CHAPTER ONE

INTRODUCTION

1.0 BACKGROUND OF THE STUDY

Electrical energy is produced through an energy conversion process. The electric

power system is a network of interconnected components which generates electricity

by converting different forms of energy to electrical energy and conveying it to

places where it can be utilized. The electric power system consists of three main

subsystems namely:

i. Generation subsystem

ii. Transmission system

iii. Distribution subsystem

Electricity is generated at the generating station by converting a primary source on

energy to electric energy (potential energy, kinetic energy, or chemical energy are the

most common forms of energy converted). The voltage output of the generators is

then stepped up to appropriate transmission levels using a step-up transformer (say

220kv or 400kv) and transmitted by high voltage transmission lines from sending end

or primary transmission substation to receiving and or secondary transmission

substation. At the receiving end substation the voltage is stepped down to a lower

value (say 66kv or 33kv or 11kv) for a secondary transmission system whichtransfers
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power from this receiving end substation to secondary substation.The secondary

substation voltage is stepped down to 11kv. The final consumer then receives power

from the distribution system.

Distribution system is the final stage in the delivery of electricity to end users.

Typically, the network would include medium-voltage (less than 50kv) power line,

electrical substations and pole or platform-mounted transformers, low voltage (LV)

(less than 1,000v) distribution wiring.

The main parts of distribution system include;

a. Sub-transmission lines

b. Receiving substation

c. Distribution substation located nearer the load centre

d. Secondary circuits on the LV side of the distribution transformer.

e. Service mains

Main components of a distribution system consist of ;

i. Substation: a substation is a high voltage electric system facility. It is used to

switch generators, equipment, and circuits or lines in and out of a system. Its

also used to change AC voltages from one level to another, and/ or change

alternative current to direct current or direct current to alternating current.

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 ii. Distribution transformers: distribution transformers reduce the voltage of the

primary circuit to the voltage required by customers. This voltage varies and is

usually:

i. 240 volts single phase for residential customers

ii. 415 volts for commercial or light industry customers.

Three phase pad mounted transformers are used with an underground primary

circuit and three single-phase pole type transformers for overhead services.

iii. Secondaries: secondaries are the conductors originating at the low voltage

secondary winding of a distribution transformer.

iv. Distribution feeder circuit: distribution feeder circuits are the connections

between the output terminal of a distribution substation and the input terminals

of primary circuits.

v. Switches: distribution system have switches installed at strategic locations to

indirect or cut-off power flows for load balancing or sectionalizing. Also, this

permits repairing of damage lines or equipment’s or upgrading work on the

system. The main types of switches include:

i. Circuit breaker switches

ii. Single-pole disconnect switches (isolators)

iii. Three pole ground operated switches.

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 vi. Protective equipment: protective equipment in a distribution system consist of

protective relays, cut out switches, disconnect switches lightning arresters, and

fuses. These work individually or may work together to open circuits whenever

a short circuit, lightning strikes or any other disruptive event occurs. The

distribution system is often designed with many layers of redundancy. The

redundancy consist of many fuses and circuits breakers throughout the system

that can disable parts of the system but not the entire system. Lightning

arresters and surge arresters also act locally to drain off electrical energy from a

lightning strike so that the larger circuit breakers are not activated.

vii. Primary distribution circuit: primary circuits are the distribution circuits that

carries circuits that carry power from substations to local areas. They are also

called express feeders or distribution main feeders. The distribution feeder buy

routes power from substation to the primary distribution feeder circuit.

viii. Services: the wires extending from the secondary or distribution transformer to

a customer’s location are called services. A service can be above or below

ground. Underground services have a riser connection at the distribution pole.

Commercial and residential services are much the same and can be either 240

volts or 415 volts or both.

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This research work is being narrowed down to one of the protective equipment in the

distribution system called the lightning arrester or surge diverters.

LIGHTNING ARRESTER OR SURGE DIVERTERS

The lightning: is an electrical discharge from the atmosphere. The discharge can

occur within the clouds, between the clouds, or between the clouds and the ground.

The three types of discharges are referred to as in-cloud lightning, cloud-to-cloud

lightning, cloud-to-ground lightning. Among all lightning events happened on earth,

cloud-to-ground lightning account for about 25% of all lightning events worldwide. If

the lightning flash involves an object on the ground, it is then called the lightning

strike. The most common type of strike is cloud-to-ground strike, while another type

of strike is called ground-to-cloud strike. The ground to cloud strike originates from a

tall object on the ground, propagate upwards and finally reach into the clouds. Most

of the lightning flash delivers negative current, however, it may also deliver positive

current in rare circumstance, which usually has higher magnitude and is more severe

than the negative current.

Lightning Arresters are devices that help prevent damage to apparatus due to high

voltages. The arrester provides a low impedance path to ground for the current from a

lightning strike or transient voltage and then restores to a normal operating

conditions. Also, it is used for the protection of the equipment’s at the substations

5
against travelling electrical waves, such types of device is called lightning arrester or

surge diverter. In other words, lightning arrester diverts the abnormal high voltage to

the ground without affecting the continuity of supply.

