Insulation Coordination Study of Light Electrified Railway System - Analysis of Lightning Overvoltages

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INSULATION COORDINATION STUDY OF LIGHT ELECTRIFIED RAILWAY

SYSTEM - ANALYSIS OF LIGHTNING OVERVOLTAGES
Technical Report · October 2018
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INSULATION COORDINATION STUDY OF LIGHT
ELECTRIFIED RAILWAY SYSTEM
ANALYSIS OF LIGHTNING OVERVOLTAGES
Gilberto Enrique Mejía Chaparro – Universidad de los Andes
Versión 0, Rev: 14/10/2018

Insulation Coordination Study - Analysis of Lightning Overvoltages
CONTENTS
1 INTRODUCTION...................................................................................................................... 1
2 OBJECTIVES ............................................................................................................................ 1
3 APPLICABLE DOCUMENTS ...................................................................................................... 1
4 BACKGROUND INFORMATION................................................................................................ 1
4.1 Light Rail Metro Environment................................................................................................................... 1
5 DETERMINATION OF MINIMUM CLEARANCES AND CREEPAGE DISTANCES.............................. 2

5.1 Sections to be handled separately............................................................................................................ 4
5.2 Determination of the insulation voltage .................................................................................................. 4
5.3 Determination of insulation type ............................................................................................................. 5
5.4 Choice of pollution degree ....................................................................................................................... 5
5.5 Determination of the rated impulse voltage for this equipment UNI and the minimum clearance in air 5
5.6 Determination of minimum creepage distance........................................................................................ 6
5.7 Conclusions ............................................................................................................................................. 10
6 ANALYSIS OF OVERVOLTAGES CAUSED BY LIGHTING ............................................................ 10

6.1.1 Surge Protective Device coordination ..................................................................................................... 13
6.2 Description of the system ....................................................................................................................... 14
6.2.1 Traction Substations ............................................................................................................................... 14
6.2.2 Overhead contact system ....................................................................................................................... 16
6.2.3 Insulation coordination requirements and ratings ................................................................................. 16
6.3 System modelling guidelines .................................................................................................................. 17
6.3.1 Lightning current source model .............................................................................................................. 17
6.3.2 Railway Transmission Line ...................................................................................................................... 25
6.3.3 Mast Model............................................................................................................................................. 29
6.3.4 Mast Footing resistance model (Earth)................................................................................................... 33
6.3.5 Insulator Model....................................................................................................................................... 36
6.3.6 Surge Arrester Model .............................................................................................................................. 40
6.3.7 Power Grid .............................................................................................................................................. 52
6.3.8 Transformers........................................................................................................................................... 53
6.3.9 Twelve Phase Rectifier ............................................................................................................................ 53
6.3.10 Modelling the railway power system...................................................................................................... 56
6.4 Computation of specific lightning events ............................................................................................... 62
6.4.1 System Variation 1. No Surge Arresters .................................................................................................. 62
| Page I of vii
6.4.2 System Variation 2. Surge arresters at dc substations only.................................................................... 62

6.4.3 System Variation 3. Surge arresters at dc substations and connection points between the contact line
system and the parallel feeder cables. ................................................................................................................ 63
6.5 Results of simulations ............................................................................................................................. 65
6.5.1 System Variation 1. No Surge Arresters .................................................................................................. 65
6.5.2 System Variation 2. Surge arresters at dc substations only.................................................................... 67
system and the parallel feeder cables. ................................................................................................................ 73
6.6 Conclusions ............................................................................................................................................. 79
APPENDIX 1. RELATED DOCUMENTS AND STANDARDS
Page II of vii |
LIST OF FIGURES
Figure 1. Light Rail metro.......................................................................................................................................1

Figure 2. Horizontal Layout of wires for the system .............................................................................................2
Figure 3. Locomotive device diagram ....................................................................................................................3
Figure 4. Difference between creepage distance and clearance distance ............................................................4
Figure 5. Metro railway system light cantilever ....................................................................................................4
Figure 6. Representation of an overhead line being struck by lightning............................................................ 11
Figure 7. Procedure of wire breakage caused by lightning in Vdc traction power system ................................ 11
Figure 8. Broken wires and insulators due to a stroke of lighting ...................................................................... 11
Figure 9. Broken insulator due to lightning striking a tension balancer device ................................................. 12
Figure 10. Location of wires in conventional catenary system and “integrated catenary system” ................... 13
Figure 11. Basic configuration of the system ..................................................................................................... 14
Figure 12. Basic configuration of an ................................................................................................................... 14
Figure 13. Transformer and rectifier circuit arrangement ................................................................................. 15
Figure 14. Negative return system ..................................................................................................................... 16
Figure 15. Section view of the OCS ..................................................................................................................... 16
Figure 16. Main characteristics of an overvoltage ............................................................................................. 18
Figure 17. Example of lightning current ............................................................................................................. 18
Figure 18. 10/350 µs current wave..................................................................................................................... 18
Figure 19. 8/20 µs current wave......................................................................................................................... 19
Figure 20. 1.2/50 µs voltage wave...................................................................................................................... 19
Figure 21. Cumulative statistical distributions of peak currents for negative first strokes adopted by IEEE and
CIGRE (N = 408). Taken from CIGRE Report 63 (1991). ...................................................................................... 20
Figure 22. CIGRÉ 20 kA lightning current shape obtained with ATP-EMTP........................................................ 21
Figure 23. 8/20-µs Test wave ............................................................................................................................. 21
Figure 24. Dialog Box of the Cigré-Type surge model ........................................................................................ 22
Figure 25. Lightning Stroke Heidler Model ......................................................................................................... 23
Figure 26. Heidler 20 kA lightning current shape obtained with ATP-EMTP...................................................... 24
Figure 27. 1.2/50-µs Test wave .......................................................................................................................... 24
Figure 28. Dialog Box of the Heidler-Type surge model ..................................................................................... 25
Figure 29. Dialog Box of the parallel resistance with the Heidler current source.............................................. 25
Figure 30. Line models for different ranges of frequency .................................................................................. 26
Figure 31. Railway transmission line .................................................................................................................. 28
Figure 32. Dialog Box of the LCC routine at ATP-EMTP ...................................................................................... 29
Figure 33. Surge resistance for different tower Models .................................................................................... 30
Figure 34. Mast surge resistance modelled at ATP-EMTP .................................................................................. 31
| Page III of vii

Figure 35. Mast dimensions ................................................................................................................................32

Figure 36. Cantilever............................................................................................................................................33
Figure 37. Resistance variotion depending on the current .................................................................................35
Figure 38. Representation of mast model at ATP-EMTP using GROUP routine ..................................................35
Figure 39. Mast Grounding ..................................................................................................................................36
Figure 40. Discharges on insulators to structure at the flashover ......................................................................37
Figure 41. Insulator Catenary model ...................................................................................................................37
Figure 42. Critical Flashover voltage for catenary insulator of 140 mm .............................................................39
Figure 43. Model Flash-over using TACS-MODELS in ATPDraw ..........................................................................40
Figure 44. Surge Arrester Datasheet ...................................................................................................................42
Figure 45. V-I Characteristics of non-lineal A0 and A1..........................................................................................44
Figure 46. Slow-front A0 curve and fast-front A1 curve for nonlinear components of the MOV ........................45
Figure 47. Representation of the Surge Arrester by IEEE model.........................................................................46
Figure 48. 8/20-µs Test wave 10 kA for modelling testing ..................................................................................46
Figure 49. Residual voltage of IEEE model with a 8/20-µs Test wave 10 kA .......................................................47
Figure 50. Residual voltage of IEEE model with a 8/20-µs Test wave 10 kA for modelling testing ....................47
Figure 51. Representation of the Surge Arrester by Pinceti model ....................................................................48
Figure 52. Residual voltage of Pinceti model with a 8/20-µs Test wave 10 kA ...................................................48
Figure 53. Non-Linear Resistance model .............................................................................................................48
Figure 54. V-I curve of nonlinear resistance in ATP/EMTP program ...................................................................49
Figure 55. Residual voltage of Non-Linear Resistance model with a 8/20-µs Test wave 10 kA ..........................50
Figure 56. Residual voltage for IEEE, Pinceti and MOV NLR model (st = 1 ms) ...................................................51
Figure 57. Residual voltage for IEEE, Pinceti and MOV NLR model (st = 0,16 ms) ..............................................51
Figure 58. Representation of Surge Arrester model at ATP-EMTP using GROUP routine ..................................51
Figure 59. Dialog Box of the BCTRAN rectifier transformer ................................................................................53
Figure 60. Representation of front end 12-pulse converter ...............................................................................53
Figure 61. ATP Representation of Rectifier Substation .......................................................................................54
Figure 62. System initialization – Voltage at the DC busbar of the substation ...................................................54
Figure 63. Lightning discharge of 1 kA applied to rectifier bridge, protected by SPD ........................................55
Figure 64. Overvoltage measured at output of rectifier bridge, protected with SPF .........................................55
Figure 65. Lightning discharge of 1 kA applied to rectifier bridge, not protected by SPD ..................................55
Figure 66. Overvoltage measured at output of rectifier bridge, not protected with SPF ...................................56
Figure 67. Extreme case of lightning strike on an overhead system ...................................................................56
Figure 68. Direct lightning strikes on railway power systems .............................................................................57
Figure 69. Direct lightning strike producing Back-Flashover ...............................................................................57
Figure 70. Simplified scheme for the system configuration of the one line diagram .........................................58
Figure 71. Single line diagram of the railway power system ...............................................................................59
Page IV of vii |
Figure 72. ATP/EMTP simplified model .............................................................................................................. 60

Figure 73. Detail for ATP/EMTP model for zone A ............................................................................................. 61
Figure 74. Detail for ATP/EMTP model for zone B ............................................................................................. 61
Figure 75. Positioning of surge arresters at the substation positive and negative terminals ............................ 63
Figure 76. Simplified model for the system configuration for system variation 3 ............................................. 64
Figure 77. Positioning of the surge arresters at the interface feeder cable-contact line .................................. 64
Figure 78. Representation of system variation with no surge arrester.............................................................. 65
Figure 79. a) Voltage on OCS wire at first tower near substation, b) CFO Voltage at insulator on mast ........... 66
Figure 80. a) CFO voltage at most exited diode, b) voltage at DC busbar on nearest substation ...................... 66
Figure 81. a) voltage at most exited diode on near substation, b) Voltage at DC busbar on S/E ...................... 66
Figure 82. a) CFO voltage at cantilever, b) CFO voltage at insulator .................................................................. 67
Figure 83. a) Voltage at DC busbar on S/E, b) a) CFO voltage at most exited diode .......................................... 67
Figure 84. a) Voltage on Cantilever, b) CFO voltage at insulator ....................................................................... 68
Figure 86. a) CFO voltage on Cantilever, b) CFO voltage at insulator ................................................................ 68
Figure 88. a) Voltage on OCS wire at third mast near to substation, b) Voltage at insulator ............................ 69
Figure 89. Representation of simplified model at the centre of OCW system with SPD at both S/E ................ 70
Figure 90. a) Voltage at DC busbar on S/E on 1 & 2, b) a) CFO voltage at most exited diode on SSEE 1 & 2 .... 71
Figure 91. a) Voltage on Cantilever, b) voltage at insulator ............................................................................... 71
Figure 93. a) voltage on Cantilever, b) voltage at insulator ............................................................................... 72
Figure 94. a) Voltage at DC busbar on S/E, b) b) CFO voltage at most exited diode .......................................... 72
Figure 97. a) Voltage on Cantilever, b) Voltage at insulator .............................................................................. 74
Figure 98. a) Voltage at DC busbar on S/E, b) a) Voltage at most exited diode ................................................. 74
Figure 100. a) Voltage at DC busbar on S/E, b) a) CFO voltage at most exited diode ........................................ 75
Figure 101. a) Voltage on OCS wire at third mast near to substation, b) Voltage at insulator .......................... 75
Figure 102. Representation of simplified model at the centre of OCW system with SPD at both S/E .............. 76
Figure 103. a) Voltage at DC busbar on S/E on 1 & 2, b) a) CFO voltage at most exited diode on 1 & 2 ........... 77
Figure 104. a) Voltage at Cantilever, b) voltage at insulator .............................................................................. 77
Figure 105. a) Voltage at DC busbar on S/E, b) a) voltage at most exited diode ............................................... 77
Figure 106. a) Voltage on Cantilever, b) voltage at insulator ............................................................................. 78
Figure 107. a) Voltage at DC busbar on S/E, b) a) CFO voltage at most exited diode ........................................ 78
Figure 108. a) CFO Voltage on Cantilever, b) voltage at insulator ..................................................................... 78
| Page V of vii
Figure 109. Transient overvoltage at substation zone A, due a 20 kA lightning impulse impacts on first mast at
OCW and Surge arrester earth resistance is 0 Ω .................................................................................................80
Page VI of vii |
LIST OF TABLES
Table 1. Correlation between Un and UNM .............................................................................................................3

Table 2. Pollution degrees .....................................................................................................................................5
Table 3. Rated impulse voltage UNi for circuits not powered by the contact line ................................................6
Table 4. Rated impulse voltage UNi for circuits powered by the contact line ......................................................7
Table 5. Minimum clearances in air......................................................................................................................8
Table 6. test voltage to verifying clearances ........................................................................................................9
Table 7. Minimum creepage distance ............................................................................................................... 10
Table 8. Modelling guidelines for overhead lines............................................................................................... 26
Table 9. Equivalent rays values of rails ............................................................................................................... 28
Table 10. Values for K and E0 in insulators ......................................................................................................... 38
Table 11. Models for Surge Arresters ................................................................................................................. 43
Table 12. V-I Characteristics for A0 & A1 ............................................................................................................. 43
Table 13. Parameters for nonlinear resistors A0 and A1 for IEEE model ............................................................ 45
Table 14. V-I curve parameters for non-linear resistor ...................................................................................... 50
Table 15. X/R ratios values for utility source ...................................................................................................... 52
Table 16. Maximum overvoltage at the nearest substation for study case 1, system variation 2 .................... 70
Table 17. Maximum overvoltage at both substations for study case 2, system variation 2 .............................. 73
Table 18. Maximum overvoltage at the nearest substation for study case 1, system variation 3 .................... 76
Table 19. Maximum overvoltage at both substations for study case 2, system variation 3 .............................. 79
| Page VII of vii

1 INTRODUCTION
The present document shows the application of the “EN 50214 Railway applications – Insulation coordination
– Clearances and creepage distances for all electrical and electronic equipment” standard, for a metro station.
“Insulation coordination” implies the selection of the equipments with an electrical insulation characteristic
with regard to its application in relation to its anticipated lifespan. Insulation coordination can only be achieved
with the design of the equipment in regard to its application and in relation to its surroundings.
The term “insulation co-ordination” explains the process for co-ordinating the constituent of an electrical
insulation, i.e. solid/liquid insulation, clearances and creepage distances. The use of standard EN 5014 is to
take into account the insulations in railway systems and their expected reliability and long lifespan.
2 OBJECTIVES
Activity: Analysis of Lightning overvoltages.
• Investigate the behaviour of the system against lightning overvoltages.
• Ensure protection of the system equipment through the appropriate positioning of surge arresters.
3 APPLICABLE DOCUMENTS
The insulation co-ordination shall be based upon the requirements established in “EN 5014 Railway
applications – Insulation coordination – Clearances and creepage distances for all electrical and electronic
equipment” and related documents and standards”.
4 BACKGROUND INFORMATION
4.1 Light Rail Metro Environment
Figure 1. Light Rail metro
| Page 1 of 81
5 DETERMINATION OF MINIMUM CLEARANCES AND CREEPAGE DISTANCES

