Lightning performance analysis of overhead transmission lines using the EMTP

This paper presents a procedure for the calculation of lightning flashover rates of transmission lines using a Monte Carlo method. The procedure has been implemented in the Alternative Transients Program version of the Electromagnetic Transients Program. Parametric studies using this procedure can also be performed to determine the sensitivity of the flashover rate with respect to some parameters of the transmission line and the return stroke. Some refinements are proposed to decrease the computer time while preserving the accuracy of calculations.