The lightning arresters are erected on the top of the sectional pole structure, for the

protection of the transformer against lightning. Earth terminals of all the three

lightning arresters are joined together and connected to the earth provided specially

for lightning arrestersas shown in the figure below. The lightning arrester discharges

down to the earth, a high voltage lightning wave surges while it acts as an insulator

for the system voltage. Thus, the lightning arrester protection results in the maximum

continuity of electricity supply to the consumer, low maintenance and greatly reduced

distribution operating costs.It is connected between the lines and earth, i.e. in parallel

with the equipment to be protected at the substation.

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A surge arrester/lightning arrester may be compared to a relief value on a boiler or

hot water heater. It will release high pressure until a normal operating condition is

reached. When the pressure is returned to normal, the safety value is ready for the

next operation. When a high voltage (greater than the normal line voltage) exists on

the line, the arrester immediately furnishes a path to ground and thus limits and

drains off the excess voltage. The arrester must provide this relief and then prevent

any further flow of current to ground. The arrester has two functions, it must provide

a point in the circuit at which an over-voltage pulse can pass to ground and secondly,

to prevent any follow up current from flowing to ground.

Various types of surge voltages can occur in electrical and electronic systems. They

differ mainly with respect to their duration and amplitude. Depending on the cause, a

surge voltage can last a few hundred microseconds, hours or even days. The

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amplitude can range from a few Millivolts to some ten thousand volts. Lightning

strikes are a special cause at surge voltages. Direct and indirect strikes can result not

only in high voltage amplitudes, but also particularly high and sometimes long

current flows, which then have very serious effects.

A lightning arrester, surgearrester or line arrester is a device used on electrical power

systems and telecommunication system to protect the insulation and conductors of

the system from the damaging effects of lightning. The typical lightning arrester has a

high-voltage terminal and a ground terminal. When a lightning surge (or switching

surge) travels along the power line to the arrester, the current from the surge is

diverted through the arrester, in most cases to the earth.

Without good earth connections, even the most sophisticated of building lightning

protection installations will be ineffective. However, the only way to ensure that the

earth connections really are good is to test them. If protection fails or is absent,

lightning that strikes theelectrical system introduces thousands of kilo volts that may

damage the transmission lines, and can also cause severe damage to transformers and

other electrical or electronics devices.

TYPES OF LIGHTNING ARRESTER

i. Rod gap arrester

ii. Sphere gap arrester

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iii. Horn gap arrester

iv. Multi gap arrester

v. Electrolyte type arrester

vi. Metal-oxide lightning arrester

MAINTENANCE OF LIGHTNING ARRESTER

a. Cleaning the outside of the arrester housing.

b. The line should be de-energized before handling the arrester.

c. The earth connection should be checked periodically.

d. To record the readings of the surge counter.

e. The line lead is securely fastened to the line conductor.

f. The ground lead is securely fastened to the arrester terminal and ground.

Why lightning arrester testing is done?

If protection fails or is absent, lightning that strikes the electrical system introduces

1000 of kilo volts that may damage the transmission lines, and also cause severe

damage to transformers and other electrical or electronic devices.

Lightning-produced extreme voltage spikes in incoming power lines can also damage

electrical home appliances that’s why it is damn crucial to check the integrity of

lightning arrester.

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HARMFUL EFFECT OF LIGHTNING

If protection fails or is absent on transmission lines or our buildings, a direct

lightning strike can cause the following damages:

i. Impact on health or loss of life.

ii. Loss of technical services for the public.

iii. Loss of irreplaceable objects of cultural significance.

iv. Financial losses.

OPERATION OF THE LIGHTNING ARRESTER

Lightning is a huge spark, which is due to electrical discharge taking place between

the clouds, within the same cloud and between the cloud and earth. A lightning

arrestor consists of spark gaps in series with nonlinear resistor, the whole assembly

housed inside hermitically spaced porcelain bushing and a line lead soldered to the

metal cap spun over the phase conductor. The earth terminal at the bottom of the

arrester is connected to the group.

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When a voltage surge traveling along the conductor reaches the point at which a

lightning arrester is installed it breaks down the insulation of the arrester

momentarily, allowing the voltage surge to discharge to ground. As soon as the

system voltage drops below the predetermined value, insulation between the

conductor and ground is restored and further current flow to ground stops.

