 9, No. 1. January 1994, pp. 138-152. Washino. et al. "Development of Current Limiting Arcing Horn for Prevention of Lightiiiiig Faults on Distribution Lines", IEEE Trans. Power Deliveiv, Vol. 3. No. 1, Jaiiuaq 1988, pp. 138-152. A.S. Brooks, et al. "Impulse and Dynamic Flashover Studies on 26kV Wood Pole Transmission Construction", A.I.E.E. Elect. Eng., Vol. 52, 1933, pp. 89-95,
J Eaton. et a1 "Line Field Investigation with Flasholers". El Eng , 1939, No. 11
M M. Akodis, "Development of Lightning Discharge into Power Arc and Methods of the Research", Elektrichestvo, 1941, No 3 (in Russian) H N Ekvall, et a1 "Minimum Insulation Level for

[13]

Georgij V. IPodporkin was born on August 26. 1950. He received the B.S., Ph. D. and Doctor of Science degrees in Electrical Engineering from Si. Petersburg Technical University in 1973, 1977 and 1990, respectively. From 1973 until 1991 he worked as research scientist ai the Extra High Voltage Laboratory o f the Si. Petersburg Technical University. Durins 1992-1995 he was a Scientific Consultant of CEPEL in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. He is currently iiiaiiaging director o f the Streamer Eleckic Coiiipaiiy. E-mail addresses: georgij@pod.spb.su , podporkin@pop3.rcom.ru
Alexander D. Sivaev was born oii July. 22 1955 He received the B S degree in Electrical Engiiieering froiii St Petersburg Technical Uiiivcrsity in 1978 Fiom 1981 until 1995 he worked as research scientist at the Extra High Voltage Laboratory of the St Petersburg Technical University in the field of insulation and lightning proteciion of overhead transmission lines Currently he is technical director ot the Streamer Electric Company

820

Discussion
P. C l ~ o w ~ ~ i u r i (Tennessee Teehnolo~ical University, Cookeville, TN): I would appreci:rte the authors' comments 011 the following points:
1, As sparkover of air gaps depends irpon the ambient temperature, pressure and humidity, the irrotective level of the LFA will also depend upon these anrbient conditions.

2. The performance criterion of the Ll A would require low U,5L,;Aaiid high U, Based 011 this criterion, i t ,. appears from Table 2 that the perfimnance of LFA connected according to Fig. 2 is signifiGantly better than that connected according to Fig. 1. WIiai is tlie reason for such difference in performame'?

improve the reliability of distribution circuits under conditions of induced lightning strokes. Some 20 years ago when attention in the USA was focused on line construction aesthetics, the 3-500 kV BIL wood cross-arm with porcelain insulator was commonly replaced with a steel bracket and porcelain which resulted in a BIL on the order of 95-150 kV BIL - creating an environment that produced a trip-out from the common induced surge which is now known to be withstood by the higher BIL construction. While we now understand how to build an attractive high BIL distribution line, for example one featuring porcelain with fibreglass, retrofit costs are excessive as are the costs for installation of multiple surge arresters. The authors' long flashover arresters (LFA) may be an excellent option to add a higher BIL to existing circuit construction where there is a desire to improve circuit reliability under induced stroke conditions. While the test results with their LFA options are impressive to validate feasibility of their concepts, their work should be confirmed by actual real world experience with their nominated constructions. My essential question is to know of their plans in this regard and to have a report on results leamed to-date. Additionally, I would ask the authors for an elaboration on the performance of the LFA under direct and multiple stroke conditions. How does high energy and high magnitude stroke discharges affect the LFA performance and reliability?

3. Why are tlte values of Ulimi, LFA ir) the 6-kV system for connected according to Fig. 3 missing?
4.11S generally believed that outages caused by backfiash I predominate for distribution lines of iriipulse strength of 250 kV and higher. In that case, tlie LF'A configurRtions of Figs. 2 and 4 will be superior, What ate the advantages and disadvantages of the five configurelions of LFA'!

5. The authors have stated that ffashovcrs along the LFA surface by high-amplitude impulse currents have not shown any sign of surface erosion or d:mage, However, repeated flashovers on contaminated siirface in the field may alter the performance of the LFA.
6 . The tests with 1.2/50-p applied inipu /sevoltages show remarkable performalice of the LFA. I suggest that the aufliors perform tests with very fast f font (e.g., 0.1-ps front) voltages. Tests with veiy fast froiif voltages will be more onerous where the solid insulation may be punctured instead of causing surface flashover.
7. The tests on the LFA were performed without R powerfrequency source behind the impulse-voltage source. Will not the power arc-quenching capabilit: of LFA depend upon the short-circuit current at the point of installation, similar to that of an expulsioii type arrehter?