Standard EN 5014-1 considers Method 1 and 2 to determine dimensioning clearances, Method 1 has been used
in this report and this method is described in section 2.2.2.1 at EN 5014-1. Table 1, provides the relationship
between the rated insulation voltage and nominal voltage commonly used in railway applications.
Figure 2. Horizontal Layout of wires for the system
Page 2 of 81 |
Table 1. Correlation between Un and UNM
Figure 3. Locomotive device diagram
| Page 3 of 81
5.1 Sections to be handled separately

Figure 2 and Figure 3 show the diagram related for determining creepage and clearance distances. In addition,
Figure 4 illustrates the difference between creepage distance and clearance distance to be calculated.
Figure 4. Difference between creepage distance and clearance distance
Figure 5. Metro railway system light cantilever

Insulators about being in the study are shown in Figure 5 and in Figure 33 that shows a stay arm insulator at
the top of the cantilever system. This system is connected to a power distribution system and that it is
categorized by EN 5014-1 section 6.1.1 by OV1 type from insulation categories. Those insulators are for outdoor
use, but are not installed in earth or close to earth beside the track, they are not shall be dimensioned with an
additional overvoltage protection as required by section 6.1.2.2 at EN 50124-1.
5.2 Determination of the insulation voltage

To achieve the determination of the rated insulation voltage for the section must have taken from Table 1.
Correlation between Un and UNM. In addition, it must have taken into account that this path though the
system is powered directly by a standardized railway voltage.
• The nominal voltage d.c. per Table 1. Correlation between Un and UNM for power supply system’s
according to EN 50163 is: 0,75 kV. However the system is designed for 1500 Vdc, and it operates for
750 Vdc; then:
o Minimum value for the rated insulation voltage UNm : is 1,8 kV.
Page 4 of 81 |
In terms of insulation coordination, although the system is designed for 1500 Vdc, the lightning overvoltage
study will be performed for the lowest operation voltage, 750 Vdc, according to the employer’s requirements.
5.3 Determination of insulation type

According to EN 50124-1, section 1.3.4, functional and basic insulation must be considered. Functional
insulation takes into account insulation between conductive parts, which is necessary only for the proper
functioning; avoiding failures between phase and ground, and Basic insulation considers insulation applied to
live parts to provide basic protection against electric shock. In case of insulation failure, the insulation do not
provides a basic protection against electric shock, and it is a basic insulation
Basic insulation is chosen, because it is the most unfavourable real case.
5.4 Choice of pollution degree

Pollution degree should be categorized into PD3, according to EN 50124-1 (refer to Table 2, taken from EN
50124-1). The insulation of this equipment is operated outdoors, and it is a fixed installation.
Table 2. Pollution degrees
5.5 Determination of the rated impulse voltage for this equipment UNI and the minimum clearance in air
Method 1 described at section 2.2.2.1 of EN 50124-1 was taking into account to determine the rated impulse
voltage. Overvoltage category is OV3, refer to section 5.1 from this document.
| Page 5 of 81
Table 3. Rated impulse voltage UNi for circuits not powered by the contact line
Table 3 and Table 4 from standard is used to determine the rated impulse voltage; only for this case, Table 4 is
applicable.
• Uni = 10 kV
According to section 5.4, Table 5; for 10 kV Uni the value of the minimum clearance distance is 11 mm for basic
insulation and a PD3 category.
We have to check with Table 6, if the value from this table is lower than the previous value selected value from
minimum clearance distance in air. In this case, the value is correct, and we do not need to apply correction
factors.
5.6 Determination of minimum creepage distance

According to EN 50124-1, section 2.6.1.3, group II material has been selected. The minimum creepage distance
is 14 mm in accordance with Table 7.
Page 6 of 81 |
Table 4. Rated impulse voltage UNi for circuits powered by the contact line
| Page 7 of 81
Table 5. Minimum clearances in air
Page 8 of 81 |
Table 6. test voltage to verifying clearances
| Page 9 of 81
Table 7. Minimum creepage distance
5.7 Conclusions
Based on the insulation coordination study based on standard EN 50124-1, the following results have been
found for selecting Cantilever insulators:
• The nominal Voltage Un is: 750 Vdc, but the system is designed for 1500 Vdc.
• The minimum value for the rated insulation voltage UNm : is 1,8 kV
• Overvoltage category is: OV3
• The insulation type category is: basic insulation.
• The pollution degree should be categorized into: PD3.
• The rated impulse voltage for this equipment UNI: 10 kV
• The minimum clearance in air is: 14 mm.
• The minimum creepage distance is: 14 mm.
6 ANALYSIS OF OVERVOLTAGES CAUSED BY LIGHTING

Lightning overvoltages are one of the most severe problems that affect the power distribution system of
electrified railways. These overvoltages can be dangerous for the electrical equipment of the traction system
if not controlled and reduced effectively. For this reason, insulation coordination is a requirement of the
uttermost importance in power system design, relying on assessment and control of overvoltage stresses with
adequate protective devices, contributing to reliability of equipment and system performance.
Lightning usually causes temporary faults on the power distribution system of electrified railways. If the fault
is cleared by a breaker or by a recloser, the circuit may be successfully reclosed. Although in the past it was
acceptable, currently due to proliferation of sensitive loads and Reliability Indicators, the momentary
interruptions are a major concern.
The significance of lightning striking the railway overhead contact system (OCS), as presented in Figure 6, is a
major factor for overvoltage stresses imposed on equipment and of extreme importance for insulation
coordination in order to avoid costly equipment failure.
Page 10 of 81 |
Figure 6. Representation of an overhead line being struck by lightning

In Vdc traction power systems, a direct lighting strike to the overhead catenary system and masts causes the
continuing grounding fault and it results in the breaking of the overhead wire. Figure 7 summarizes the
procedure of wire breakage caused by the direct stroke of lightning to the supporting structure of d.c. traction
supply system, and Figure 8 shows the photos of broken wire by lightning causing a fault and an outage of the
transportation system.
Figure 7. Procedure of wire breakage caused by lightning in Vdc traction power system
Figure 8. Broken wires and insulators due to a stroke of lighting

Other kinds of faults due to lightning strokes is the fall of the catenary cable due to the rupture of the isolator
of the tensioning balancer device (Figure 9), which resulted in the interruption of the service for several hours.
| Page 11 of 81
Figure 9. Broken insulator due to lightning striking a tension balancer device

Another problem appears in electrified railways using the “integrated catenaries system”. There are a.c. 10,5
kV distribution lines along the railroad tracks in parallel to d.c. 0,75 kV catenaries system. Conventionally, the
overhead distribution lines are supported together with 0,75 kV catenaries system and in many cases a.c. 10,5
kV system is located higher than d.c. 0,75 kV wires. After the installation of "integrated catenaries system", a.c.
10,5 kV system is installed in the trough beside the railroad track and d.c. 0,75 kV system becomes vulnerable
to the lightning as shown in Figure 10. Because the grounding fault could be detected rapidly in a.c. 10,5 kV
distribution line system conventionally, it is possible to say that the opportunity to cause continuing d.c.
grounding fault increases after the introduction of "integrated catenaries system".
Page 12 of 81 |
Figure 10. Location of wires in conventional catenary system and “integrated catenary system”
A practice to avoid such troubles is to arranging surge arresters with an interval of 500 m along the catenaries
system. In addition, locating surge arresters at the feeder masts adjacent to each traction power substation or
at the d.c. output of the rectifiers in the substation transformer. Additionally, grounding wires (shielding wires)
are installed above the catenaries system in heavy lightning regions where the IKL (Isokeraunic Level) is greater
than 30 days. The evaluation of the effect of surge arresters during lightning stroke events and estimate
calculations of transient phenomena using in ATP-EMTP software; in order to estimate practical solutions for a
lightning protection design, it’s necessary to implement electromagnetic transient models of the system and
perform simulations of the transient process.
6.1.1 Surge Protective Device coordination
The Surge Protection Device (SPD) coordination has been used to provide proper installation of two or more
surge protective devices allocated at different points in the network. The full understanding of the right and
suitable position of surge protective devices must be gained as well as the variables affection on its function.
The successful coordination can be achieved taking into consideration the following items:
• Surge waveform and duration.
• The location of surge protective device with respect to the power system.
• Distance between the lightning strike and the protected equipment.
• The SPDs measured limiting voltage.
• The SPDs surge current capacity.
• The SPD aging.
• The earthing method.
• Suitable modes of protection for each SPD.
| Page 13 of 81
6.2 Description of the system

The system that is to be analysed is the line of the Light Railway Transportation System have two stations
substation that feeds two tracks at 750 Vdc, distributed by an overhead contact system (OCS). Each substation,
connected to a MV network, has a power transformer and a rectifier that converts the AC to DC voltage, as can
be seen in the representative configuration of Figure 11.
Figure 11. Basic configuration of the system

The OCS consists of a contact line and parallel feeder cables along the track. The OCS of one track is connected
in parallel to the OCS of the other track. The two running rails for each track are used to carry the return current
to the negative busbar of the substations.
The following sections describe with more detail all the major components of the system identified above,
according to the reference documents.
6.2.1 Traction Substations

The system is powered by two electrical substations. All the substations are connected to the 10,5 kV network
and frequency of 50 Hz. The substation energizes the OCS at 750 Vdc by the use of a Dd0Y11 power transformer
and a 12 pulse rectifier, as can be seen in Figure 12. Traction motors for d.c. systems are normally wound for
600/750 V and connected in parallel for Vdc suppliers (Figure 13).
Figure 12. Basic configuration of an
Page 14 of 81 |
Figure 13. Transformer and rectifier circuit arrangement
The 1620 kVA (2x840 kVA) delta-delta-star power transformer converts the 10,5 kV voltage of the primary
winding to 293 V. The secondary winding voltages of the transformer (with an angle difference of 30°) are
applied to a 12-pulse rectifier group 750 Vdc and 1500 kW, consisting of 2 diode bridges connected in series.
Each substation (except the substations located at the edge of the system) feeds the two adjacent sections of
the railway. Figure 14 represents the single line diagram of two adjacent substations where this configuration
is shown. The two sections of the contact line are electrically separated by an insulated overlap.
The positive DC busbar of each substation is connected to both sections of the Contact wire: 1x120 mm2 Cu
over each track (0,232 Ω/km at 75ºC and 20% wear has been considered).
Moreover, there are three single core parallel feeder cables of 1x185 mm2 Cu (0,115 Ω/km each feeder at 60ºC)
that run along both tracks in a duct below ground level at 1 m below the TOC. The outer insulation diameter is
25 mm. These three cables are connected to the contact line at some specific points (5 connections between
two substations) by one single core Cu 185 mm2 cable with approximately 25 m length.
The negative terminal of the rectifier of each substation is connected to all rails adjacent to the substations,
Figure 14, by 6 x 400 mm2 power cables with approximately 20 m length. The current returns to the substations
via 4 running rails (2 tracks), the ATP model rail is the reference with worst electrical resistance, 49E1 of 0,035
Ω/km.
| Page 15 of 81
Figure 14. Negative return system

6.2.2 Overhead contact system
The system is powered at 750 V DC, distributed by an Overhead Contact System (OCS). The OCS of one track
includes 2 running rails, one contact wire and the three parallel feeder cables that are shared by both tracks.
There are 2 tracks connecting the two substation of each stations.
Figure 15. Section view of the OCS, is a hard-drawn electrolytic copper wire of 1 x 120 mm2 with 2 600 m length.
The contact wire has a maximum resistance at 0,232 Ω/km at 75 °C.
Figure 15. Section view of the OCS

6.2.3 Insulation coordination requirements and ratings
The insulation coordination design of the equipment is based on the stres to which it is likely to be subjected
to during its anticipated lifetime. Regarding the permanent DC voltages, and according to the European
standard EN 50124, the following ratings shall be considered:
• Nominal voltage (Un), i.e., a suitable approximate voltage value: 750 Vdc.
• Rated insulation voltage (UNm), the r.m.s. voltage value specifying the withstand capability of the equipment
insulation which should be equal or higher than the highest working voltage of the system: 900 Vdc for either
rolling stock or fixed installations.
Regarding transient voltages, especially due to lightning discharges, it is also very important to specify the
adequate withstand capability of the insulation equipment against transient voltages, given by the rated
impulse voltage. This selection should be in accordance with the recommendations of EN 50124 and have
demonstrated its sufficiency through insulation coordination studies.
Page 16 of 81 |
In order to estimate the minimum rated impulse voltage, EN 50124 proposes a method in which by selecting
an overvoltage category and the corresponding rated insulation voltage, the rated impulse voltage is
determined accordingly in Section 5.2.
Finally, the environmental conditions shall also be taken into account and according to the macro-
environmental conditions in which the equipment is located. For indoor installations and outdoor equipment
protected from weather conditions, PD3 should be applied.
Section 5.7 summarizes the minimum ratings of the main electrical equipment of line system, applicable for
all the outdoor traction equipment like OCS insulators, parallel feeder cables and surge arresters as well as for
the majority of indoor equipment, such as rectifiers, DC busbar and feeder cables. The diodes installed at the
rectifiers have a maximum inverse voltage of 3600 V.
In terms of insulation coordination, although the system is designed for 1500 Vdc, the lightning overvoltage
study will be performed for the lowest operation voltage, 750 Vdc, according to the employer’s requirements.
The highest lightning overvoltages will be estimated and compared with the previous insulation levels in order
to conclude which is the adequate protection of the system against lightning discharges.
6.3 System modelling guidelines
The electrified railway traction power system is subject to a stroke of lighting. The lightning strike may generate
intense surge voltage overcurrent to the traction power system. Such transients can damage the electrical
insulation of connected equipment and cause railway operation problems. To ensure a reliable operation of
the railway, it is necessary to investigate lightning transients in the system, and design effective protection
against lightning.
For that reason, it’s very important to conduct an evaluation of the transient overvoltage environment of a dc
power distribution system. The application of properly rated surge arresters within a dc traction power system
cannot be overemphasized. Inadequate transient overvoltage protection has proven to be the cause of major
equipment damage.
In this case of study a traction dc power distribution system will be studied using a Metal Oxide Surge Arrester
(MOSA). The Metal-Oxide Varistor (MOV) Arresters are considered superior for dc power system protection
once their energy absorption capability is coordinated with the expected transient surge environment. Under
normal system operations, they will draw minimal current just in case such as ac circuits. They are, however,
designed to carry much greater current and suppress the voltage on occurrence of an overvoltage surge.
A simulation model for the rail power system including overhead wires, metallic mast, surge arresters,
insulators, mast surge impedance and mast footing resistance, and other components was developed in order
to reveal the surge voltage on these electric cables during a direct stroke of lighting
The simulations were performed with ATP-EMTP (Alternative transient Program / Electromagnetic Transients
Program) software. A complete simulation model is established on ATPDraw. ATP-EMTP is a powerful
professional and universal software for the simulation and analysis of transients of electromagnetic
phenomena. ATPDraw is a graphical, mouse-driven protocol of the ATP version of the Electromagnetic
Transients Program (EMTP); in ATPDraw generates the ATP input file by a user-friendly graphic interface using
the appropriate format in FORTRAN for the constructed electrical circuits.
The main emphasis of this section 6.3 is to identify the transient models of the railway power system
components to be used in digital lightning studies. The important model parameters for each component shall
be described below.
6.3.1 Lightning current source model
Lightning-induced surge intensity depends upon the isokeraunic level of the area. The IEC and IEEE standards
have developed different surge wave standards for testing suppressor devices. Both are recommended surge
waves that have been successfully tested for practical use of testing surge support devices for outdoor and
indoor applications.
For Application purposes, the standards and the industry have standardized voltage impulse waveforms 1.2/50
µs (Figure 20) indicating crest is reached in 1.2 µs and it decays to half the crest in 50 µs.
| Page 17 of 81
Similarly, a current impulse wave of 8 x 20 µs (Figure 19) is used where the crews are reached in 8 µs and decays
to half the crest value in 20 µs. The 8/20 µs test wave shape is the most common current waveform used to
define ratings of surge protection devices. Under this test wave shape, the current rises from 10% of peak to
90% of peak in 8 microseconds and falls to 50% of peak in 20 microseconds.
A steep-fronted surge is one with a rise time of 0.1-0.5 µs and wave shape of 10/1000 µs (long wave) is more
representative of the high energy surges usually experienced from the inductive elements.
In general, the waveshape is denoted as tf / th impulse. th is the time-to half value or tail time. And tf is the front
time value. The Peak current magnitude and tail time are important when observing energy stres of the Surge
arrester (simplest representation is double ramp). Current wavefront is an important parameter with regard
to insulator flashover.
Figure 16. Main characteristics of an overvoltage
Figure 17. Example of lightning current
6.3.1.1 Characterization of the lightning wave