SEPARATION DISTANCE FOR SUBSTATIONS

A common question asked by those responsible for the protection of transformers in

substations is: “How far from my transformer can I locate my arrester and still

provide adequate protection?” The answer, of course, is never simple and is one that

generally takes a few diagrams and charts. Because the value of the power

transformers is so substantial, this question cannot be taken lightly. The general rule

of thumb is: “Locate the arrester as close as possible to the bushings of the

transformer”. This rule is one I suggest whenever possible; however, it is not always

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possible, especially at higher system voltages. One example of extended separation is

in substations at 400kV and above, the arresters become larger than what can be

easily supported by the transformer body. In these cases, the arresters are often

mounted on separate pedestals. Another example of extended separation distance is

when the transformers need to be accessible for fast removal or repair. To

accommodate removal, access ways are built between the arrester and transformer,

resulting in a separation between the arrester and transformer of up to 30meters (100

ft) or more. Herein lies the problem; this separation distance (or protective zone, as it

is known) can result in reduced protection when there is a fast rising surge entering

the station from a lightning induced insulator backflash. The reason for the reduced

protection is that surges travel into a station at nearly the speed of light on an

overhead line. When a surge hits an arrester, the voltage is indeed reduced, but not to

zero. The voltage at the arrester, at best, is reduced to the discharge voltage of the

arrester. The resulting surge that travels past the arrester is reflected at the

transformer which can result in voltage doubling if the separation distance is long

enough. In most cases the reflected voltage only adds a few percent to the incoming

surge. It is this traveling wave phenomena and its associated reflection that create the

separate distance issue.

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1.1 STATEMENT OF PROBLEM

Most of medium voltage distribution lines are often located in areas with high ground

flash densities, because of that experienced power outage due to failure of equipment

such as substations. With the development of the economy, there is growing use of

sensitive electronic devices and equipment among consumers. Therefore, it is

important to improve the reliability of the power system by preventing from over

voltages. Lightning is one of common cause of over voltages. Thus it is important to

analyze and understand the behavior of lightning strike on medium voltage line and

its effect on distribution substation in order to mitigate disturbances due tom

lightning. In lightning prone regions transformer failures are prominent due to direct

and indirect strikes causing failures due to other reasons. Some of the damages that

are caused by the travelling wave on the substation equipment are listed below

i. The high peak or crest voltage of the surge may cause flash-over in the internal

winding thereby spoil the winding insulation.

ii. The steep wave fronts of the surges may cause external flash over the terminal

of the transformer.

iii. The highest peak voltage of the surge may cause external flashover, between

the terminal of the electrical equipment which may result in damage to the

insulator.

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Different regions follow different distribution substation configurations, but lack of

knowledge on which one gives higher protection against lightning.

Therefore, it is important to study the lightning effect on different

distributionsubstation configuration so that the distribution reliability can be

improved.

1.2 SIGNIFICANCE OF THE STUDY

i. To act like an open circuit during the normal operation of the system i.e to held

off the system voltage.

ii. To limit the transient voltage to a safe level with the minimum relay and filter.

iii. To bring the system back to its normal operation mode as soon as the transient

voltage is suppressed i.e to interrupt the power-follow current and to reseal

itself.

1.3 AIM AND OBJECTIVES

The aim of this project is to conduct a reliability evaluation of the effects of lightning

arresters within a power distribution system: a case study of ozoro distribution system

delta state. The specific objectives of the project aim are:

1. To educate people on the significance to lightning arrester

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 2. To find out the effect of lightning arrester on different substation configures.

3. To propose lightning protection system for ozoro distribution substation.

1.4 JUSTIFICATION

The surge arrester does not absorb all the high voltage that passes through it. It

simply diverts it to the ground or damps it to minimize the voltage that passes

through it. The secret to the arrester success in diverting lightning or high electrical

surges is the MOV or the Metal Oxide Veristor. MOV is a semiconductor that is

highly sensitive to voltage. At normal voltage the MOV works as an insulator and

does not allow current to pass through. But at high voltages, the MOV acts as a

conductor. It works as a switch that is open when there are a standard.

1.5 DEFINITION OF TERMS

Lightning flash (or Lightning discharge): An electrical discharge in the atmosphere

involving one or more electrically charged regions, most commonly in a

cumulonimbus cloud, taking either of the following forms:

Ground flash (or Ground discharge): A lightning flash in which at least one

discharge channel reaches the ground.Cloud flash: A lightning flash in which the

discharge channels do not reach the earth.

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Lightning flash density: The number of lightning flashes of the specified type

occurring on or over unit area in unit time. This is commonly expressed as flashes per

square kilometer per year. The ground flash density is the number of ground flashes

per unit area and per unit time, preferably expressed as a long-term average value.

Lightning protection system: A system of conductors and other components used to

reduce the injurious and damaging effects of lightning.

Lightning strike: A term used to describe the lightning flash when the attention is

centered on the effects of the flash at the attachment point (see definition below),

rather than on the complete lightning discharge.

Lightning strike attachment point: The point on the ground or on a structure where

the lower end of the lightning discharge channel connects with the ground or

structure.

Lightning stroke: A term used to describe an individual current impulse in a

complete ground flash.

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 CHAPTER TWO

2.0 LITERATURE REVIEW

The lightning arresters can be considered as the first ever components at a substation.

Below is the literature review of other authors.