G . A. Anisimova and V. M. Gulkov (LENENERGO Joint-

Stock Company, St. Petersburg, Russia): We would like to commend the authors for their pioneer work on developing of Long Flashover Arresters (LFAs) and Insulators. The LFA technology is a novel and cost-effective way of providing lightning fault protection on distribution circuits. In order to get field experience of the LFAs, our utility will install approximately 100 LFAs at a 6 kV distribution line with covered conductors and almost 150 LFAs at a 10 kV distribution line with bare conductors during this year. May we suggest the authors present an additional information concerning practical application of the LFAs. The authors' response to the following questions would be appreciated:
1. What is practical design of an LFA installed on a distribution pole presented at Fig. l ?
2. How often the LFAs should be installed along a line: at each insulator, at each pole etc.?

1 congratulate the authors for dcveloping a viable bu1 simple and cost effective surgo prolcctive device for the electric distribution systems.

A. C. Westrom (Westrom Technologies): I would like to compliment the authors for their original work directed to

3. HOW does pollution affect the LFAs characteristics?

821

G. V. Podporkin, A. D. Sivaev (Streamer Electric Company, St. Petersburg, Russia): The authors would like to thank the discussers for their interest and valuable comments on the paper.
To Dr. P. Chowdhuri 1. The protective voltage level of LFA depends on ambient temperature, pressure and humidity in the same way as the flashover voltage of an insulator. Therefore, coordination of flashover voltages of the LFA and the protected insulator remains at the same level.
2. Flashover voltages of insulated conductors depend on the polarity of the voltage impulse applied on the metallic tube installed over the conductor insulation. Flashover voltages for positive impulses are considerably higher than for negative one, as seen in Fig. 8.

service. In this case, it is not necessary to connect anything to the line conductor. An advantage of the LFA shown in Fig. 2 is the simplicity of its design. One restriction is that such arrangement can be used only on special type structures with hooks or similar accessories. The LFA of Fig. 3 can be used only on. anchor structures. The LFA of Fig. 4 is best for relatively high operating voltages, for example 35 kV and above where insulator strings are being used. The LFA configuration of Fig. 5 is recommended for new overhead lines. The insulation sleeves could be placed on the conductor and fixed at the insulators during line installation. An advantage of this design is enhancement of the line insulation at operating voltages and hence improvement of the line reliability. A disadvantage is the complexity of the sleeve installation. 5. The authors have tested some heavily polluted samples and did not record any surface erosion. Flashover develops in air and it seems that the pollution adds additional protection to the LFA surface. 6. The authors have carried out some limited testing with very fast front impulses. The lightning impulse generator was connected to the test object through a sparkover sphere-sphere air gap. A voltage impulse with a front time of aplproximately 0.2 ps and 300 kV crest value was obtained. These impulses were used for testing the LFA design of Fig. 1. More than 50 shots were applied to an LFA sample and no puncture of its solid insulation was recorded. 7. The authors agree with Dr. Chowdhuri that arcquenching capability of LFA depends upon the short-circuit current at the point of installation. A special Power Arc Follow (PAF) testing program was carried out by the authors since the paper was sent for publication. The test circuit is shown in Fig. 9. The test circuit consisted of three impulse current generators. Lightning Impulse Generator GIG) provided lightning impulses with crest voltages up to 220 kV and current amplitudes up to 15 kA, front time from 1 to 5 ps and duration (time to half value) from 40 to 60 ps. Lightning impulses were applied to the tested object via protective GAPl. As the protective gap the LFA sample with a flashover length equal to 1 m was used.

Test results for LFA prototypes built in accordance with Figures 1, 2 and 3. are presented in Table 2. Test impulses of positive and negative polarity were applied to the line conductor. For LFA, connected as shown in Fig. 1, the voltage impulse reaching the metallic tube placed over the LFAs insulation, has the same polarity as the line conductor. For LFA, connected as shown in Fig. 2, the polarity of the metallic tube placed over the LFAs insulation is of opposite polarity of the voltage impulse applied to the line conductor. For example, when a positive impulse (Uos LFA=+86 kV, see Table 2) is applied to the line conductor, the flashover voltage across the LFAs surface is approximately -86 kV (neglecting the voltage drop across the 5 cm sparkover air gap, S). Therefore, the positive polarity voltages of Table 1 for Fig 1, should be compared with the negative ones for Fig. 2 and vice versa. Other discrepancies in the 50% flashover voltages could be explained by the different electric field conf@rations of test objects of Figs 1 and 2. Line insulators of different length were used for testing the LFA performance. The insulator flashover length was equal to 16 cm in Fig. 1, and 17 cm in Fig. 2. The LFA flashover voltages for the coIlfguration of Fig. 2 were lower than those of Fig. 1. Consequently, of Fig. 2 configuration is higher than that of Fig. 1.
3. Ulimit the LFA configuration shown in Fig. 3 was for omitted because in this case the LFA is installed in series with the insulator. Any flashover of this configuration will include the flashover across the LFAs surface.

4. An advantage of the LFA design shown in Fig. 1 is convenience of installation on distribution lines already in

822

10

time, msec

400
Fig. 9 Power Arc Follow Test Circuit LIG = Lightning Inipulse Generator; KI, Keys; KI= DC,, DC2 = Direct Current Sources; GAP], GAP2 = Air Gaps; IG = Triggering Impulse Generator; LFA = Tested LFA Sample;
CI=C2=0.1 pF: C3=300 pF; C,=IOOO pF: Ll= L2= L3= I nrH, Ld= 100 pH, R[=I00 Ohni, Rd=100 Ohm, R2 and R3 variedj?onr 0 to I20 Ohm.