2 types of current wave are considered by the IEC standards:
• 10/350 µs wave: to characterize the current waves from a direct lightning strike. This curve is similar
to the 8/20 µs waveform but has a longer tail.
Figure 18. 10/350 µs current wave
Page 18 of 81 |
• 8/20 µs wave: to characterize the current waves from an indirect stroke of lighting.
Figure 19. 8/20 µs current wave

These two types of lightning current waves are used to define tests on SPDs (IEC standard 61643-11) and
equipment immunity to lightning currents. The peak value of the current wave characterizes the intensity of
the lightning stroke.
• 1.2/50 µs voltage wave: to characterize the overvoltages created by lightning strokes.
Figure 20. 1.2/50 µs voltage wave

The standard lightning impulse wave shape is 1.2/50 µs. This type of voltage wave is used to verify equipment's
withstand to overvoltages of atmospheric origin (impulse voltage as per IEC 61000-4-5).
Another important impulse waveshape is the standard switching impulse wave shape 250/2500 µs.
| Page 19 of 81
6.3.1.2 Lightning stroke model

99.99
99.9
99.5
99 IEEE
98
Percent exceeding abscissa value
95
CIGRE
90
80
70
60
50
40
30
20
10
5
2
1
0.5
0.1
0.01
1 4 10 100 1000
Peak current, kA
Figure 21. Cumulative statistical distributions of peak currents for negative first strokes adopted by IEEE and
CIGRE (N = 408). Taken from CIGRE Report 63 (1991).
The lightning peak current value is a value that depends on probability of occurrence. For the CIGRE
distribution, 98% of peak currents exceed 4 kA, 80% exceed 20 kA, and 5% exceed 90 kA.
The values for peak current more provable to occur are from 5 to 20 kA to a direct stroke to a phase conductor,
while for above lightning currents to 200 kA are more probable to hit on shielding wire or at the top of the
structure of the tower, in consequence, the effect of flashover appears on insulators.
For this analysis purpose, the current surge wave of 8/20 µs is used according recommended for IEC and IEEE
practices to test surge suppror devices for outdoor and indoor applications. The time function of lightning
current can be defined at ATP Software that is known as “Type 15”. At ATP works with models TYPE 15 of surge
wave that are Cigré-Type, Heidler-Type and Standler-Type.
6.3.1.2.1 Cigré-Type lightning discharge shape

CIGRÉ model describes the concave wavefront of a lightning current well. In Figure 22, the Cigré lightning
discharge shape obtained for a 20 kA peak current is represented, which has an 80% cumulative probability
according to Cigré distribution showed at Figure 21.
Page 20 of 81 |
Figure 22. CIGRÉ 20 kA lightning current shape obtained with ATP-EMTP

The Cigré-Type was being used in this analysis regarding its simple data dialog box in order to determine the
front time and duration of the current surge waveform.
Figure 23. 8/20-µs Test wave

Parameters to be inputted into the source of the current model of Cigré-Type 15 at ATP software are listed
below and showed in Figure 24.
• Amplitude of surge current: 20 kA or 20 000 A.
• Time to Front time: 8,37 µs or 8.37E-6 s.
• Tail time (Duration): 20,3 µs or 20.3E-6 s.
The validations of the values were made by the following calculations:
Front time for current waveform is defined as:
1,25 ∙ (𝑡90 − 𝑡10 ) (1)
where;
t90 and t10 are the times for 90 percent and 10 percent amplitude points on the leading edge of the waveform,
see Figure 23.
| Page 21 of 81
from the graph, t90 = 7,522 µs, t10 = 0,851 µs. Therefore front time is:
𝑇𝑓 = 1,25 ∙ (7,522 𝜇𝑠 − 0,851 𝜇𝑠) = 8,37 𝜇𝑠 ≈ 8 𝜇𝑠
Duration (Tail) is defined as the time between virtual origin and the time of the 50 percent amplitude point of
the tail. Here the virtual origin is obtained by a straight line between 10% and 90% amplitude points on the
leading edge of the waveform where intersects I = 0 line, see Figure 23. As for the tail time, it is the time
between virtual origin, t10 = 0,851 µs and time of 50% amplitude, t50 = 21,2 µs. Therefore:
𝑇ℎ = 21,2 𝜇𝑠 − 0,851 𝜇𝑠 = 20,3 𝜇𝑠 ≈ 20 𝜇𝑠
Figure 24. Dialog Box of the Cigré-Type surge model
6.3.1.2.2 Heidler-Type lightning discharge shape

After the long-term speculation and research performed by many researchers, an approximated mathematical
function was proposed: the lightning-strike current in mode of mathematical current function model called
Heidler is now used widely.
In ATP-EMTP software, lightning-strike model of Heidler exponential waveshape is represented by a current
source (Heidler-type 15) with a parallel resistance. The parallel resistance is actually a lightning-path
impedance. A 400 Ω impedance represents lightning path resistance lightning channel and was connected to
natural lightning in parallel. The resistance value of 400 Ω was delivered by Bewley. Also Diesendorf suggested
a value of 1000 Ω to 2000 Ω. The impedance value of real lightning path has not been made clear, and requires
further investigation.
Page 22 of 81 |
Figure 25. Lightning Stroke Heidler Model

Model parameters such as front time, duration (tail time), and peak current are calculated by probability or a
statistical approach, taking into account the density of lightning discharges to the ground of a certain place
(ground flash density).
The waveshape of Heidler current source varies by stochastic factors such as geographic location, geological
and climatic location, and the duration of the event. The waveshape of Heidler current source is represented
by the equation below:
𝐼𝑝 (𝑘𝑠 )𝑛 −𝑡
𝑖(𝑡) = × × 𝑒 𝜏2 (2)
𝜂 1 + (𝑘𝑠 )𝑛
where,
𝐼𝑝 : Peak current of lightning strike (Lightning current peak) [kA]
𝜂 : Peak current correction factor.
𝜏2 : Time constant for tail time (current decay-time), interval between t=0 and the tail time decreases at 37%
from peak value.
𝑛 : Decrement factor for current (current steepn factor).
and:
𝑡
𝑘𝑠 = (3)
𝜏1
𝜏1 : Time constant for front time (current rise-time), interval between t=0 and the peak value.
1⁄𝑛 ]
𝜂 = 𝑒 [−(𝜏1 ⁄𝜏2 )(𝑛𝜏2 ⁄𝜏1 ) (4)
where 𝜏1 is the wavefront time constant proportional to front duration, time interval between t = 0 and wave
peak; t is proportional to stroke duration, time interval between t = 0 and point on tail where amplitude falls
to 50 percent of the peak value; Ip is the peak value; and n is factor influencing rate of rise, typically n = 5 to 10.
For a 1.2/50 µs surge wave, amplitude 20 kA:
𝐼𝑝 = 20 𝑘𝐴 𝜏1 = 1,2𝐸 − 6 𝜏2 = 50𝐸 − 6
The waveshape shown in Figure 20 is a 1.2/50 µs surge wave, in other words; with a front time of 1.2 µs, and a
tail time of 50 µs. This waveshape is obtained at ATP software and represented in Figure 26, the peak current
value is 20 kA.
| Page 23 of 81
Figure 26. Heidler 20 kA lightning current shape obtained with ATP-EMTP
Figure 27. 1.2/50-µs Test wave

Parameters to be inputted into the source of current model of Heidler-Type 15 at ATP software are listed below
and showed at Figure 28.
• Amplitude [Volts/Amps]: Multiplikative number in [A] or [V] of the function. Does not represent peak
value of surge.
• T_f = 1,2 µs or 1.2E-6 s. It’s the front duration in [sec]. Interval between t=0 to the time of the function
peak.
• tau = 50 µs or 50E-6 s. The stroke duration in [sec]. Interval between t=0 and the point on the tail where
the function amplitude has fallen to 37% of its peak value.
• N = Factor influencing the rate of rise of the function. Increased n increases the maximum steepnes.
• Tsta = 0 s. Starting time in [sec.]. Source value zero for T<Tsta.
• Tsto = 3 ms. Ending time in [sec]. Source value zero for T>Tsto.
The value of the parallel resistance with the Heidler current source it’s showed at Figure 29. Value is listed
below:
• RES = 400 Ω.
Page 24 of 81 |
Figure 28. Dialog Box of the Heidler-Type surge model
Figure 29. Dialog Box of the parallel resistance with the Heidler current source
6.3.2 Railway Transmission Line
Results derived from Electromagnetic Transients (EMT) simulations can be of vital importance for overhead
line designs. Although the selection of an adequate line model is required in many transient studies, it is
probably in overvoltage calculations where adequate and accurate line models are crucial, in this case, voltage
stress to be considered due fast front overvoltages, generally caused by lightning flashes. Overhead line
parameters are calculated using supporting routines available in most EMT programs. The parameters to be
calculated depend on the line and ground model to be applied, but they invariably involve the series impedance
(longitudinal field effects) and the shunt capacitance (transversal field effects) of the line.
Note that the length extent of an overhead line that must be included in a model depends on the type of
transient to be analysed, or, more specifically, on the range of frequencies involved in the transient proc. As a
rule of thumb, the lower the frequencies, the more length of line to be represented.
For low- and mid-frequency transients, the whole line length is included in the model. For fast and very fast
transients, a few line spans will usually suffice. These guidelines are illustrated in Figure 30 and summarized in
Table 8, which provide modelling guidelines for overhead lines proposed by CIGRE, IEEE, and IEC. Figure 30
| Page 25 of 81
shows the Line models for different ranges of frequency; (a) Steady-state and low-frequency transients, (b)
switching (slow-front) transients, and (c) lightning (fast-front) transients.
Figure 30. Line models for different ranges of frequency
Table 8. Modelling guidelines for overhead lines

The simulation of transient phenomena may require a representation of network components valid for a
frequency range that varies from DC to several MHz. Although an accurate and wideband representation of a
transmission line is not impossible, it is more advisable to use and develop models appropriate for a specific
range of frequencies. Each range of frequencies will correspond to a particular transient phenomenon (e.g.,
models for low-frequency oscillations will be adequate for calculation of temporary overvoltages).
Page 26 of 81 |
Two types of time-domain models have been developed for overhead lines: lumped- and distributed-
parameter models. The appropriate selection of a model depends on the line length and the highest frequency
involved in the phenomenon.
Lumped-parameter line models represent transmission systems by lumped R, L, G, and C elements whose
values are calculated at a single frequency. These models, known as pi-models, are adequate for steady-state
calculations, although they can also be used for transient simulations in the neighbourhood of the frequency
at which the parameters were evaluated. The most accurate models for transient calculations are those that
take into account the distributed nature of the line parameters. Two categories can be distinguished for these
models: constant parameters and frequency-dependent parameters.
The number of spans and the different hardware of a transmission line, as well as the models required to
represent each part (conductors and shield wires, towers, grounding, and insulation), depend on the voltage
stress cause.
For distribution overhead line design is based on lightning stres. By default, it is assumed that a distribution
line flashovers every time it is impacted by a lightning stroke. In addition, the selected distribution line
insulation level is usually the highest one of standardized levels. Except when calculating overvoltages caused
by nearby strokes to ground, there is little to do with EMT simulation of distribution lines in insulation
coordination studies, although those simulations can be very important in other studies.
A railway transmission line can be represented as an ordinary overhead power transmission line; the contact
wire aimed to transmit energy to the train and the rail ensure his return to the substation (Figure 31). Contact
line-wire can be modelled by several spans at each side of the point of impact. A rigorous representation of
each span should be based on a distributed-parameter line model. However, for lightning overvoltage
calculations, a constant-parameter line model can be accurate enough, and parameters are usually calculated
at 400-500 kHz or even 1 MHz.
ATP program offers several line models, like FD-line model (frequency dependent), which is known as JMARTI
are commonly used, but the model is based on the Bergeron’s traveling wave method used by the ATP.
There are other kind of models that can be used for overhead transmission line system in ATP-EMTP:
a) Bergeron: Constant-Parameter K.C. Lee or Clarke models. (Frequency-dependent models of
transmission lines are developed in mode domain using the transformation matrix). At this model
resistance and inductance are power system frequency dependents and is calculated at a fixed
frequency (Freq. init)
i. Clarke model: For transposed three-phase line analyses.
ii. K.C. Lee: For Non-transposed line analyses.
b) PI: nominal PI-Equivalent (for short lines)
c) J. Marti: Frequency-dependent model with constant transformation matrix.
d) Noda: Frequency-dependent model
e) Semlyen: Frequency-dependent simple fitted model.
Bergeron model, the PI model and the J. Marti model are two most usually used on transmission line and tower
models. J. Marti’s model is normally adopted for multi-conductor system because of its frequency-dependent
characteristic. However J. Marti’s model is unreliable for a short line span. As the present railway overhead line
system had a maximum span from 28 m in open track, Bergeron Model was selected for modelling the
overhead conductor system.
The Bergeron model is a very simple model. It is based on distributed LC-parameter travelling wave line model
with lumped resistance. This time-domain Bergeron Model is commonly used in power system transient fault
analyses. It represents in distributed manner, the L and the C elements of a PI section.
The Bergeron model has a lossl distributed parameters’ line describe the following values:
| Page 27 of 81
𝐿
Surge Impedance: 𝑍𝐶 = √ [Ω] (5)
𝐶
1
Phase propagation velocity: 𝑣= [𝑚/𝑠] (6)
√𝐿 ∙ 𝐶
where,
C: capacitance of the line, [m]
L: inductance of the line, [m]
The Bergeron Model accurately represents only fundamental frequency (i.e. 50 Hz) for inductance and
resistance, similar to PI section model; therefore, the surge impedance is constant.
The Technical characteristics of the overhead railway transmission line are show in table below; The railway
transmission line consists of 92 poles with 28 m spacing meaning total length of 2,6 km.
Parallel Feeder
Designation Contact wire Track Rail
Cables
material Hard Copper Fer 49E1 Copper
2
Section (mm ) 138 6951 3 x 1 x 185
Diameter (mm) 13,26 129 25
Resistivity
0,232 0,035 0,115
(Ω/km)
Table 9. Equivalent rays values of rails
Figure 31. Railway transmission line