Greenwood A. 1923, stated in his article that the function of a lightning arrester is as

follows:

i. To act like an open circuit during the normal operation of the system i.e, to

hold off the system voltage.

ii. To limit the transient voltage to a safe level with the minimum delay and fitter.

iii. To bring the system back to its normal operation mode as soon as the transient

voltage is suppressed i.e, to interrupt the power-flow current and to reseal

itself. JigneshParmar2011, maintained that the traveling waves produced due to

lightning will shatter the insulators. If such traveling waves hit the winding of

a transformer or generator it may cause considerable damage. So limit such

traveling waves with actions as stated below is needed,

a. Under normal operation, the lightning arrester is off the line i.e it conducts no

current to earth or the gap is non-conducting.

b. On the occurrence of over voltage, the air insulation across the gap breaks

down and an arc is formed providing a low resistance path to the surge is

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 harmlessly conducted through the arrester to the ground instead of being sent

back over the line.

c. It is worthwhile to mention the function of non-linear resistor in the operation

of arrestor. As the gap spark over due to over voltage, the arc would be a short-circuit

on the power system and many cause power-follow current in the arrester. According

to Wagner, and Hileman 1964, the discharge of a lightning can occur within the

clouds, between the clouds and the ground. The three types of discharge are referred

to as in-cloud lightning, cloud-to-cloud lightning, cloud-to-ground lightning. Among

all lightning events happen on earth, cloud-to-ground lightning accounts for about

25% of all lightning event worldwide. The category of lightning flash is most likely

to be relevant to our life. If the lightning flash involves an object on the ground, it is

then called the lightning strike. The most common types of strike is called cloud-to-

ground strike, while another type of strike is called ground-to-cloud strike. Terry

LaRosa 2016; a surge arrester is a device that protects electrical power system from

damages caused by lightning. A typical surge arrester has both a ground terminal and

a high voltage terminal. When a powerful electric surge travels from the power

system to the surge arrester, the high voltage current is sent directly to the insulation

or to the ground to avoid damaging the system. Oluseyi P.O et al 2018, stated that

occurrence of lightning has been revealed as one of the major cause of loss of service

in transmission and distribution networks. The literature has established it that the

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highest densities and extremely destructive thunderstorm with lightning strokes occur

in the tropical region. More so the percentage of electrical and electronic facilities

that are subjected to failure through the activities of lightning and its overvoltage

protection against lightning occurrence in distribution network because it degrades

the power quality of consumer service. Meanwhile, customer service value is crucial

in the new dispensation at deregulation. Ali A. 2013, lightning is the most frequent

cause of overvoltage on distribution system. Basically, lightning is a gigantic spark

resulting from development of millions of volts between clouds or between a cloud

and the earth. It is similar to the dielectric breakdown of a huge capacitor. The

voltage of a lightning stroke may start at hundreds of millions of volts between the

cloud and the earth. Although these values do not reach the earth, millions of volts

can be delivered to the buildings, trees or distribution lines struck. In the case of

overhead distribution lines, it is not necessary that a stroke contact the line to produce

overvoltage dangerous to equipment. Rodriguez-Sanabria D. et al 2004, lightning is a

very impressive phenomenon that occurs in nature. The amount of energy contained

in a lightning stroke is very high and it can be extremely destructive. Electric

distribution networks are particularly vulnerable to lightning strokes. A single stroke

to a distribution line can be sufficient to cause a blackout throughout a feeder. To

prevent this, power systems are protected with lightning rods, ground wires and

lightning arrester. Lightning is a physical phenomenon that occurs when the clouds

19
acquire charge or become polarized so that the electric fields of considerable strength

are created within the cloud and between the cloud and adjacent masses such as earth

and other clouds. Mackevich J.P. 2003, the “induced voltage” caused by the collapse

of the electrostatic field with a nearby stroke may reach values as high as 300kv.

Lightning is classified as transient event. In order to understand the effect of

lightning, it is best to acquire some knowledge as to what lightning is, how it is

caused, and where it is most likely to occur. The amount of energy contained in the

lightning stroke is very high and it can extremely be destructive, even a single stroke

to a distribution line can be sufficient to cause a blackout throughout a feeder.

Lightning is the main reason for outages in transmission and distribution lines. Any

structure, no matter its size, may be struck by lightning, but the probability of a

structure been struck increases with its height. Martinez J. A et al 2005, lightning is

the main reason for outagesin transmission and distribution lines. When lightning

strikes a power line, it is like closing a “big switch” between a large current source

and the power line current. The sudden closing of this “big switch” causes an abrupt

change in the circuit conditions, creating a transient. There is also the case when the

lightning strikes the vicinity of the power line and the large magnetic field generated

from lightning current cause mutual coupling between the power line and the

lightning. The event alters the conditions of the power line circuits, as a result,

produce an electrical transient. Fernandez F. et al (2003), headlines and other

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equipment. It is essential to mitigate its effects to improve power system stability and

quality. As a way of definition, lightning is a powerful, sudden, electrostatic

discharge accompanied by thunder that occurs during a thunder storm. Lightning

arresters protect major shunt reactors, as well as loads against overvoltage. The

discharge could travel between the electrically charged regions with a thundercloud,

or between a cloud and a cloud or between a cloud and the surface of the planet.

