Probabilistic evaluation of lightning performance of overhead distribution lines using Monte Carlo method

Lightning overvoltage is one of the main causes of insulation failure on distribution lines. Since lightning phenomenon is statistical in nature, the statistical based methods as Monte Carlo simulation are the best tool for estimation of the lighting overvoltages and the effect of protective devices on their magnitude. This paper represents a procedure, based on IEEE standard 1410, for the evaluation of flashover rates caused by lightning vertical strokes hitting distribution lines, by using a Monte Carlo Method. The effectiveness of shield wires and surge arrester on mitigation of lightning overvoltages is studied; and the sensitivity analysis is performed to determine the effect of some parameters of power system on lightning performance of overhead distribution lines.