For modelling at ATP-EMTP software, the contact wire and return rails were represented by the Bergeron
model for not transposed lines, taking account their characteristic impedance and wave travelling time for
every conductor and the mutual coupling matrix between al kind of conductors. These physical and electrical
parameters from an electrical line were obtained from their geometric configuration using a supporting sub-
routine “Line Constants template” form ATP-EMTP software. The frequency typically used it’s in a range from
5 kHz to 3 MHz to study lightning strokes models, a preferred value is 1 MHz in order to produce a constant
parameter wave line model. 50 hz frequency is used for this routine to make power flow simulations, and not
lightning analysis.
Railway transmission Line is modelled by an overhead line (OCS) and two return rails located above soil level.
For modelling purposes is important that conductors do not touches ground level.
Page 28 of 81 |
Figure 32. Dialog Box of the LCC routine at ATP-EMTP

6.3.3 Mast Model
Although the lightning of a transmission or distribution line tower or pole is an electromagnetic phenomenon,
the representation of the tower is usually made in circuit terms; that is, the tower is represented by means of
several line sections and circuit elements that were assembled taking into account the tower structure.
| Page 29 of 81
Figure 33. Surge resistance for different tower Models
Page 30 of 81 |
Due to the fast-front times associated to lightning strike currents, most tower models assume that the tower
or pole response is dominated by the Transverse Electromagnetic Mode (TEM) wave and neglect other types
of radiations.
Several tower models have been developed over the years and can be categorized in several ways, using a
theoretical approach and models based on an experimental work. At Figure 33 are represented a summary of
the basic tower models for surge impedance measured in Ω. In this figure is not represented the
multiconductor vertical line tower model and the multi-story model of a transmission tower.
As seen in Figure 33, t = 𝜏; is travelling time along the tower or mast [µs]; c is the speed of light in free space =
3·108 m/s or 300 m/μs and h is the tower height [m]
As seen in Figure 33, The mast can be represented by simple geometric figures such as a cylinder. Surge
impedance of the cylindrical tower can be calculated with the formula (7):
2ℎ
𝑍𝑇 = 60 [ln (√2 ∙ ) − 1] (7)
𝑟
where,
h: height of the mast, [m]
r: radius of the mast, [m]
A loss distributed parameter transmission line (Bergeron's travelling wave model) characterized by impedance
and the propagation time is chosen to represent the mast.
From Figure 35 and Equation (7) we have:
2 ∙ 7,850 𝑚
𝑍𝑇 = 60 [ln (√2 ∙ ) − 1] = 258,724 Ω (8)
0,1095 𝑚
ℎ 7,850 𝑚
𝜏= = = 30,78 𝑛𝑠 = 0,03078 𝜇𝑠 (9)
0,85 ∙ 𝐶 0,85 × 3 ∙ 108
Where the wave propagation velocity at the structure is in order of 85% for the speed of light velocity.
Figure 34. Mast surge resistance modelled at ATP-EMTP
| Page 31 of 81
d [mm]
Figure 35. Mast dimensions
6.3.3.1 Cantilever (Cross Arms)

Cantilever can be represented like a Cross arm representation, in ATP-EMTP software they are modelled by a
distributed constant line branched at junction point, their surge impedance is provided by:
2∙ℎ
𝑍𝐴𝐾 = 60 ∙ ln ( ) (10)
𝑟𝐴
where,
h: height of the cross-arm, [m]
rA: radius of the cross-arm, [m]
From Figure 35 and Equation (10) we have:
Page 32 of 81 |
2 ∙ 2,050 𝑚
𝑍𝐴𝐾 = 60 ∙ ln ( ) = 256,541 Ω (11)
0,057 𝑚
ℎ 2,050 𝑚
𝜏= = = 6,83 𝑛𝑠 = 0,00683 𝜇𝑠 (12)
𝐶 3 ∙ 108
Where the wave propagation velocity at the structure is in order of 100%.

In ATPDraw software mast components are modelled by distributed parameter impedances (Transposed Lines
-> Clarke -> 1PH -> LINEZT_1) Figure 34.
Figure 36. Cantilever

The Cantilevers are reinforced with GPR, (Glass-Fiber reinforced plastic) that has a flashover voltage of 965 kV.
This Flash overvoltage is modelled by a switch voltage controlled in ATP Draw. Section 6.3.9 is uses and explains
with more details how it is adjusted, and how it works in simulations.
6.3.4 Mast Footing resistance model (Earth)
The peak overvoltage that occurs on the structure (tower/poles/mast) is mainly determined by the apparent
footing impedance since reflections of the structure base will arrive much sooner at the structures top than
reflections from adjacent towers. Several methods have been proposed to calculate the structure footing
resistance while there are fast transients’ surges, which can ionize the soil and change the resistance. Reliable
model of the mast foot impedance must take into consideration the dependence of the resistance to the
discharge current. It is accepted that the resistance of nonlinear mast foot follows the formula below (13), that
is a model for footing-impedance incorporate soil ionization effect:
𝑅0
𝑅𝑇 =
𝐼 (13)
√1 + 𝐼
𝑔
where,
𝑅𝑇 : Earth resistance, [Ω].
𝑅0 : is the footing resistance measured with low Current and low frequency (i.e. 50-60 Hz), [Ω].
𝐼𝑔 : is the current required to produce a voltage Gradient, Eo , at which soil breakdown occurs or it’s sufficient
to initiate soil ionization, [A]
𝐼 : is the lightning current through the footing resistance [A].
The constant resistance 𝑅0 of the model is estimated in ohm based on the vertical ground rod dimensions
connected at mast and the soil parameters with equation (17); but there is no dedicated earthing for every
mast, the mast footing resistance was assumed to be closed to value of 25 Ω.
| Page 33 of 81
The exprion of Ig , the limiting current to initiate sufficient soil ionization is given by equation (14):
1 𝐸0 ∙ 𝜌
𝐼𝑔 = ∙ [𝑘𝐴] (14)
2 ∙ 𝜋 𝑅02
where,
𝜌 : soil or ground resistivity, [Ω∙m]; 100 Ω∙m.
𝐸0 : soil ionization gradient, [about 400 kV/m].
Then we have from equation (15) and (16):

𝑉
1 400 000 𝑚 ∙ 100 Ω ∙ m (15)
𝐼𝑔 = ∙ = 10 185,91 𝐴
2∙𝜋 252 Ω
25 Ω
𝑅𝑇 =
𝐼 (16)
√1 +
10185,91 𝐴
To obtain 𝐼 from past equation, Mast foot resistance is represented in ATP by a non-linear resistance R(TACTS)
type 91 controlled through MODELS in which the equations (13) and (14) are implanted. The current signal is
passed from control section in EMTP MODELS to calculate ground resistance value. The model was submitted
to a lightning wave form of 8 / 20 µs and 10 kA amplitude (Figure 48), the result is shown in Figure 37 that
illustrates the response of current in ohms of the earth resistance program.
The earth resistance program is as shown below:
MODEL earth2
INPUT I2
OUTPUT Rg2
DATA Rho {DFLT:100}, EO {DFLT:400E3}, R50 {DFLT:25}
VAR Ibrk, Rg2
INIT
Rg2:=50
ENDINIT
EXEC
Ibrk:=Rho*EO/(2*pi*R50*R50)
Rg2:=R50/(SQRT(1+(ABS(I2)/Ibrk)))
ENDEXEC
ENDMODEL
Where variables in the routine are:
Rho = 𝜌 = 100 Ω
E0 = 𝐸0 = 400 000 𝑉/𝑚
R50 = 𝑅0 = 25 Ω
It has been known that in general the footing impedance tends to be capacitive in the case of high resistivity
earth, and inductive in the low resistivity earth case. A problem of representation is the following: The footing
impedance can be resistive, inductive and capacitive depending on the season and the weather when a
measurement is made, i.e. the impedance is temperature- and soil moisture-dependent. Therefore, it is not
easy to select a model of the footing impedance and this is the reason why resistance model is adopted in this
case. Another consideration is that the mast is erected on the concrete foundation; in most cases there is no
dedicated earthling for all mast.
Page 34 of 81 |
Figure 37. Resistance variotion depending on the current

The most common way to ground, a structure (tower/pole/mast) is to drive metal rods into the ground at the
foot of the tower and connect the structure to them. As might be expected; the greater number of rods, the
larger their diameter and the greater the depth they are driven into the ground, the lower the footing
resistance.
When a lightning wave travels down a structure and reaches the base, the reflected wave will add to, or
subtract from the incident wave, depending on whether the footing resistance is greater than, or l than, the
tower surge impedance. In practice, of course, there will be a whole series of waves up and down the structure
as reflected waves are themselves reflected. It shows that the effect of this is to make it appear as if the tower
top is connected directly to footing resistance. The footing grounding impedance has a major influence on the
amplitude of lightning overvoltages, and this is the reason for the very usual practice of reducing this
impedance to improve the lightning response of the lines.
Figure 38. Representation of mast model at ATP-EMTP using GROUP routine
6.3.4.1 Mast Earthing

In masts with surge arresters are earthed locally via a dedicated down leader and grounded via vertical rods or
earthing electrodes, which are calculated with the equation below (17):
𝜌 4∙𝐿 2∙ℎ+𝐿
𝑅0 = × ln × (17)
2∙𝜋∙𝐿 1,3 ∙ 𝑑 4 ∙ ℎ + 𝐿
where,
𝜌 : is the soil resistivity, [Ωm]
𝐿: is the length of earthing electrode, [m], 3 m.
| Page 35 of 81
ℎ: distance from the top of the electrode to the surface [m], 0,5 m.
𝑑: is the electrode diameter, [m], 0,0254 m.
Assuming that the spacing between these rods depends on mast spacing, is large and enough to neglect the
interaction between them. The soil parameters are: 𝜌 = 100 Ω𝑚, 𝜀𝑟 = 8, and 𝜇𝑟 = 8
At common practice for railway power systems, the earth resistance 𝑅0 of an arrester must be l than 3 Ω,
preferred value is 1 Ω by employers requirement.
6.3.4.2 Surge Arrester Earthing

Surge arresters are earthed locally via earth rods buried under the ground. The resistance is nonlinear and
frequency-dependent due to ionization of the soil under the high surge current. It can be approximated by a
non-linear resistor in ATP-EMTP by a Type-91 non lineal TACS-Controlled resistor, controlled by models (view
Section 6.3.4). The resistance value of 𝑅𝑇 is taken from equation (13) and (14) and resume in equation:
𝑅0
𝑅𝑇 =
2 ∙ 𝜋 ∙ 𝑅02 ∙ 𝐼 (18)
√1 +
𝐸0 ∙ 𝜌
Figure 39. Mast Grounding

6.3.5 Insulator Model
Lightning continues to be the main cause of line outages not only on overhead distribution lines, but also on
sub-transmission and transmission lines, especially on overhead distribution lines without shield wire.
Modelling line insulator string flashover is very important for insulation coordination studies of overhead lines.
Page 36 of 81 |
It allows for the accurate computation of the fast-front surges arising at overhead lines and impinging on
substations due to either backflashover or shielding failure of the lines.
Line outages occurred when insulation flashover. There are two kinds of flashover, direct stroke flashover and
indirect stroke or induced voltage flashover. The direct stroke occurs when lightning hits a shield wire or
structure (pole/tower/mast) or phase conductors which can leads ton backflashover and shielding failure
flashover respectively. The indirect stroke occurs when lightning hits the ground on nearby objects leading to
induced voltage flashovers. Flashover occurs when the voltage induced across the insulator is equal to or
exceeds the CFO (Critical Flashover) voltage. For traction power systems; the lightning current flows into the
earth via mast if a flashover by insulators is caused by lightning overvoltage. Overvoltage relays at substation
detect mast potential raised by fault current on shielding wires and open circuit breakers immediately. The
term “flashover” is described as an electrical discharge completed from an energized conductor to a grounded
support structure, which will be the overhead contact system at masts in case of an light trail transit dc traction
power system.
Figure 40. Discharges on insulators to structure at the flashover

In order to model the insulator at software, it is represented by voltage-dependent flashover switches
connected between the energized conductor and the structure (Figure 41).
Figure 41. Insulator Catenary model

Breakdown insulator phenomenon is expred by the arc leader development method defined by the formulas
below; the leader progrion model is the best model for designing insulators. It can be used for non-standard
lightning voltages. According to it, the flashover mechanism comprises three steps which are corona inception,
streamer propagation and leader propagation. Streamers propagate along the insulator when applied voltage
exceeds corona inception voltage. If this voltage remains very high, the streamers become leader channel.
When the leader crosses the gap between cross-arm and conductor, a flash over occurs. Time-to-flash over
total can thus be expred as:
| Page 37 of 81
𝑡𝑐 = 𝑡𝑖 + 𝑡𝑠 + 𝑡𝑙 (19)
where,
𝑡𝑖 : Corona inception time, assumed zero or is neglected as it is very short compared with the another two
times (ti = 0), [µs]
𝑡𝑠 : Streamer propagation time, [µs]
𝑡𝑙 : Leader propagation time, [µs]
For ts it is possible to write the following formula:
1 𝑡𝑠
𝑎 = ∫ 𝑢(𝑡)𝑑𝑡 (20)
𝑡𝑠 0
a = 400 g + 50 [kV] | For positive polarity voltage,
a = 450 g + 150 [kV] | For negative polarity voltage,
1 𝐸
= 1,25 ∙ ( ) − 0,95 (21)
𝑡𝑠 𝐸50
𝐸50
𝑡𝑠 = (22)
1,25 ∙ 𝐸 − 0,9 ∙ 𝐸50
E: Maximum gradient in gap before breakdown, [kV/m]
E50: Average gradient at (CFO) Critical Flashover-voltage, [kV/m]
For tl leader propagation time can be obtained from the following equation:
𝑑𝑙𝑖 𝑢(𝑡)
= 𝑘 ∙ 𝑢(𝑡) [ − 𝐸0 ] (23)
𝑑𝑡 𝑔 − 𝑙𝑖
𝐸0 : Minimum leader progrion electric field strength, critical leader-inception gradient, [V m-1]
𝑙𝑖 : leader length, [m]
𝑘 : Leader Coefficient, [m2 /kV2 s-1]
𝑢(𝑡) : Voltage across gap or insulator, [kV]
𝑔: gap length, [m]
and,
Table 10. Values for K and E0 in insulators

