Algorithm based on attractive radius for estimating the lightning protection efficiency

Protection against direct lightning strokes in the power system´s equipments is of great concern among the designing and operating personnel due to the severe implications related for such events. A proper designed lightning rod protective system will ensure a higher protection against direct lightning strokes. Although the rolling sphere method is the most used method for designing the lightning rods systems, this method was elaborated according to the electrometrical theory principles which were established in the late ´60. Starting with the late ´80 and up until the present day new models for estimating the lightning orientation towards the ground emerged, thus establishing a new theory known as leader progression theory. In this paper is presented a new methodology for calculating the lightning protection zones dimensions developed on the base of the new leader progression theory principles, named the attractive radius method.