Ribic J. 2015, lightning strikes on overhead lines are part of the reasons for

unscheduled power supply interruptions which is registered as forced outage studies

show that during the year, especially during the rainy season, transient surges are

experienced in power Newton’s especially when the lightning arresters in the

network are by-passed or faculty lightning is destructive in nature. It often result in

insulation breakdown, shattering of insulators or burnout of power equipment

especially at the outdoor substation, when not properly protected.Aries

syahiralBintizainol 2014, Natural Phenomenon like lightning occurs almost everyday

in the world. This could cause the traveling waves between the devices connected to

the transmission line. Lightning causes the temporary increment of voltage in

thetransmission line system and this could harm the insulator of the line and devices

connected to it. In order to maintain failure rate at the lowest level, it is necessary to

provide the high quality and avoiding damages to the electrical equipment. Protecting

the transmission line against the lightning stroke can be achieved by designing the

21
suitable surge arrester to maintain good performance of the transmission line system.

Rakov V.A. 2010, the lightning over voltage is one of major concern for insulation

design of protection in power system equipment. The phenomenon happens

whenever lightning strike at the top of tower, lightning current flows down to the

bottom of the tower and this cause the voltage to increase and eventually result in

Blackflashover. This also happen when the lightning stroke does not terminate at the

tower or shield wire but on the phase itself. Both of the cases will damage the

equipment connected to the transmission line itself. Lightning generated when the

charges separates within the cloud due to the electric breakdown of the air from high

electric fields. The facts shows that when the thunder clouds are charged, the

temperature of the cloud is usually below -200c where the negative charge is located

at the lower part of it. Hwang HuiGoh et al 2017, a lightning strike could bring

thousands mega-ampere of current in a blink of eyes. As a result, a failure of

grounding the strike may cause serious damage to the home and industrial appliances

and gadgets. Hence, a lightning protection system is essential to the current

transmission system. Lightning is a natural phenomenon that is unavoidable.

Protecting the transmission line against the lightning stroke can be achieved by

designing the suitable surge arrester to maintain good performance of the

transmission line system. Zhou H. 2010, lightning is deadly but beautiful natural sky

phenomenon. As the name implies, lightning is a sparkling flash of light that is

22
emitted due to electrical discharged that occur all round the world, whether the urban

area, rural or even on space of fields. In theory, lightning is happening due to the

disproportion of charges between thunderclouds to ground or clouds themselves.

Most lightning strikes occur between clouds and sometimes happen to be the

lightning to the ground which is small possibility occur. A lightning strike could

bring thousands mega-ampere of current in a blink of eyes. When lightning struck,

the over current of lightning create a huge transient unto the circuit line. Transient or

surge is one of the major contributors for the electrical equipment to be damage,

failure to operate and destruction. Therefore, it is essential to be equipped with

protection, system to prevail the effect of the lightning strike. To minimize damage

caused by a lightning strike, a lightning protection system is commonly

installed.Daxing Wang et al 2015, surge arrester generally uses the body and air gap,

and surge arrester does not assume system operating voltage, without considering the

long-running voltage electrical aging, also the body failure does not affect operation.

When a lightning current flows through the grounding wire to adjacent tower, the

other part of the lightning flows into the earth through the tower, grounding

resistance at tower manifested transient resistance characteristic, it is generally

characterized by the impulse grounding resistance. The electric potential of cross arm

rapidly increases when lightning strikes the tower. Therefore, lightning withstand

level associates with for important factors, such as 50% discharge voltage of the

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insulator string, lightning current, overhead grounding wire and impulse grounding

resistance of the tower. Lightning current associated with location and atmospheric

conditions reducing resistance of tower is main measures for improve lightning

withstand level at transmission lines without the use of surge arresters. Theethayi N.

2010, after the installation of surge arresters, surge arrester is parallel with insulator.

When transmission line being struck by lightning, part of the lightning current

exceeds the action value of the arrester, current will flow through the arrester. After

lightning current pouring, continuous frequency current flowing through the surge

arrester is only mA level, the arrester will cut off continuous frequency current in the

first zero crossing of current, so dielectric strength fast recover. Therefore, surge

arrester have a good holding potential role to ensure insulator string flashover not to

occur, thus achieve the goal which prevent transmission line lightning trip. Grehovic

3. 2016, it is effective to install line surge arresters without gaps in parallel with

insulator for protecting the insulator and substation equipment, also it can improve

lightning withstand level of transmission lines and reduce lightning accident rate.

