Lightning characteristics as applied to protection of power systems

Lightning parameters are the primary input in the evaluation of lightning performance of electric power systems. After the invention of lightning location systems in the late 1970s, great amount of lightning data have become available in addition to the lightning current data observed by the classical tower measurements. The interpretation of the observed results by lightning location systems, however, may still be a matter of debate in their application to the design of power systems. Measurements of lightning current on independent towers also may need interpretation in the similar application. Necessity of research to cope with these problems is discussed.