<
2-

! i3

200 0 -200

-400 -600
0
2

4
a)

10

time,msec

Two generators with discharge capacitors C3 and C4 were used to simulate the positive and negative half-periods of the operating voltage, respectively. The second generator was applied after a time delay of 3 to 5 ins using triggering Impulse Generator (IG). Capacitors C3 and C4 wcrc charged from dc current sources DCI and DC2. correspondingly. The simulated operating voltage was applied to the LFA through a distribution line model. Thc line model consisted of capacitors C1 and Cz, inductances LI, L2 and L3 and a 350-in long cable, simulating an overhead distribution line of approximately 6 kin in length. After application of the lightning impulse to the LFA sample, capacitor C3 discharged through the line model forming the positive half period of the operating voltage. After 3-5 ins, GAP2 was triggered and the negative operating voltage half period was applied from circuit C4, L4 and &. Typical voltage and current oscillograms arc presented in Fig. 10. The length of the tested LFAs varied from 0.2 to 2 m, tlic resistances RZ and R3 varied from 0 to 120 Ohms and the charging voltage U of capacitors C3 and C4 varied from 0 to 9 kV. During testing, U was increased by steps of 0.5 kV. The highest charging voltage U at which there was no Power Arc Follow was determined as the critical voltage, U,. Therefore, mean critical gradient was defined as E,,= UJl, where I = flashover length along the LFA. Main test results are presented in Fig. 11. They can be approximated by a formula:

3 4
6 2
a r
0)

0 > -2 -4

10

time,msec
200

a
L

0
-200 -600
time, M S ~ C
b)

0 -400

10 Long Flashover Arresters voltage and current oscillograms a) with Power Arc Follow, b) no Power Arc Follow.
Fig.

where:

E, = F W m ]
U = [kv] in the range from 0 to 9 kV I,, = [A] in the range from 0 to 1000 A; all

823
32

To Dr. A. C. Westrom To the authors opinion, multiple strokes are not dangerous to LFAs because inter-stroke time intervals are around 30 to 50 ms (common range is 15 to 150 ms). The half period of a 50 Hz operating voltage system is 10 ms. The crucial time interval for PAF development is from the moment the voltage reaches its peak value until it crosses zero, i.e. 5 111s. After the first stroke, all ionization and heat processes in the air will be completed &er several milliseconds. Discharge processes due to a subsequent stroke will develop in approximately the same conditions as during the first stroke.
8-5

4,5

5,5

63

7,5

To Mrs. 6. A. Anisimova and Mr. V. M. Gulkov

peak voltage, kV
O I W A OISOA A2WA X3WA 0 4 0 0 A b 6 W A +BWA

1. A practical LFA design which will be installed on 6 kV and 10 kV distribution lines in Lenenrgo Utility is shown inFig. 12.

Fig. 11 - Mean Power Arc Follow critical gradient as a fiinction of peak phase-to-ground voltages for different peak short-circuit current values. For measuring the short-circuit current I,,, the LFA was replaced by a short copper wire. It can be seen from Fig. 11 and equation (l), that E, depends on short circuit current I,, and operating voltage, U. The higher the short circuit current and voltage U, the lower the critical gradient Ecr. For overhead distribution lines with insulated neutral (3conductors ungrounded system), single-phase-to-ground short circuit currents are quite low (1 to 30 A) and PAF will be effectively prevented by LFAs.

In order to avoid high short circuit currents during two or three-phase lightning flashovers to ground, it is reasonable to install LFAs at each pole on different phases. For exaniple, an arrester should be installed on phase A of the first pole, on phase B of the second pole, on phase C of the third pole, etc. After an LFA flashover-to-ground, the short circuit current flowing through the arrester is limited by the grounding resistance of two poles. In this case, for a 10 kV overhead distribution line, short circuit currents do not exceed 300 A and LFAs with a flashover length of 0.8 m are sufficient to eliminate PAF.
The authors would like to take this opportunity to thank Dr. V. E. Pilshikov and Eng. A. V. Muraviev for their assistance in performing PAF tests.

Fig. 12: Long Flashover Arrester in a form of a loop installed on a distribution line cross-arm b) Long Flashover a) Distribution Line, Arrester 1 - insulated steel loop, 2 - clamp; 3- steel cross-arm; 4 - metallic tube, 5 - power line conductor, 6 - flashover channel; 7 - insulator; 8 - structure. The flashover length along the LFA is 1=75 cm. The air gap between the metallic tube and power line conductor is 5 cm.
2. The LFAs should be installed as described in answer to Dr. Chowdhuri, i.e. one arrester on each pole.
3. Tests have shown that pollution practically does not affect the LFAs flashover voltages.
Manuscript received March 2, 1998.