The back flashover or flashover mechanism of the insulators can be represented by volt-time curves. The volt-
time characteristics of insulators can be represented as a function of insulator length. The insulator flashover
voltage can be calculated using the Equation below during the simulation, and compared to the actual insulator
voltage.
The traditional model for insulator flashover uses measured volt-time curve specifically determined for an
insulator string or a gap type that has the standard 1.2/50 µs surge wave shape. For the volt-time model, it is
assumed that back flashover occurs when tower is higher than lightning impulse withstand voltage or Basic
Insulation Level (BIL) of the insulator strings. The insulator lightning impulse withstand voltage is not a unique
Page 38 of 81 |
number. The insulator may withstand a high magnitude impulse voltage with longer duration. The start-up
time (i.e., zero time) for the volt-time characteristics must be synchronized to the instant that a stroke of
lighting hits the shielding wire or the tower top. If the insulator voltage exceeds this voltage, a flashover occurs
across the insulator. The front time for the arcing can be quite steep, (around 20 ns) and is determined by the
physics of air gap breakdown. For a simplified analysis, a detailed arcing model for flashover is not necessary,
and a short-circuit (ideal switch) representation will be adequate.
𝐾2
𝑉𝑉−𝑡 = 𝐾1 + (24)
𝑡 0,75
where,
𝐾1 = 400 x L
𝐾2 = 710 x L
𝑉𝑉−𝑡 = Flashover voltage, [kV]
L = Insulator Length, [m]
t = Elapsed time after lightning stroke, [µs]
The breakdown occurs when the leader length “Li” is equal to gap length “g” and the corresponding time
specifies the tl
To determine the CFO (Critical flashover) voltage that has the insulation strength of an insulator for a negative
lightning strike the following equation is given:
710 710
𝐶𝐹𝑂 = (400 + 0,75
) × 𝑑 = (400 + 0,75 ) × 0,140 𝑚 = 82 𝑘𝑉 (25)
𝑡 6
where,
𝐶𝐹𝑂 is the Critical Flashover-voltage, [kV]
𝑑 is the length of an insulator, [m]
Figure 42. Critical Flashover voltage for catenary insulator of 140 mm

Figure 42 illustrates the voltage-time withstand capacity of an insulator with a length of 140 mm used in the
Cantilever structure. A failure occurs when voltage exceeds this curve in a time interval.
As aforementioned, the insulator was modelled as a voltage-controlled switch between the cantilever and the
mast. When the surge voltage is lower, the insulator is considered to be an opened switch to structure (mass),
but as the insulator resistance is much higher than the surge impedance of the line; if a flashover occurs, the
insulator turns to be a closed switch. In order to study flashover of the insulator a simple model is developed
as shown below. The model was prepared on the basis of the model of the controlled breaker which is
connected in parallel to the insulator. The breaker is opened or closed simultaneously according to the voltage
on the insulator which can cause a flash-over development. The leader development method of the flashover
| Page 39 of 81
was prepared in the interface MODELS which is an internal routine of the Electromagnetic Transients Program
– Alternative Transients program. The flashover model consists of a (three-phase) TACS switch controlled by a
MODELS component with a time–voltage characteristic.
The MODELS code is given below and it calculates a time–voltage characteristic (FLASH) as exponential
decaying starting from U0 (100 kV) and ending at UINF (82 kV) with a time constant of TAU (2 ms). UINI (3 kV)
is the rated insulation voltage.
The flashover proc is initiated when the voltage goes above UINF. The values in this characteristic can certainly
be discussed, but the value of UINF should be well above the switching insulation level of typically 10 kV; value
of Rated Lightning impulse withstand (1.2/50 μs).
Figure 43. Model Flash-over using TACS-MODELS in ATPDraw
MODEL flash3
comment--------------------------------------
| Front of wave flashover characteristic |
| of the HV insulator. |
| Input: Voltage accross the insulator. |
| Output: Close command for the TACS switch |
-----------------------------------endcomment
INPUT UP, UN
OUTPUT CLOSE
DATA UO {DFLT: 100E3}, UINF {DFLT:82E3}, TAU {DFLT:8.e-7}, UINI {DFLT:3E3}
VAR CLOSE, TT, U, FLASH
INIT
CLOSE:=0
TT:=0
FLASH:=INF
ENDINIT
EXEC
U:= ABS(UP-UN)
IF (U>UINI) THEN
TT:=TT+timestep
FLASH:=(UINF + (UO-UINF)*(EXP(-TT/TAU)))
IF (U>FLASH) THEN CLOSE:=1 ENDIF
ENDIF
ENDEXEC
ENDMODEL
For convenience the MODEL-SWITCH components is compred into a group with a readable vector icon and
with the data U0, UINF, TAU and nodes; UPA-B-C and UN surfaced.
6.3.6 Surge Arrester Model
If a stroke of lighting hits a power line, the only way to protect it is by using a lightning arrester. The lightning
arrester is a non-linear device that acts as an open circuit to low potentials (or conducts a very small current in
order of µA), but conducts electrical current at very high potentials, when operating limits the voltage by
diverting the overvoltage charge on the line to the earth. The surge arrester handles its operation under both
normal and abnormal (overvoltage) conditions based on its nonlinearity (V-I characteristics). The metal oxide
varistor, which is nonlinearly characterized, is the vital element of the surge arrester. When lightning strikes a
line protected with a lightning arrester, the non-lineal resistance draws the current to ground. The surge
Page 40 of 81 |
arrester is installed where a cable-wire junction is provided. The arrester is intended to limit the surge voltages
exerted on the cables, and this dispositive is earthed locally via a dedicated down leader. Once the overvoltage
is passed out, the surge arrester returns to its normal state, but the surge arrester can be damaged when it is
subjected to overvoltage of too high energy.
The surge arresters used for protection of exterior electrical distribution lines will be either of Metal-Oxide
Surge Arrester (MOSA), with resistors made of Zinc-Oxide (ZnO) blocks, or gapped type with resistors made of
Silicon-Carbide (SiC). Expulsion types are no longer used. Metal-Oxide (MO) surge arresters are widely used as
protective devices against switching and lightning over-voltages in power systems. The distinctive features of
the MO arresters are their extremely non-linear voltage-current Characteristic, ignorable power losses, high
level reliability and speed.
MOSA cannot only be modelled by a non-linear resistance, since its response depends on the magnitude and
the rate of rise (slope) of the surge pulse. MOSA behave differently for various surge waveforms, depending
each time on magnitude and rate of rise of the surge. Several frequency dependent models of MOSA have been
proposed in a way that the model simulation results corresponds to the actual behaviour of the arrester. The
difficulties for each model arise in the estimation of its parameters, since there is demanded manufacturers’
data on datasheets and apply iterative procedure.
Table illustrates different kinds of models proposed for transient simulation; those are frequency-dependent
models. At first column is represented the IEEE model of Workgroup 3.4.11. This model includes the nonlinear
resistors, designated by A0 and A1, separated by RL low pass filter, where their parameters are calculated from
the estimated height of the arrester, the number of columns of MO disks and the curves shown in Figure 45.
The model in Table 11 second column, (Pinceti model) has been proposed by Pinceti-Gianettoni. This model is
based on IEEE model with some differences. The capacitance is eliminated, since its effect on model behaviour
is negligible. Resistance R (about 1 MΩ) replaced between the input terminals, only to avoid numerical troubles.
Resistance R0 stabilizes or avoid the numerical oscillations and the nonlinear resistors A0 and A1 can be
estimated by using the curves shown in Figure 45. The model proposed by Fernandez-Diaz, shown in Table 11,
third column, (Fernandez-Diaz model), has recently been developed which is recommended by IEEE W.G.
3.4.11 and Pinceti model. The nonlinear resistors A0 and A1 are connected in parallel and separated by
inductance L1. Capacitance C is the value of terminal to terminal of capacitor (C value depends of capacitance
for the arrester height), and the resistor represents of arrester which has the value of the whole resistance of
1 MΩ (used to avoid numerical oscillations, for higher voltages can be assumed to 10 MΩ).
| Page 41 of 81
Figure 44. Surge Arrester Datasheet
Page 42 of 81 |
Table 11. Models for Surge Arresters

When adjusting the value of L1 can get a good match of published arrester catalogue.
Parameters A0 and A1
Those elements can be modelled in ATP with exponential equations estimated from points (voltage-current).
To define the non-linear parameter resistor, A0 and A1 are taken from the IEEE model and show in Table 12 and
Figure 45.
V-I Characteristics for A0 & A1
V [p.u.]
I [kA]
A0 A1
0,01 1,40
0,1 1,54 1,23
1 1,68 1,36
2 1,74 1,43
4 1,80 1,48
6 1,82 1,50
8 1,87 1,53
10 1,90 1,55
12 1,93 1,56
14 1,97 1,58
16 2,00 1,59
18 2,05 1,60
20 2,10 1,61
Table 12. V-I Characteristics for A0 & A1
| Page 43 of 81
Figure 45. V-I Characteristics of non-lineal A0 and A1

Then,
For A0,
𝑉10
𝐷𝑖𝑠𝑐ℎ𝑎𝑟𝑔𝑒 𝑘𝑉 = [𝑅𝑒𝑙𝑎𝑡𝑖𝑣𝑒 𝐼 ∙ 𝑅 𝑖𝑛 𝑝. 𝑢. 𝑓𝑜𝑟 𝐴0 (𝑖)] × [ ] (26)
1,6
For A1,
𝑉10
𝐷𝑖𝑠𝑐ℎ𝑎𝑟𝑔𝑒 𝑘𝑉 = [𝑅𝑒𝑙𝑎𝑡𝑖𝑣𝑒 𝐼 ∙ 𝑅 𝑖𝑛 𝑝. 𝑢. 𝑓𝑜𝑟 𝐴1 (𝑖)] × [ ] (27)
1,6
V10 = discharge voltage at 10 kA current surge, 8 x 20 µs shape, in kV
6.3.6.1 IEEE WG model

Using IEEE model of Workgroup 3.4.11. for the surge arrester to use shown at Figure 44 that is the surge
arrester model used in other lines metro line, using the equations presented previously at Table 11, the initial
values for L0, R0, L1, R1, and C are determined as follows:
100 × 𝑑 100 × 0,085 𝑚

𝑅0 = [Ω] = [Ω] = 850 Ω (28)
𝑛 1
0,2 × 𝑑 0,2 × 0,085 𝑚
𝐿0 = [𝜇𝐻] = [𝜇𝐻] = 0,02 𝜇𝐻 = 1,7𝑥10−5 𝑚𝐻 (29)
𝑛 1
65 × 𝑑 65 × 0,085 𝑚
𝑅1 = [Ω] = [Ω] = 5,53 Ω (30)
𝑛 1
15 × 𝑑 15 × 0,085 𝑚
𝐿1 = [𝜇𝐻] = [𝜇𝐻] = 1,28 𝜇𝐻 = 1,28𝑥10−3 𝑚𝐻 (31)
𝑛 1
100 × 𝑛 100 × 𝑛
𝐶1 = [𝑝𝐹] = [𝑝𝐹] = 1 176 𝑝𝐹 = 0,001176471 𝜇𝐹 (32)
𝑑 0,085 𝑚
• 𝑑 = 0,085 m | surge arrester estimated length [m].

• n = 1 | number of parallel columns of MO in the arrester.
In order to determine nonlinear resistors for nonlinear resistors A0 and A1 using equations (26), (27) and Table
12 we have:
Page 44 of 81 |
V-I Characteristics for A0 & A1

V [p.u.] V [V]
I [A]
A0 A1 A0 A1
10 1,4 3194
100 1,54 1,23 3513 2806
1000 1,68 1,36 3833 3103
2000 1,74 1,43 3969 3262
4000 1,8 1,48 4106 3376
6000 1,82 1,5 4152 3422
8000 1,87 1,53 4266 3490
10000 1,9 1,55 4334 3536
12000 1,93 1,56 4403 3559
14000 1,97 1,58 4494 3604
16000 2 1,59 4563 3627
18000 2,05 1,6 4677 3650
20000 2,1 1,61 4791 3673
Table 13. Parameters for nonlinear resistors A0 and A1 for IEEE model
Figure 46. Slow-front A0 curve and fast-front A1 curve for nonlinear components of the MOV
| Page 45 of 81
Figure 47. Representation of the Surge Arrester by IEEE model

In order to obtain the response of the surge arrester in ATP with a lightning current of 10 kA and 8/20 µs
wavefront, (Figure 48, was introduced at section 6.3.1.1 and modelled at section 6.3.1.2.1 of this document).
it’s used a 10 kA peak current because at different manufacturers in their datasheets and catalogues specify
the residual voltage for 10 kA and 8/20 µs waveform. For this case, the surge arrester previously selected is a
common reference used in another lines of the metro station. From equipment datasheet is obtained:
• In Nominal discharge current: 10 kA.
• Ures <3,65 kV
• UC Continuous operating voltage (DC): 1 kV
• h Height: 85 mm
Paper of IEEE model recommends to adjust the L1 value to have accurate representation of the datasheet data,
this value is changed to 1,20 mH. With the adjustment of L1 the residual voltage changed to 3,657 kV, very
close to residual voltage from datasheet. Settings of the simulation are ∆t= 1 x 10-7 and Tmax = 1 ms.
Figure 48. 8/20-µs Test wave 10 kA for modelling testing
Page 46 of 81 |
Figure 49. Residual voltage of IEEE model with a 8/20-µs Test wave 10 kA
At Figure 49 is represented the residual voltage of the surge arrester modelled with the IEEE method, implying
a test wave of 10 kA and a 8/20-µs impulse current. in this case a peak rise is observed at 7,6 µs, the value of
this peak is 3,914 kV, and this introduce error to the model.
Figure 50. Residual voltage of IEEE model with a 8/20-µs Test wave 10 kA for modelling testing
6.3.6.2 Pinceti-Gianettoni model

In order to obtain a better model of the physical surge arrester with the ATP software the Pinceti model is used.
This model is illustrated in Table 11. Where Ur is the arrester rated voltage (in kilovolts); Ur8/20 is the residual
voltage for 10-kA lightning current pulse with 8/20-µs shape (kV); Ur1/T2 is the residual voltage for 10-kA steep
current pulse (1/T2 µs) [in kilovolts]. The decrease time T2 is not specified here since it can vary between 2 and
20 s and each manufacturer can choose the preferred value. In this case the data required to use the equations
at Table 11 are not reported at datasheet, (Vr1/T2). It becomes necessary to use a simplified method for the
Princenti model.
𝐿0 = 0,01 × 𝑉𝑛 = 0,01 × 1 𝑘𝑉 = 0,01𝜇𝐻 = 1𝐸 − 5𝑚𝐻 (33)
| Page 47 of 81
𝐿1 = 0,03 × 𝑉𝑛 = 0,01 × 1 𝑘𝑉 = 0,03𝜇𝐻 = 3𝐸 − 5𝑚𝐻 (34)
𝑅 = 1 𝑀Ω (35)
Values for A0 and A1 are the same for IEEE model that are in Table 13.
Figure 51. Representation of the Surge Arrester by Pinceti model

Figure 52 represents the residual voltage of the Pinceti model surge arrester. This figure represents the decay
time of residual voltage is obtained in a lower time rate. The residual voltage obtained from this model is 3,551
kV not as close from catalogue value, as the IEEE model. The peak value from the oscillation that induced an
error in the model is 3,806 kV at 7,06 µs.
Figure 52. Residual voltage of Pinceti model with a 8/20-µs Test wave 10 kA
6.3.6.3 Non-Linear Resistance “MOV-Type 92” model
Figure 53. Non-Linear Resistance model