Line surge arrester effectively avoid lightning trip accidents occurring by way of

installing line surge arrester after correctly choosing the tower which easily be struck

by lightning, so that lightning withstand level of transmission lines has been

effectively improved. PornchaiSestasombut and AtthapalNgaopitakkul 2019,

lightning is a significant cause of temporary and permanent power outages, due to the

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abnormal stresses it puts on the distribution lines. There are many techniques that are

considered efficient ways of decreasing the frequency of outages, due to lightning

strike; these include using overhead grounding wires and surge arresters, which are

the most common form of lightning protection used to increase the reliability of the

distribution system overhead ground wires are installed above the phase conductor to

intercept lightning strikes and conduct the current to the ground; arresters are fixed

between the phase conductor and the ground. Oyeleye M.O. 2019, lightning is

electrical discharge generated in the earth’s atmosphere by Cumulonimbus clouds,

volcanic eruptions, dust storms and snow storms. Lightning is an unpredictable event

that can strike anywhere on earth. When the faulty currents are not effectively

discharged to the ground, malfunction of valuable equipment or systems, equipment

damages and life loss are experience. Lightning protective system is the most

efficient way to protect electrical installation and building from damages caused by

lightning strike. The control of lightning discharge therefore calls for an effective

protective system to minimize or remove the adverse effects of loss of life, economic

damages to properties, disruption of power facilities and other activities. To prevent

this, power systems are protected with lightning rods, ground wires and lightning

arrester. Tibor H. 2006, voltage above rated maximum allowable voltage is referred

to as overvoltage. One of the causes of overvoltage in power system is lightning

strikes. It can be direct lightning strike or indirect lightning strike. The transmission

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and distribution lines together with their substation are in the open and AC voltage

and a switch that closed when lightning or high voltage is present but in Ozoro

distribution system today, about 20% of the lightning arresters has been disconnected

without replacement putting the life of human and the equipment’s at risk.

After careful analysis of the literature review above, it is seen that the lightning

arrester are very useful in Power Distribution System.

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 CHAPTER THREE

3.0 METHODOLOGY

3.1 Analysis

In this research work, data’s were gathered by inspecting each transformer nodes in

the field throughout the Ozoro distribution network in question. Also all faults within

the distribution network were gathered by careful observation and recording of fault

instrument indicated value in the control station of the distribution network. The

breakdown of data’s collected are presented below.

From the table 3.1 below, eighty five (85) transformer nodes were investigated within

the Ozoro distribution system, with seventy (70) Active and fifteen(15) Inactive

within the said period. Though the transformers available are of various products

varying from ASEA Brown Boveri(ABB), Siemens, stored energy mechanism(SEM),

EMO OHRID, BETA, MACE, Astor and Mahashakti; with forty seven(47) nodes of

transformers of rating 11kv to 300KVA, seventeen(17) nodes transformer of rating

11kv to 500KVA, sixteen(16) nodes transformer of rating 33kv to 300KVA and

five(5) nodes transformer rating 33kv to 500KVA. A total of one hundred and forty

four(144) lightning arresters are found installed across all the transformer nodes with

some transformer nodes having maximum of three(3) arresters installed across, while

others are either two(2) arresters installed across, orone(1) arrester installed across as

27
 indicated or none. From the investigation, the fifteen most transformer nodes that are

Inactive have either lost all arresters connected across while others that have lost

arresters connected across them but are still alive.

Table 3.1Showing the number of transformers captured with the total number of

lightning arresters installed on each of these transformers.

