Abstract :
Many theoretical and experimental studies have been made since the beginning of this century on the problem of the surge performance of transformers, rotating machines, air coils, current-limiting reactors, etc. This work has led to a clear understanding of the effect of lightning, switching surges, and impulse voltages on stations and substations and on the apparatus included in them. It has also led to the introduction in all countries of insulation co-ordination, standard impulse tests, and rational protective practices. This, in turn, has achieved the result that properly designed and properly protected apparatus are now practically immune to the abnormal voltages arising during service conditions. Despite these achievements, certain aspects of the problem, both theoretical and experimental, yet remain to be solved, and work is actively progressing in this field in many countries. This paper presents a historical survey of the problem, the solutions which have been devised, and the present status of the art. It analyzes the work done in various areas through a comprehensive review of significant contributions to literature. It is hoped that this review will enable interested engineers to gain a full understanding of the problem, to be used as a basis for future original contributions in this important and fascinating field of electrical engineering. (All superscripts refer to the references listed in reference 1. The first two digits refer to the year of publication, with 19 omitted.)