Metal-Oxide or zinc-oxide surge arresters are highly nonlinear resistors. Metal-Oxide model is supported at
ATP with a type 92 ZnO model that allows single or multiple segments, gapped or gagpl arresters, and is a
preferred model for all arresters. Nonlinear resistance segments can be modelled by the following equation:
Page 48 of 81 |
𝑞
𝑉
𝑖 = 𝑝×( ) (36)
𝑉𝑟𝑒𝑓
Where p and q are the characteristics of the arrester and Vref is arbitrary. (Typical values for q = 14 to 30). i and
v are Arrester current and voltage.
Station class metal-Oxide Arrester could be modelled by:
𝑉𝑟𝑒𝑓 = √2 × 𝑉𝑟𝑎𝑡𝑒𝑑 (37)
𝑞 = 17,2 ; 𝑐 = 1,292 𝑉𝑟𝑎𝑡𝑒𝑑 = 54 𝑡𝑜 360 𝑘𝑉 (38)
𝑞 = 21 ; 𝑐 = 1,306 𝑉𝑟𝑎𝑡𝑒𝑑 = 396 𝑡𝑜 444 𝑘𝑉 (39)
1,0 𝑞
𝑝 = 1000 × [ ] (40)
𝑐
Using equations (37) to (40) can be obtained Voltage-current (V-I) values for non-linear resistor, and are shown
in Table 14:
Figure 54. V-I curve of nonlinear resistance in ATP/EMTP program
| Page 49 of 81
I V
0,00001 238,1
0,00003 1190,5
0,0001 1666,7
0,0005 1845,2
0,01 1904,8
1 2000,0
10 2113,1
125 2345,2
250 2416,7
500 2500,0
1000 2642,9
1500 2738,1
3000 2881,0
5000 3023,8
10000 3238,1
20000 3559,5
40000 4000,0
100000 5000,0
Table 14. V-I curve parameters for non-linear resistor
Figure 55. Residual voltage of Non-Linear Resistance model with a 8/20-µs Test wave 10 kA
Figure 55 is represents the residual voltage of the surge arrester modelled with the as non-linear resistance
with a test wave of 10 kA and a 8/20-µs. in this case a peak rise is observed at 8,5 µs, the value of this peak is
3,241 kV. No oscillations at the peak are observed at this model (Figure 57), the desired residual voltage of 3,65
kV is not reached with this model.
Figure 56 and Figure 57 represent the behaviour of the tree models for their residual voltage at a response of
a 8/20-µs Test wave 10 kA. IEEE model is preferred for this case study.
Page 50 of 81 |
Figure 56. Residual voltage for IEEE, Pinceti and MOV NLR model (st = 1 ms)
Figure 57. Residual voltage for IEEE, Pinceti and MOV NLR model (st = 0,16 ms)
The surge arrester components of the ATPDraw electromagnetic model allows the compression and grouping
of all of them as a single block called GROUP (see Figure 58) which schematises the whole group of components
in a single software block making clearer the system representation.
Figure 58. Representation of Surge Arrester model at ATP-EMTP using GROUP routine
| Page 51 of 81
6.3.7 Power Grid

The equipment impedance data for the utility source must be obtained from the utility company. When
requesting the data, must be specified at what point the source contribution equivalent is to be desired. Typical
forms of the data received from the utility is given at IEEE 551-2006 Section 3.16.1. When X/R is not given,
must be assumed.
In order to model the power grid in ATP-Draw, the parameters of the network are: V = 10,5 kV, and Icc = 59,489
kA; then the MVASC is:
𝑀𝑉𝐴𝑠𝑐
𝐼𝑠𝑐 = → 𝑀𝑉𝐴𝑠𝑐 = 𝐼𝑠𝑐 × √3 × 𝑉𝐹−𝐹 (41)
√3 × 𝑉𝐹−𝐹
𝑀𝑉𝐴𝑠𝑐 = 59,489 𝑘𝐴 × √3 × 10,5𝑘𝑉 = 1 081,89𝑀𝑉𝐴𝑠𝑐 (42)

To obtain the impedance of the network:
𝑉𝐹−𝐹 2 10,5 𝑘𝑉 2
𝑍𝑠𝑐 = = = 0,102 Ω (43)
𝑀𝑉𝐴𝑠𝑐 1 081,89 𝑀𝑉𝐴𝑠𝑐
In addition, taking an assumed value of X/R =10 from Table 15, we have:
The X/R value of the network represents the magnitude of reactance ratio over resistance from the utility
connection point to above. If X/R ratio is equal to zero, means that the network only has a resistive portion and
reactance is negligible. For a value of X/R ratio equal to one, it means that the relationship of reactance and
resistance are equal. When the value of X/R becomes larger it means that inductive values of the network are
more representative, i.e. when are connected large generators, or large groups of generators to the network
these make higher the X/R ratio of the network. Bigger X/R ratio value means the longer d.c. component will
take to decay (longer time constant) for the asymmetric short-circuit component. Another example is large
lengths and/or high voltage rated transmission lines connected to the power grid, these make the X/R ratio
value larger. Values of X/R ratios go from 1 to 40. For distribution lines at utility source point, the values of X/R
typically used are from 2 to 10.
Table 15. X/R ratios values for utility source
tan 𝜃 = 10 (44)
𝜃 = tan−1 (10) = 84,289 (45)
𝑅 = cos 𝜃 × 𝑍𝑠𝑐 = cos 84,2 × 0,102 Ω = 0,10 Ω (46)
𝑋𝐿 𝑆𝐶 = cos 𝜃 × 𝑍𝑠𝑐 = sin 84,2 × 0,102 Ω = 0,101 Ω (47)
𝑋𝐿 𝑆𝐶 0,101 Ω
𝐿𝑆𝐶 = = = 324,4 𝜇𝐻 (48)
2 × 𝜋 × 𝑓 2 × 𝜋 × 50 𝐻𝑧
Page 52 of 81 |
6.3.8 Transformers
In the electrical railway network there is a transformer that has three-phase windings, one in its primary side
and the secondary side with two windings. Therefore, this transformer has a twelve-phase output to supply a
twelve-phase substation rectifier. Substation transformer and rectifier are responsible for transforming the
voltage of the energy network coming from feeders 10,5 kV level to the catenary voltage. Transformer reduces
the tension of the catenary 10,5 kV, 50 Hz to suitable level for traction motors operation 750 V, and rectifier
changes the Vac into a Vdc.
The EMTP has several models of transformers. BCTRAN: is a subprogram support or routine integrated in ATP-
EMTP, which can be used to derive the linear matrix representation [R], [wL] or [A], [R] for single and three
phase transformers using the resulting data of the excitation tests and short-circuit in nominal frequency.
The parameters for the rectifier transformer are listed in section 6.2.1
Figure 59. Dialog Box of the BCTRAN rectifier transformer

6.3.9 Twelve Phase Rectifier
Figure 60. Representation of front end 12-pulse converter
| Page 53 of 81
The substation rectifier is a twelve-phase model and it has two rectifier diode bridges. Figure 60 illustrates the
typical elementary diagram for a front end 12-pulse converter. The DC sides of both 6-pulse bridge rectifiers
are connected in parallel for higher current and connected in series for higher voltage.
Figure 61 illustrates the model of the substation at ATP-EMTP software. At the instant of 0 ms the system is
initialized and it is necessary to wait for the system to reach its steady-state condition before applying the
lightning discharge. As can be seen in Figure, the dc operating voltage is reached in l than 5 ms approx. Figure
61 represents a controlled switch voltage (D_FOV), it closes to ground when the Flashover voltage is reached,
the switch represents an insulation failure to ground at the Rectifier Bridge. The Diodes presented at the
rectifiers have a maximum inverse voltage of 3 600 V, a voltage limit that if exceeded will lead to fail of the
diodes. Diodes will breakdown and a large current in the reverse direction will pass. Therefore, it is important
to guarantee that this voltage is not exceeded.
Figure 61. ATP Representation of Rectifier Substation
Figure 62. System initialization – Voltage at the DC busbar of the substation

Under the configuration shown in the previous Figure 62, it is evident when the system reaches its steady-state
condition and when the bridge rectifier reaches the nominal voltage at which the train system works.
In order to test the insulation failure on the 12 pulse rectifier, a Lightning discharge of 1 kA is applied after the
rectifier bridge. A surge arrester protects this device (Figure 63). Lightning discharge is applied at 1 ms. Voltage
is measured at output of the rectifier bridge (Figure 64), the rectifier bridges withstands the transient
overvoltage condition in this case. After transient condition, system continues operating as habitual and
returns to steady-state condition.
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Figure 63. Lightning discharge of 1 kA applied to rectifier bridge, protected by SPD
Figure 64. Overvoltage measured at output of rectifier bridge, protected with SPF
In the next case, the surge arrester is removed and the overvoltage is measured with the same conditions of
last case of study. Rectifier Bridge is not protected of atmospheric overvoltages (Figure 65). At 1 ms is applied
the same lightning discharge and the voltage rises over the insulation critical flashover voltage of the rectifier,
3,6 kV and a fault to earth is represented when D_FOV Closes to ground and voltage decreases to a value very
close to 0 V (Figure 66).
Figure 65. Lightning discharge of 1 kA applied to rectifier bridge, not protected by SPD
| Page 55 of 81
Figure 66. Overvoltage measured at output of rectifier bridge, not protected with SPF
6.3.10 Modelling the railway power system
The calculation of lightning-caused overvoltages requires a detailed model as was introduced in section 6.3.2,
in which structures, footing impedances, insulators, surge arresters and mast clearances, in addition to active
conductor and shield wires, need to be represented; (Those elements where modelled in section 6.3 at
previous sections of present document). However, only a few spans at both sides of the point of impact of
lightning must be considered in the line model. Since lightning is a fast-front transient phenomenon, a
multiphase model with distributed parameters, including conductor asymmetry is required for the
representation of each span.
Figure 67. Extreme case of lightning strike on an overhead system

Figure 67 illustrates an extreme case of current distribution of travelling waves. Case (A), direct lightning stroke
on an overhead wire at half of a span. Case (B), direct lightning stroke to a structure. The worst situation (B) is
represented by quantities using percentage values at the upper part. In this case the affected structure drops
lightning current to ground in a 60%, and in vicinity structures 15% and next ones only 5%.
In order to simulate the lightning events and their effects they are modelled in small lengths; because lightning
is a high frequency phenomena, only a few spans around the point of influence are taken account. It is
important to consider where the lightning is going to impact; on a structure (mast or gantries) or at earthing
wire?, or in a contact wire (energized conductor). ATP/EMTP is not a software for designing lightning shielding
protection systems. Normally 60 percent of the strokes may strike the OCS (Overhead Contact System), masts
and the remainder at mid-spans of masts approximately every 28 m (Figure 68).
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Figure 68. Direct lightning strikes on railway power systems

If lightning strikes an overhead wire, the current splits fifty-fifty (Figure 69-a). Each current travel through the
conductor in both opposite directions of the line. These traveling voltage waves stress the insulator that holds
the conductor when they reach the structure (tower/poles/mast). Insulators become vulnerable to these
waves. Lightning strikes can also reach one of the structures (Figure 69-b and Figure 30-c), in which case the
current flows through the pole, and through the structure footing foundation, or the grounding system of the
structure (grounding impedance, Figure 30-c) which discharges it to earth. Travelling waves in this case are
limited in its inferior part by the resistance of the base of the tower, and in its upper part by impedance that
represents the channel that the lightning current flows.
Figure 69. Direct lightning strike producing Back-Flashover

Due to electromagnetic coupling among all line components and among them and the atmospheric discharge
channel, the electromagnetic phenomena will propagate in shield wires and active conductors, mast structures,
and in the mast grounding system. Because of such propagation, overvoltages will occur, if one of such
overvoltages exceed the insulation withstand voltage, a short-circuit occurs. If the overvoltage magnitude is
too high for the insulators, it may exceed the line insulation strength resulting in a flashover as well.
| Page 57 of 81
6.3.10.1 EMT model

In order to assemble and join every component modelled before to build the electrical system of the railway
power system, it’s necessary to procure the following considerations:
• Both substations are modelled by a 3-winding power transformer with the characteristics described
in the previous sections with two diode bridges connected in series forming a 12-pulse rectifier.
• The DC system is represented by the contact lines, the power cables that connect the positive and
negative terminals of the rectifier to the OCS, the running rails and the parallel feeder cables.
• The used earth value is 100 Ω (for soil resistivity).
Figure 70 represents a model used for the ATP-EMTP simulations, followed by a simplified scheme of a one-
line diagram (Figure 71). Two adjacent substations and the OCS constituents are represented – four rails (2
pairs), two contact lines, three parallel feeder cables and the connections between the parallel feeder cables
and the contact lines at the exact points of the system.
Figure 70. Simplified scheme for the system configuration of the one line diagram
The system is subdivided into different sections:
• At both opposite sides there are two substations composed of a 3-winding transformer, a rectifier
bridge, and a surge arrester.
• The Overhead line for the OCS is divided in 6 sections; each section is divided by the junction of the
parallel feeder cables to the OCS wire. There are 5 connection points of the OCS to the parallel feeder
cables.
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Figure 71. Single line diagram of the railway power system
| Page 59 of 81
Figure 72. ATP/EMTP simplified model

There are two points of interest in the present study. They have been identified as zone A and B (Figure 70):
Zone A: Substation exit. It is represented by the catenary section from the left side of the substation in Figure
70 to the first junction point of the OCS to the feeder cables. This zone is interested in studying over voltages
at DC busbar of substation, when a lightning discharge impacts on contact wire that is very close to the
substation. Six masts neighbours to the substation were taken account for the simulation.
Page 60 of 81 |
Figure 73. Detail for ATP/EMTP model for zone A

Zone B: The contact line (middle point between the two substations) is represented with the point at the
middle of the OCS between the two substations. There is a pole with a surge arrester and a junction of the
feeder cables to the OCS. Three masts among this point were considered in this case.
Figure 74. Detail for ATP/EMTP model for zone B

