Lightning-Induced Voltage Effects in Power Transmission Systems
Summary
Lightning discharges to overhead transmission networks induce rapid voltage surges that propagate along conductors and may compromise network stability, equipment integrity and safety. These overvoltages arise both from direct strikes to phase conductors or shield wires and from indirect electromagnetic coupling with nearby lightning channels. The transient response involves complex interactions among the lightning current waveform, tower and line geometry, grounding systems and surge protection devices. High‐frequency components of the lightning impulse excite line capacitances and inductances, causing reflections at terminations and junctions, and may trigger back-flashover at insulator strings. Effective mitigation requires accurate modelling of transient phenomena, optimal design and placement of surge arresters, and strategic deployment of shield wires to attenuate overvoltage magnitudes. Advances in computational methods—including finite-difference time-domain techniques, electromagnetic transient programmes and hybrid optimisation—enhance predictive capability and inform insulation coordination. As power systems expand into storm-prone regions worldwide, deep understanding of lightning-induced voltage effects is essential to reduce outage rates, prolong asset lifespan and protect personnel.
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Lightning-Induced Voltage Effects in Power Transmission Systems publication trend
The graph below shows the total number of articles in lightning-induced voltage effects in power transmission systems across all publications each year (not limited to Nature Index journals).
Technical terms
Surge arrester: A protective device that limits transient overvoltages by conducting excess current to earth once a voltage threshold is reached.
Shield wire: A grounded conductor mounted above phase conductors to intercept lightning strikes and reduce voltage surges on the main conductors.
Back-flashover: A secondary flashover of an insulator string caused by transient voltages reflecting from tower and line discontinuities.
Finite-difference time-domain (FDTD): A numerical method for solving Maxwell’s equations in the time domain, used to model electromagnetic transients.
Ground potential rise: The rapid increase in the earth’s potential at a substation grounding system due to injected lightning currents.
References
- Research Progress in Computational Methods for System-Level Coupling of Electromagnetic Pulse. IEEE Access (2025).
- Accurate Surge Arrester Modeling for Optimal Risk-Aware Lightning Protection Utilizing a Hybrid Monte Carlo–Particle Swarm Optimization Algorithm. Technologies (2024).
- Three-Dimensional FDTD-Based Simulation of Lightning-Induced Surges in Secondary Circuits With Shielded Control Cables Over Grounding Grids in Substations. IEEE Transactions on Electromagnetic Compatibility (2023).
- On the Role of Shield Wires in Mitigating Lightning-Induced Overvoltages in Overhead Lines - Part I: A Critical Review and a New Analysis. IEEE Transactions on Power Delivery (2022).
- On the Role of Shield Wires in Mitigating Lightning-Induced Overvoltages in Overhead Lines - Part II: Simulation Results for Practical Configurations. IEEE Transactions on Power Delivery (2022).
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