TRANSFORMER TRANSFORMER TRANSFORMER NO. OF NO. OF NON- NATURE DATE OF

FUNCTIONING FUNCTIONING OF FAULT
LOCATION PRODUCT RATING LIGHTNING LIGHTNING FAULT OCCURRENCE
ARRESTER ARRESTER

Alaka ABB 11KV/300KVA 3

Joedev Siemens 11KV/500KVA 2 1

NDC 1 BETA 11KV/300KVA 3

NDC II EMO OHRID " 3 High October 2018

voltage

Ogboka EMO OHRID 33KV/500KVA 3 High November 2017

voltage

Hon. Leo BETA 11KV/500KVA 3

Hospital 1 MACE 11KV/300KVA 3 High October 2016

voltage

Erovie 1 BETA " 2 1

Erovie II ABB " 3

Police Station Siemens " 3

Allah Astor " 2 1

Mission Rd BETA " 3 High September 2016

voltage

Urutto 1 SEM " 1 2

Urutto II EMO OHRID " 2 1

Eterieva ABB " 1 2

28
 Omovutotu ABB " 2 1

Maikpobi Siemens " 3

Owhelogbo SEM " 1 2

junction

Owhelogbo Rd Siemens 33KV/300KVA 3

Urude Astor 11KV/300KVA 3

Iyeriri SEM " 3

Uda 1 Siemens " 3

Uda II Siemens " 2 1

Uda III ABB " 1 2 High November 2017

voltage

PG, Idheze Rd ABB " 3

Saw mill Mahashakti 11KV/500KVA 3

Fred Obeh 1 Siemens 11KV/300KVA 2 1

Fred Obeh II Siemens " 3

Allua Astor " 3

Ebelebor Astor " 2 1

Otheremu Astor " 3

Rector Siemens " 3

LGA council BETA " 3

Oyoyo SEM " 3

Hon. Leo Ogor Siemens " 3

Aso Rock ABB " 3

Westin Hall ABB 3

Revenue ABB " 3

Gwake ABB 33KV/500KVA 3

Gen. Hosp. Oz ABB 11KV/300KVA 3

Water board Astor " 3

Etevie Astor " 2 1

29
 MirateOwhe Siemens " 3

Edhemoko Siemens " 3

Igbuku SEM " 2 1

Enuru BETA " 3 High September 2018

voltage

Owhelogbo Gen. Astor 11KV/500KVA 1 2

Hospital

Owhelogbo MACE " 3 High October 2016

junction voltage

Owhe Sec. Sch ABB " 3

St. Phillips ABB " 3

Akiewhe primary Siemens " 2 1

Sch.

Lagos quarter Siemens " 1 2

Ogs grammar ABB " 3

school

Opp. Anglican Astor " 3

Church

Otie Astor " 3

Otorowhe Siemens " 2 1

Otorowhe town ABB 11KV/500KVA 2 1

hall

Ovegba quarters ABB " 3

Urhagwa Astor " 3

Eniagbedhi SEM " 3 High November 2016

viltage

Etevieofagbe Siemens 33KV/300KVA 3

Uruowha EMO OHRID " 3

Idiodi ABB " 2 1

Jehova witness Siemens " 3

Ofagbe Gen. ABB " 3

Hospital

30
 Orie Rd. ABB " 3

OvrodemktSq MACE " 3

Behind Egbahe ABB " 2 1

Osa Siemens " 1 2

Ovrode town hall EMO OHRID 33KV/500KVA 3

Ellu royal gate siemens 33KV/300KVA 3

Along Aradhe Rd Siemens " 3

Akalubar SEM " 3 High October 2018

voltage

Behind OviePri. ABB 2 1

School

Urueni grammar ABB 1 2

Sch.

EkurieAradhe ABB 33KV/500KVA 3

OkparaAradhe Siemens " 3

Orie 1 Siemens 11KV/300KVA 3 High October 2017

voltage

Orie II SEM " 3

Orie III ABB " 3

Orie IV SEM " 2 1

Ellu old Town MACE 33KV/300KVA 3 high September 2018

hall voltage

Ekreze Rd owhe Astor 11KV/300KVA 3 High September 2017

voltage

Edhemoko Rd Astor " 3 High September 2017

voltage

OtibioPri. Sch EMO OHRID " 3 High October 2019

voltage

31
Table 3.2: Shows in summary the active and inactive transformers nodes and the year

they went out of service.

Yea 201 201 201 201 202

r 6 7 8 9 0
33K 20 19 17 16 16
Active
V
11K 61 57 55 54 54
V
33K 1 4
Inactive

V
11K 4 8 10 11
V
Fig3.1a: Showing the

number of active and inactive transformers within the said period.

70

60

50

40

30 Year 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020

(A) (B) (C) (D) (E)
20 X 20 19 17 16 16
Active

10 Y 61 57 55 54 54
A 1 4
Inactive

0
2016 2017 2018 2019 2020

B 4 8 10 11
Active 33kv Active 11kv Inactive 33kv Inactive 11kv

Fig 3.1b

32
 Fig 3.1b shows the decline of lightning arresters with the period of investigation. So

43.5% of lightning arresters were lost across the entire network.

Total of two hundred and fifty five (255) lightning arresters were supposed to be

installed across the eighty five (85) transformer nodes with three (3) for each

transformer as indicated by 3.2 but one hundred and forty four (144) lightning

arresters found across the transformer nodes, presenting 56.5%.

Table 3.3: Showing the number of connected and the disconnected lightning

arresters within the said period.

Total No. of Transformer 24 22 9 4 11 5 1 6

Transformer Product AB SIEMENS SE MACE ASTOR EMO MAHASHAKTI BETA

B M OHRID

Connected Lightning Arrester 49 42 18 3 13 8 3 8

33
 Disconnected Lightning 23 24 9 9 26 10 3 10
Arrester

Total 72 66 27 12 29 18 18

Figure3.2: Showing the number of connected and the disconnected lightning arrester

within the said period.

80

70

60

50

40

30

20

10

0
EMO OHRID
SEM

MAHASHAKTI
MACE

BETA
SIEMENS
ABB

ASTOR

24 22 9 4 11 5 1 6

Connected Arrester Disconnected Arrester Total

Table 3.4: Showsthe number of inactive transformer rating and their various years of

fault occurrence within the said period.

