An expert system for high-voltage substations lightning performance estimation

A computer-based expert system approach to the detailed lightning performance evaluation of high-voltage overhead lines and substations is described. All parameters causing the computation result uncertainty are systematized and analyzed. The importance of the optimal equivalent circuit design is emphasized. For a 400 kV substation layout the sensitivity study of the parameters of the equivalent circuit is performed and an optimal circuit is evaluated. The lightning and the computing parameters are studied and the default values for practical application are suggested. Some of the software possibilities using a multilevel menu system are presented. A statistical approach to the substation lightning performance estimation based on the discharge point moving along the span of the connected overhead line in front of the analyzed substation entrance is described