From Lightning to Arc Models Studying arcs in electric power systems

The paper will address the issues of a reliable model of lightning return stroke, and the extension of the model to arcs in electric power systems and aircraft. The lightning return stroke has been modeled using approximate representations of the electromagnetic wave which characterizes it: the electric circuit model and the waveguide model. It is shown that a fundamentally straightforward distributed inductance-capacitance-resistance (DLCR) model captures all measured characteristics of the lightning return stroke, and that the waveguide model makes assumptions that are not easily justifiable. Moreover, it is shown that rather complicated and scientifically unjustifiable models of lightning radius and velocity are not necessary to obtain a valid model of lightning. Lightning return stroke currents and radiated electromagnetic fields are compared with measured values to validate the case. Subsequently the lightning channel model is extended to high voltage long arcs in order to capture the high frequency transient components and radiation produced by long arc in power systems and aircraft. A major focus of this paper is to consider some critical factors to be addressed to increase the quality of the energy network by looking at the protection of the power electronics and communication consumer devices connected to the national grid. In developed countries such as France about 10% of damage to telecommunication equipment, for instance, is due to power surges. This work is part of the overall plan to increase the power quality in Papua New Guinea and to provide electricity to rural communities of the nation. The paper will present the initial new model proposed for the electric arc that is the main component that generates high voltage surges that impacts electronic and communication devices at both voltage cut off points and in the frequency plane. A careful study and analysis of the power pulses generated in the time and frequency domains will be presented and thei- implications to improving power quality to consumers using electronic devices.