Modeling overhead transmission lines for line arrester studies

Surge arresters are installed in transmission lines to improve their lightning performance. To date simulation, usually based on EMTP-like tools, has been extensively used for evaluation of line arrester energy stresses. However, simulation results depend on the models chosen for representing the line. This aspect is particularly important for some parts of the line, e.g. tower footing impedances. The main goal of this paper is twofold: analyze the influence that some modeling approaches can have on arrester energy discharge and decide how the line has to be represented for an accurate calculation of energy stresses.