This study considers the direct strikes to the OCS and surge with very steep front travelling along the conductors
to the rectifier substation at each section of the overhead line. Flashover would occur along the lane partly
discharging the surge energy depending on the insulation level and the level of earthing resistance. If the surge
is not discharged before entering the substation, protection and control equipment is likely to be damaged by
remaining energy in the surge.
The system under consideration uses an overhead conductor catenary arrangement which is supported on
masts using insulators. The overhead conductors are terminated onto cantilever and insulators at every mast,
feeder parallel cables connect the overhead conductors to the track and to circuit breakers in the substation.
The rails provide the return path for load currents and are directly connected to the negative pole of the
rectifier output. The rails are insulated from earth to avoid the flow of load current though the earth. The
overhead conductor has surge arresters connected at each end of an inter-substation section. The surge
arresters are connected to earth via down leads and an earth pit consisting of driven rods. Surge arresters are
also connected across the dc output and the substation earth mat (in parallel with the Overvoltage Protection
device, OVPD). For this simulation, the train is not considered at model stage and in any of the following
performed simulations. Protection of the trains is not a subject of this work. The existence of a train between
the two substations is not considered, because it would cause the reduction of maximum overvoltage of the
power supply system equipment. A lightning discharge hitting a contact line with a train traveling nearby at the
| Page 61 of 81
same time would increase the number of discharging paths to the lightning current that flows through the
contact line. The present work aims to simulate only the worst-case conditions in order to guarantee that, apart
from the simulated conditions, the majority of the system conditions will be contemplated, therefore, between
the two simulated substations no moving trains (or stopped trains connected to the contact line) will be
considered.
At the instant 0 ms the system is initialized, and it’s necessary to wait for the system to reach a steady-state
condition before Appling the lighting discharge. The lighting discharge is applied at 0,5 ms in all simulations
and plotted until the overvoltage disappears.
In this work, simulations were performed by Simulation time Tmax = 0.0003 s to Tmax = 0.0006 s and Simulation
step ∆t = 1E-8 s.
6.4 Computation of specific lightning events
In order to execute different kinds of simulations it is necessary to establish a well -defined methodology of
realistic scenarios and considerations that may guide decision-making for the implementation of preventive
actions and taking criteria in at designing stage.
Three system variations were established to evaluate the behaviour of the railway power system and
determine the best configuration that ensures the protection of the system equipment. By changes in the
topology of the network is established a variation, for example changing the position surge arrester and later
is prepared various study cases and scenarios (system stages or operation scenarios).
In spite of the fact that on the contractor’s requirements at the work site it is referred that surge arresters
should be earthed via 1 Ω impedance maximum, simulations are performed for a sensitive analysis of 0 Ω, 1 Ω,
5 Ω and 10 Ω, in order to compare the results. In addition, the characteristics of lightning currents have a
fundamental importance on insulation coordination and on the design of distribution lines equipment; a
sensitive analysis of these characteristic parameters of the lightning discharge is also performed, in order to
evaluate the real impact on the system. For each case of surge arresters, earthing resistance value is applied
for different lightning of peak current of 4 kA, 10 kA and 20 kA. Those values were taken from Figure 21, taking
in account that the probability of occurrence of a 4 kA peak current of stroke exceed 98%, for 10 kA exceed
90%, and for 20 kA exceed 80%.
The overvoltages that arise at the terminals of the rectifier of the diode bridge and at the connection point of
the cables and the contact line are analysed. The overvoltages are then compared with the withstand voltages
of the equipments and their adequate lightning protection are concluded.
It should be noted that the situation of the surge arresters positioned only at the connection points between
the contact line and the cables is not considered, once it would leave all the substation equipment unprotected
against overvoltages originated from lightning discharges that occur in the substation and between the
substation and the first connection point of the cables to the contact line.
6.4.1 System Variation 1. No Surge Arresters
Case of Study 1:
In order to show evidence of the importance of the installation of surge arresters at the system, a lightning
discharge is applied at zone A, i.e., near the substation and without any kind of overvoltage protection. Voltage
curves are represented for a 4 kA and 20 kA lightning discharge at the terminals of the rectifier of the diode
bridge and at the connection point of the cables and the contact line system, and are compared with the rated
impulse overvoltage of the equipment of the substation, Uni = 10 kV (Section 5.5). The discharge is made on
the contact line at the first mast near the substation.
6.4.2 System Variation 2. Surge arresters at dc substations only
In this variation of the topology of the network, surge arresters positioned at the DC busbar of the substations
and various cases of study are recreated by simulations. Surge arresters are connected between the positive
rectifier poles and the substation earth mat and between the negative pole of the rectifier output and the
substation earth mat (Figure 75).
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The path to earth for a surge reaching the positive pole of a rectifier is thus achieved through the surge arresters
installed at the positive terminal. A surge coming from the running rails is also effectively limited by the
installation of surge arresters at the negative terminal.
Figure 75. Positioning of surge arresters at the substation positive and negative terminals
Case of Study 1:
Discharge current is applied at zone A. Various scenarios are created changing parameters of different
components:
• Surge arrester earth resistance varies to 0 Ω, 1 Ω, 5 Ω and 10 Ω,
• Lightning discharge current peak varies to 4 kA, 10 kA and 20 kA.
• Lightning overvoltage effects are observed at the discharge point, at the end of substation of zone A,
connection point with the parallel feeder cable.
Case of Study 2:
Discharge current is applied at zone B. Various scenarios are created changing parameters of different
components:
• Lightning overvoltage effects are observed at the discharge point, at the end of substation of other
zone (Not A), connection point with the parallel feeder cable.
system and the parallel feeder cables.
In this system variation the surge arresters are located not only in the substations, but also in the interface
between the cables and the contact line, as shown in Figure 76. Apart from this change to the system, all other
parameters are kept constant. The same kind of simulations are performed and the results are then compared
with the previous system variation.
It is also important to locate the surge arresters close to the point of connection between overhead conductor
and cable at mast. Failure to do this may result in voltage build up at the cable connection which could exceed
the insulation level of the cable, resulting in insulation breakdown. In Figure 27, the adequate positioning of
surge arresters along the contact line is shown.
| Page 63 of 81
Figure 76. Simplified model for the system configuration for system variation 3
Figure 77. Positioning of the surge arresters at the interface feeder cable-contact line
Case of Study 1:
Discharge current is applied at zone A. Various scenarios are created changing parameters of different
components:
• Lightning overvoltage effects are observed at the discharge point, at the end of substation of zone A,
connection point with the parallel feeder cable.
Case of Study 2:
Page 64 of 81 |
Discharge current is applied at zone B. Varied scenarios are created changing parameters of different
components:
• Lightning overvoltage effects are observed at the discharge point, at the end of substation of other
zone (Not A), connection point with the parallel feeder cable.
6.5 Results of simulations
6.5.1 System Variation 1. No Surge Arresters
As mentioned in section 6.4.1, no surge arresters will be used in this system variation.
6.5.1.1 Study Case 1: Discharge current is applied at zone A
6.5.1.1.1 Scenario 1: Lightning discharge current peak 4 kA

At instant 0 ms, the system is initialized and it is necessary to wait for the system to reach its steady-state
condition before applying the lightning discharge. As can be seen in Figure 79-a, the DC operating voltage is
reached in l than 0,4 ms therefore the lightning discharge represented above is applied at 0,5 ms in all
simulations and plotted until the overvoltage disappears, as can be seen at Figure 80-b voltage is 754 Vdc.
Figure 78. Representation of system variation with no surge arrester

In this scenario the lightning discharge or 4 kA hits the first tower at the contact line near the substation (Figure
78), the red line is the critical flashover voltage of cantilever, blue line is the overvoltage on insulation at
cantilever, an overvoltage of 365 kV. In the graph, the blue line shown below represents the limit voltage for
flashover. There is no flashover in this device. Figure 79-b the red line illustrates the Critical Flashover voltage
for the insulator, due the overvoltage on cantilever is not over the CFO voltage that is 965 kV (section 6.3.3.1)
no voltage is transferred to mast or to the insulator, tension at insulator is equal to 0 V, green line.
| Page 65 of 81
a) b)
Figure 79. a) Voltage on OCS wire at first tower near substation, b) CFO Voltage at insulator on mast
Figure 80-a) represents the voltage at most excited diode of the rectifier bridge when overvoltage occurs, the
voltage on the most exited diode is over 20 kV. Figure 80-a) illustrates that the insulation is damaged at 3,6 kV
(red line at figure) leading to a fault to earth at 0,05 ms when lightning discharge is introduced to railway power
system. Figure 80-b) illustrates an overvoltage at DC busbar were the connected the parallel feeder cable and
OCS is. It allow us to conclude that, if nothing’s done to protect the system against lightning discharges, the
overvoltages that arise to the nearest substation is much above the rated impulse overvoltage of the
equipment, Uni = 10 kV (red line BIL). There is an overvoltage peak of 57 kV at nearest substation on the DC
busbar. This amplitude represents a danger for the correct operation of the equipment in it. If the discharge
current has an amplitude greater than 5 kA, the overvoltages are even worst.
a) b)
Figure 80. a) CFO voltage at most exited diode, b) voltage at DC busbar on nearest substation
6.5.1.1.2 Scenario 2: Lightning discharge current peak 20 kA
a) b)
Figure 81. a) voltage at most exited diode on near substation, b) Voltage at DC busbar on S/E
This scenario has the same parameter condition as the last one, only that the lightning discharge changes to
20 kA value. Results for 10 kA lightning discharge were not presented in this work because results are quite
similar, but magnitudes change in the same rate for 4 kA magnitude.
Figure 81-a) shows the overvoltage on the most exited diode (blue line) that is higher than the CFO voltage that
diode can withstand (red line). Figure 81-b) illustrates how a peak voltage of 100 kV (green line) is transferred
to the nearest substation. In this case, the peak voltage at the nearest substation is lower (in comparison with
Page 66 of 81 |
Figure 80-a), scenario 5 kA) due to the flashover condition at the cantilever and the insulator on the first mast,
there is a path to the ground that uses a voltage traveling wave that is the mast. In this scenario, the cantilever
and/or the insulator could be damaged or destroyed due to this transient overvoltage.
Figure 82-a) illustrates the potential difference on insulation at cantilever when a flashover occurs. The red line
is the CFOV for cantilever, and the green line is the voltage on insulation on cantilever. In that the green line
touches and is over red line, there is Flashover effect on it. Figure 82-b) shows the voltage on insulator when a
flashover occurs on the cantilever as well. Blue line represents the voltage on the insulator; red line represents
the critical flashover voltage from 6.3.5 and Figure 42.
a) b) z
Figure 82. a) CFO voltage at cantilever, b) CFO voltage at insulator
6.5.2 System Variation 2. Surge arresters at dc substations only
As was introduced in section 6.4.1 in this system variation, surge arresters are positioned only at the DC busbar
of the substations (Figure 75).

In this case, lightning discharge is applied at the third mast from the substation at OCW.
6.5.2.1.1 Scenario 1: Lightning discharge current peak 4 kA, and surge arrester earth resistance of 1Ω
a) b)
Figure 83. a) Voltage at DC busbar on S/E, b) a) CFO voltage at most exited diode
By applying a discharge current of 4 kA at zone A, at the DC busbar of the substation the transient overvoltage
is measured, where it is connected the rectifier bridge and the parallel feeder cable and even the overhead
contact wire. Overvoltages are plotted in Figure 83. Red lines are critical flashover voltage, blue lines are
transient overvoltage for each case. There is no insulation troubles.
The results were achieved based on the usage of surge arresters located at the DC busbar of substations, using
an earth resistance of 1 Ω for surge arrester grounding.
Figure 84-a) illustrates the resulting overvoltage on the OCW, and into the insulation of cantilever. No critical
Flashover voltage is presented. Figure 84-b) illustrates the voltage at the insulator; voltage is not transferred
to mast or to the insulator.
| Page 67 of 81
a) b)
Figure 84. a) Voltage on Cantilever, b) CFO voltage at insulator
As shown in this scenario, there are no insulation coordination troubles, once the observed overvoltage is well
below of rated impulse overvoltage of the equipment, (Uni = 10 kV). But in this case, for the rectifier bridge, the
peak value of the observed overvoltage exceed the maximum voltage of the equipment.
a) b)
In this scenario there is neither a problem with the insulation of the equipment connected to de DC busbar or
with the diodes of the rectifier.Figure 85. The cantiveler and their insulator could suffer damage due to
flashover because voltage at cantiveler is 1,3 MV and voltage at insulator is 0,9 MV, Figure 86.
a) b)
Figure 86. a) CFO voltage on Cantilever, b) CFO voltage at insulator
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a) b)
In this scenario there is no trouble with the insulation coordination of the equipment connected to de DC
busbar (transient overvoltage is under the BIL), but the diodes of the rectifier bridge could suffer damage due
flashover, as shown in Figure 87 and Figure 88.
a) b)
Figure 88. a) Voltage on OCS wire at third mast near to substation, b) Voltage at insulator
The cantiveler and their insulator could suffer damage due to flashover because voltage at cantiveler is 2,4 MV
and voltage at insulator is 1,1 MV, Figure 88. At Figure 88-a There is CFOV, and current goes to the insulator
after CFOV is reached, andit drops because of the insulation failure and insulation beacomes a conductor.
Voltage drops almost to zero because it’s a ground fault trough the mast structure.
6.5.2.1.4 Sensitive analysis of parameters

Finally, in Table 16 a summary of the various simulation results fort this case is represented, where it is also
possible to observe the effect of the surge arresters earth resistance variation on the peak overvotages verified
at the substations. In all previously mentioned scenarios of the present case of study case 1, the value of 1 Ω
for the earth resistance of the surge arresters was considered, as well as the reference value indicated by the
employer’s requirements.
| Page 69 of 81
Overvoltage peak
Earth Maximum [kV]
resistance peak discharge
[Ω] current [kA] At DC substation
busbar
4 6,123
0 10 7,685
20 8,712
4 7,313
1 10 8,330
20 13,61
4 8,375
5 10 21,88
20 50,20
4 9,614
10 10 45,01
20 76,67
Table 16. Maximum overvoltage at the nearest substation for study case 1, system variation 2
6.5.2.2 Study Case 2: Discharge current is applied at zone B

In this case lightning discharge is applied at the middle of the two substations at OCW, Figure 89.
Figure 89. Representation of simplified model at the centre of OCW system with SPD at both S/E
By applying a discharge current of 4 kA at zone B, at the DC busbar of the substation, the transient overvoltage
is measured. Overvoltages are plotted in Figure 90. The red line represents the BIL and critical voltage for
diodes, transient overvoltage curves are under these curves and there are no insulation troubles. The blue line
represents substation in zone A, and the pink line represents the other substation. At both substations, once
the observed overvoltage is well below the rated impulse overvoltage of the equipment, (Uni = 10 kV).
Page 70 of 81 |
a) b)
Figure 90. a) Voltage at DC busbar on S/E on 1 & 2, b) a) CFO voltage at most exited diode on SSEE 1 & 2
Figure 91-a) illustrates the resulting voltage on the cantilever. Figure 91-b) illustrates the voltage at the
insulator. No CFO voltage is presented on it.
a) b)
Figure 91. a) Voltage on Cantilever, b) voltage at insulator
As shown in this scenario, there are no insulation coordination troubles at cantilever, and overvoltage is not
transferred to the insulator. At both substations, once the observed overvoltage is well below rated impulse
overvoltage of the equipment, (Uni = 10 kV). But in this case for the rectifier bridge, the peak value of the
observed overvoltage exceed the maximum voltage of the equipment.
a) b)
In this scenario there is no problem with the insulation of the equipment connected to de DC busbar for both
substations. Figure 92-a) red line represents the BIL or Uni , the blue line represents the transient overvoltage
for substation at zone A and the pink line represents the other substation. At both substations, once the
observed overvoltage is well below of rated impulse overvoltage of the equipment, (Uni = 10 kV).
The diodes of the rectifier bridge of both substations could suffer damage due to flashover, Figure 92-b) red
line representsthe critical overvoltage that diodes can withstand, the blue linerepresents the transient
overvoltage peak for the most exited diode at zone A, and the pink line represents the transient overvoltage
| Page 71 of 81
at most exited diode at other substation. For the rectifier bridge in both substations, the amplitude of peak
value of the observed transient overvoltage exceeds the maximum voltage of the equipment.
As shown in this scenario, there are no insulation coordination troubles at cantilever; the overvoltage is not
transferred to mast by the double protection of insulator, Figure 93.
a) b)
Figure 93. a) voltage on Cantilever, b) voltage at insulator
a) b)
Figure 94. a) Voltage at DC busbar on S/E, b) b) CFO voltage at most exited diode
busbar for both substations. The red line at Figure 94-a) ilustrates the BIL of the equipment., the blue
linerepresents the transient overvoltage on DC bubsar at substation at zone A, and the pink line ilustrates the
transient overvoltage at DC busbar at the other substation. The diodes of the rectifier bridge of both
substations could not suffer damage due to flashover, as shown in Figure 94-b) the blue line ilustrates the
overvoltage at substation in zone A, the pink line ilustrates the transient overvoltage at diodes at other
substation.
a) b)
As shown in this scenario, there are insulation coordination troubles at cantilever, and the overvoltage is
transferred to mast by the critical flashover at insulator. Insulator could suffer damage because overvoltage
amplitude is over the red line, which is the critical flashover voltage for the insulator. In this scenario
overvoltage doesn´t reach to both substations, but overvoltage transient is transferred to mast and ground
due insulation failure.
Page 72 of 81 |

Finally, Table 17 represents a summary of the various simulation results for this case, where it is also possible
to observe the effect of the surge arresters earth resistance variation on the peak overvoltages verified at the
substations. In all previously mentioned scenarios of the present case of study case 2, the value of 1 Ω for the
earth resistance of the surge arresters was considered, as well as the reference value indicated by the
employer’s requirements. Neverthel, the effect of variation of this parameter was considered in order to
account possible situations.
Overvoltage peak [kV]

Earth Maximum
resistance peak discharge At DC substation At DC substation
[Ω] current [kA] busbar of busbar of
Substation Substation
4 2,017 2,422
0 10 3,015 3,072
20 3,258 3,317
4 3,934 4,751
1 10 6,762 8,216
20 10,963 13,816
4 5,700 8,816
5 10 11,566 18,952
20 22,074 36,087
4 6,450 11,052
10 10 16,586 25,086
20 34,250 48,572
Table 17. Maximum overvoltage at both substations for study case 2, system variation 2
system and the parallel feeder cables.
As was introduced in section 6.4.3 in this system variation, the surge arresters are located not only in the
substations, but also in the interface between the cables and the contact line, as shown in Figure 76.

