On the Influence of Dielectric-Coated Conductors on the Performance of Three-Phase Compact Distribution Lines Against Indirect Lightning Strikes

This article presents an investigation on the performance of a three-phase compact distribution line against nearby lightning strikes. It is shown that neglecting the insulating layer that surrounds the phase conductors as usually done in this type of study does not significantly change voltages induced from phase to ground, but can have some effect on voltages induced between phase and messenger, which are the ones that effectively stress the insulation. However, the observed differences are strongly minimized if the usual practice of grounding messenger and neutral in regular intervals of less than 200 m is considered. This is confirmed by a Monte-Carlo-type study that shows that the failure rate of the line is not affected by the inclusion of the insulating layer that surrounds the phase conductors in practical conditions.