A New Method to Measure the Lightning Performance of a Long Medium Voltage Line

Lightning Induced Overvoltages (LIOVs) on short, floating Medium Voltage (MV) lines can be either calculated or measured using existing methods. These results are then normalized and extrapolated to estimate the lightning performance of long operational MV lines. Existing models can become complicated and some crucial input data may not be available when the line is long, has line equipment connected to it and is energized. Accurate LIOV measurements on an operational MV line are not viable due to the large number of measurement instruments required and the accompanied logistics. This paper describes a new measurement method to distinguish between nearby lightning and direct lightning strikes to the line for lightning performance investigations. It also indicates whether the LIOV exceeded the line Basic Insulation Level (BIL).