In this case lightning discharge is applied at the third mast from the substation at OCW.
By applying a discharge current of 4 kA at zone A, at the DC busbar of the substation the transient overvoltage
is measured, where the rectifier bridge and the parallel feeder cable and even the overhead contact wire are
connected. Transient Overvoltages are plotted in Figure 96. The transient overvoltage will not damage the
equipment on substation, the amplitude for overvoltage is under the red line, BIL.
The results were achieved based on the usage of surge arresters located at the DC busbar of substations, and
in connection points of the OCW to the parallel feeder cables, this using an earth resistance of 1 Ω for surge
arrester grounding.
| Page 73 of 81
a) b)
Figure 97-a) illustrates the resulting overvoltage on the OCW, and into the insulation of cantilever. Figure 97-
b) illustrates the voltage at the insulation; voltage is not transferred to mast or to the insulator.
a) b)
Figure 97. a) Voltage on Cantilever, b) Voltage at insulator
As shown in this scenario, there are no insulation coordination troubles, once the observed overvoltage is well
below the rated impulse overvoltage of the equipment, (Uni = 10 kV). But in this case, for the rectifier bridge,
the peak value of the observed overvoltage exceeds the maximum voltage of the equipment.
a) b)
Figure 98. a) Voltage at DC busbar on S/E, b) a) Voltage at most exited diode
In this scenario there is no problem with the insulation of the equipment connected to de DC busbar, and the
diodes of the rectifier bridge could not suffer damage due to flashover, Figure 98-b. But the cantiveler and
their insulator could suffer damage due to flashover because voltage at cantiveler is 1,3 MV and voltage at
insulator is 0,9 MV,Figure 99. The red line represents the insulation critical voltage limits, the blue curve
represents the transient overvoltage ampitude. Due to the fact that the overvoltage flows by mast while the
flashover effect occurs, there’s no overvoltage transferred to substation, but equimpment at the caternary
transmision line could suffer damage and/or failure.
Page 74 of 81 |
a) b)
a) b)
busbar, but the diodes of the rectifier bridge could suffer damage due to overvoltage, as shown in Figure 100
and Figure 101.
a) b)
Figure 101. a) Voltage on OCS wire at third mast near to substation, b) Voltage at insulator
The cantiveler and their insulator could suffer damage due to flashover because voltage at cantiveler is 2,4 MV
and voltage at insulator is 1,1 MV, Figure 101. In both figures overvoltage is over the Critical flashover voltage
(red line).

Finally, Table 18 represents a summary of the various simulation results for this case, where it is also possible
to observe the effect of the surge arresters earth resistance variation on the peak overvotages verified at the
substations. In all previously mentioned scenarios of the present case of study case 1, the value of 1 Ω for the
earth resistance of the surge arresters was considered, as well as the reference value indicated by the
employer’s requirements. Neverthel, the effect of variation of this parameter was considered in order to
account possible situations.
| Page 75 of 81
Overvoltage peak
Earth Maximum [kV]
resistance peak discharge
[Ω] current [kA] At DC substation
busbar
4 2,845
0 10 3,169
20 3,349
4 4,903
1 10 9,407
20 13,170
4 7,824
5 10 18,300
20 27,570
4 8,813
10 10 29,020
20 48,510
Table 18. Maximum overvoltage at the nearest substation for study case 1, system variation 3
6.5.3.2 Study Case 2: Discharge current is applied at zone B

In this case, lightning discharge is applied at the middle of the two substations at OCW, Figure 89.
Figure 102. Representation of simplified model at the centre of OCW system with SPD at both S/E
By applying a discharge current of 4 kA at zone B, at the DC busbar of the substation the transient overvoltage
is measured. Overvoltages are plotted in the Figure 103.
Page 76 of 81 |
a) b)
Figure 103. a) Voltage at DC busbar on S/E on 1 & 2, b) a) CFO voltage at most exited diode on 1 & 2
Figure 104-a) illustrates the voltage on insulator at the cantilever. Figure 104-b) illustrates the voltage at the
insulator, no CFO voltages is presented in both cases.
a) b)
Figure 104. a) Voltage at Cantilever, b) voltage at insulator
As shown in this scenario, there is no insulation coordination trouble at cantilever, and there is no tension
transferred to mast by the cantilever and by the insulator. At both substations, once the observed overvoltage
is well below of rated impulse overvoltage of the equipment, (Uni = 10 kV). Diodes don’t suffer any damage
due to transient overvoltage.
a) b)
Figure 105. a) Voltage at DC busbar on S/E, b) a) voltage at most exited diode
In this scenario there is no problem with the insulation of the equipment connected to de DC busbar for both
substations, at Figure 92-a) and Figure 92-b) the blue curve represents substation of zone A located at left on
the schemes, and the pink line represents substation at the other side. At both substations, once the observed
overvoltage is well below of rated impulse overvoltage of the equipment, (Uni = 10 kV,) red line for both figures
represents the critical overvoltage limit for insulation.
As shown in this scenario, there are insulation coordination troubles at cantilever, but they are not transferred
to mast by the double protection of insulator, Figure 93.
| Page 77 of 81
a) b)
Figure 106. a) Voltage on Cantilever, b) voltage at insulator
a) b)
In this scenario there are no troubles with the insulation coordination of the equipment connected to de DC
busbar for both substations. The red line at Figure 107-a) ilustrates the BIL and blue and pink curves ilustrate
the transient overvoltages on both DC bubsar at substations. Even the diodes of the rectifier bridge of
substations could not suffer damage, as shown in Figure 107-b..
a) b)
Figure 108. a) CFO Voltage on Cantilever, b) voltage at insulator
As shown in this scenario, there are insulation coordination troubles with cantilever, and with insulation at the
insulator due lightning transient overvoltages.

Finally, Table 19 Table 17 represent a summary of the various simulation results for this case, where it is also
possible to observe the effect of the surge arresters earth resistance variation on the peak overvoltages verified
at the substations. In all previously mentioned scenarios of the present case of study case 2, the value of 1 Ω
for the earth resistance of the surge arresters was considered, the reference value indicated by the employer’s
requirements. Neverthel, the effect of variation of this parameter was considered in order to account possible
situations.
Page 78 of 81 |
Overvoltage peak [kV]

Earth Maximum
resistance peak discharge At DC substation At DC substation
[Ω] current [kA] busbar of busbar of
Substation Substation
4 0,987 1,901
0 10 1,003 1,880
20 0,963 1,975
4 1,145 1,393
1 10 1,053 1,429
20 1,050 1,598
4 1,009 1,954
5 10 1,039 1,473
20 1,049 1,493
4 1,006 1,918
10 10 1,002 2,006
20 1,006 1,918
Table 19. Maximum overvoltage at both substations for study case 2, system variation 3
6.6 Conclusions
Since it is more difficult to guarantee the earth resistance of the surge arresters along the contact line below
the 1 Ω or even 5 Ω, the 10 Ω case is also considered. As results show, even for the worst case conditions of
earth resistance of the surge arresters located at the substation and along the contact line, maximum
overvoltages at the DC busbar of the substation are never above the insulation level of the substation
equipment.
Therefore, the introduction of surge arresters along the contact line, not only protect the cables (as will be
seen shortly), but also contribute to better protect the substation equipment – the comparison of Table 16 to
Table 19 confirm this fact.
Regarding cables that supply power to the contact line, the installation of surge arresters along the interface
cable-contact line and along the track also contribute to reduce maximum transient overvoltages expected to
arise at these system assets.
If the lightning discharge occurs in zone B, and considering an earth surge resistance varying from 0 Ω to 10 Ω,
maximum overvoltages at the parallel power cables connection points vary from 2.11 kV to 5.17 kV
respectively, i.e., the introduction of surge arresters effectively limit maximum overvoltages below the
lightning withstand voltage of the equipment. As was already mentioned above, the same conclusion is valid
for the remaining equipment.
If the discharge occurs right next to the interface between the cable and the contact line, zone A, the surge
arresters are effective if the surge arresters earth resistance does not exceed 1 Ω.
Above this value, the current that reaches the cable runs through the earth resistance of the surge arrester
causing a voltage drop that is unavoidably added to the arrester residual voltage, originating overvoltages that
surpass the UNi cable rated impulse voltage. This situation can occur especially at high current discharge values,
10 kA or above. The existence of reflected overvoltages increases the deterioration of the voltage behaviour.
However, it is important to stress that this case is very pimistic, so that, in general, it can be said that, by the
installation of surge arresters in the substations and also along the line, all the system equipment (inside and
outside equipment) is fully protected against lightning overvoltages.
| Page 79 of 81
It’s recommended to use the Elektroline surge arrester at connection points of the rails with rectifiers, at the
DC busbar of substation and in mast where OCW and parallel feeder cables are joined.
It is recommended to add another reference of surge arrester into the substation only for protecting the
rectifier bridge at substations, ie HE60MC07 - Raychem Surge Arresters Type HE 60 for D.C. Railway
Applications. When lightning impacts at the first structure at the substation, the overvoltage is close to or
almost over to 3,6 kV (Figure 109). In addition, 3,6 kV is the breakover voltage for a rectifier diode as indicated
in section 6.3.9, and the residual overvoltage of the surge arrester is 3,6 kV as indicated in the catalogue (Figure
44) that is the same breakover voltage for exited diodes. Those values are almost at the limit. If another surge
arrester is selected with lower residual voltage for substations, it will protect the rectifier diodes in case of a
transient due a lightning discharge. A 3,6 kV residual voltage for surge arrester is an ideal condition, using a
earth resistance of 0 Ω, as can be seen in previous tables, the residual voltage of surge arrester varies upon
their earth resistance, it must be taken account that earthing resistance for surge arrester can vary from 1 Ω,
3 Ω, 5 Ω or even 10 Ω, that’s unfavourable for diodes. In that case, the residual voltage for surge arrester must
be as low as possible, and/ or earth resistance for surge arrester must be as low as possible.
Figure 109. Transient overvoltage at substation zone A, due a 20 kA lightning impulse impacts on first mast at
OCW and Surge arrester earth resistance is 0 Ω
Page 80 of 81 |
APPENDIX 1. RELATED DOCUMENTS AND STANDARDS

• EN 50124-1 – “Railway applications – Insulation coordination Part 1: Basic requirements – Clearances
and creepage distances for all electrical and electronic equipment”, CENELEC, (2001)
• CIGRE – “Guide to procedures for estimating the lightning performance of transmission line” Working
Group 01 (Lightning) of Study Committee 33 (Overvoltages and Insulation Coordination), (1991)
• IEC 60071-1 – “Insulation coordination Part 1: Definition, principles and rules”, Seventh Edition, (1993)
• IEC62305 – Protection against lightning – Edition 1.0, (2006)
• IEC 61024 – “Protection of structures against lightning” – First Edition, (1993)
| Page 81 of 81
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INSULATION COORDINATION STUDY OF LIGHT ELECTRIFIED RAILWAY

Technical Report · October 2018

power distribution View project

Insulation Coordination View project

The user has requested enhancement of the downloaded file.

ANALYSIS OF LIGHTNING OVERVOLTAGES

Gilberto Enrique Mejía Chaparro – Universidad de los Andes

Versión 0, Rev: 14/10/2018

3 APPLICABLE DOCUMENTS ...................................................................................................... 1

5 DETERMINATION OF MINIMUM CLEARANCES AND CREEPAGE DISTANCES.............................. 2

6 ANALYSIS OF OVERVOLTAGES CAUSED BY LIGHTING ............................................................ 10

6.4.2 System Variation 2. Surge arresters at dc substations only.................................................................... 62

APPENDIX 1. RELATED DOCUMENTS AND STANDARDS

Figure 1. Light Rail metro.......................................................................................................................................1

| Page III of vii

Figure 35. Mast dimensions ................................................................................................................................32

Figure 72. ATP/EMTP simplified model .............................................................................................................. 60

Table 1. Correlation between Un and UNM .............................................................................................................3

| Page VII of vii

Figure 1. Light Rail metro

5 DETERMINATION OF MINIMUM CLEARANCES AND CREEPAGE DISTANCES

Figure 2. Horizontal Layout of wires for the system

Table 1. Correlation between Un and UNM

Figure 3. Locomotive device diagram

5.1 Sections to be handled separately

Figure 4. Difference between creepage distance and clearance distance

Figure 5. Metro railway system light cantilever

5.2 Determination of the insulation voltage

5.3 Determination of insulation type

5.4 Choice of pollution degree

Table 2. Pollution degrees

5.6 Determination of minimum creepage distance

Table 5. Minimum clearances in air

Table 6. test voltage to verifying clearances

Table 7. Minimum creepage distance

6 ANALYSIS OF OVERVOLTAGES CAUSED BY LIGHTING

Figure 6. Representation of an overhead line being struck by lightning

Figure 8. Broken wires and insulators due to a stroke of lighting

Figure 9. Broken insulator due to lightning striking a tension balancer device

6.2 Description of the system

Figure 11. Basic configuration of the system

6.2.1 Traction Substations

Figure 12. Basic configuration of an

Figure 13. Transformer and rectifier circuit arrangement

Figure 14. Negative return system

Figure 15. Section view of the OCS

Figure 16. Main characteristics of an overvoltage

Figure 17. Example of lightning current

6.3.1.1 Characterization of the lightning wave

Figure 18. 10/350 µs current wave

Figure 19. 8/20 µs current wave

Figure 20. 1.2/50 µs voltage wave

6.3.1.2 Lightning stroke model

6.3.1.2.1 Cigré-Type lightning discharge shape

Figure 22. CIGRÉ 20 kA lightning current shape obtained with ATP-EMTP

Figure 23. 8/20-µs Test wave

1,25 ∙ (𝑡90 − 𝑡10 ) (1)

Figure 24. Dialog Box of the Cigré-Type surge model

6.3.1.2.2 Heidler-Type lightning discharge shape

Figure 25. Lightning Stroke Heidler Model

Figure 26. Heidler 20 kA lightning current shape obtained with ATP-EMTP

Figure 27. 1.2/50-µs Test wave