Application of lightning detection in smart grid protection

For the purpose of improving the stability and robustness of Smart Grid, a dynamic lightning protection mode which based on real time lightning detection was developed. While the conventional mode focuses on the protection for each individual grid element or component (transmission line, distribution line, transformer, substation, electronic equipment, etc) separately, the dynamic mode that named Active Lightning Protection (ALP) concentrates on protecting the whole electrical grid in its entirety. According the real time lightning detection information, the ALP mode carries out dynamic measures in advance, including adjusting the grid operation mode, optimizing the gird power flow distribution, controlling the generation units, switching the Microgrid. Furthermore, it leads the load to those parts of smart grid which are not threatened by lightning, so as to reduce the risk of grid-scale blackout. The dynamic protection mode, which discussed in the paper, provides more optional applications of lightning detection in the Smart Gird.