TRANSFORMER YEAR OF

34
TRANSFORMER TRANSFORMER RATING FAULT
LOCATION PRODUCT 11KV 33KV OCCURRENCE
NDC II EMO OHRID 300 2018
Ogboka “ 500 2017
Hospital 1 MACE 300 2016
Mission Rd BETA 300 2016
Uda III ABB 300 2017
Enuru BETA 300 2018
Owhelogbo MACE 500 2016
junction
Eniagbedhi SEM 500 2016
Ofagbe Gen. ABB 300 2018
Hospital
Akalubar SEM 300 2018
Orie 1 Siemens 300 2017
Ellu old town hall MACE 300 2018
Ekreze Rd Astor 300 2017
Edhemoko Astor 300 2017
Otibio EMO OHRID 300 2019

Figure 3.3: Showing inactive transformer rating.

35
 600

500

400

Series1
300 Series2
Series3
Series4
200
Series5

100

0
17

16

16

17

18

16

16

18

18

17

18

17

17

19

18
...
cu

20

20

20

20

20

20

20

20

20

20

20

20

20

20

20
oc
lt
au
ff
ro
a
Ye

Table 3.5: All the faults captured from 2016 – 2020 as a result of field observation

and values of measurement instruments from control panel are represented in table

3.5 below. The nature of fault, causes of fault, location, date and time of fault can

also be seen recorded e.g earth fault, over current etc. earth fault is an inadvertent

fault between live conductor and the earth. When fault occurs, the electrical system

gets short-circuited and the short-circuit current flows through the earth or any

electrical equipment, which damages equipment.

TIME

NATURE OF FAULT CAUSE OF FAULT LOCATION DATE (HRS)

Earth fault Moisture in incomer cable Enuru 3/11/17 1716

36
 Burning XLPE cable Uda III 14/4/17 2002

Burning upriser Mission Rd 6/5/16 2058

J&P drop NDC II 8/5/17 1859

Ruptured line fuse Urutto I 13/5/17 1805

J&P fuse NDC I “ 2200

Wire cutdown Akalubar 14/5/16 2311

Wire cutdown Hospital 1 19/5/16 1625

Shattered pot insulator Mission Rd 20/5/16 1250

J&P drop Water Board 25/5/17 1600

J&P drop Gen. Hosital “ 1919

J&P drop Water Board 27/5/17 1412

Wire cutdown Uda “ 1916

Neutral cut (Incomer cable) Oyoyo 2/6/17 1900

J&P drop Etereva 7/6/17 1528

Rupture upriser Inj SS 8/6/17 0755

Shattered pot insulator Orie 8/7/17 1910

J&P drop Jodev 9/6/17 0655

J&P drop Jodev 16/6/17 1650

Vegetation on line Ogboka 19/6/17 1916

Shattered pot insulator Allua 21/6/17 1256

J&P drop Hospital Rd 24/6/17 1820

Vegetation online Uda “ 1840

Line fuse drop Idheze Rd 10/7/17 1615

37
 Burning upriser Urutto 1 14/7/17 1850

Shattered pot insulator Hospital Rd 17/7/16 2053

J&P drop Uda “ 1953

J&P drop Omovutotu 22/7/17 2216

Shattered pot insulator NDC II “ 2219

Wire cutdown Police station 27/7/17 1740

Vegetation LGA council 31/7/17 0120

Wire cutdown “ 10/8/17 0301

J&P drop Fred Obeh 25/8/17 1550

Wire cutdown Urude 27/8/17 1920

Shattered disc insulator Orie 3/9/17 2126

Over current Vegetation Allua 14/9/17 1624

Earth fault J&P drop Aso rock 25/9/17 1703

Line fuse drop Idheze Rd 27/9/17 1412

Over current J&P drop Rector 29/9/17 1852

Earth fault “ Urutto “ 1920

Rupture Upriser Inj SS 1/10/17 1539

Burning wooden cross arm Hospital 1 9/10/17 1755

Resting conductor on channel Oyoyo 11/10/17 2322

Vegetation Otheremu 21/10/17 1540

Resting conductor on channel Akalubar 24/10/17 1304

Wire cutdown Urude 25/10/17 1324

J&P drop Urutto 26/10/17 1957

38
 “ NDC II 27/10/17 0407

Shattered disk insulator NDC I 16/11/17 1028

Vegetation Uda 7/12/17 1333

J&P drop Ekreze 22/12/17 0520

“ Otibio 31/12/17 2010

Wire cutdown Ellu 1/1/18 1659

Shattered pot insulator Ekreze “ 1756

Vegetation Uda 22/1/17 2128

Wire cutdown Police station 30/1/18 0015

Rupture XLPE Iyeriri 6/2/18 0549

J&P drop NDC II “ 2030

Shattered pot indulator Owhelogbo 9/2/18 2036

junction

Over current Vegetation Eniagbedhi 27/2/16 1730

Earth fault Rupture XLPE Owhelogbo 27/8/16 2250

junction

Over current Vegetation Idheze Rd 13/3/18 2050

Earth fault Wire cutdown Akalubar “ 2118

J&P drop Ebelebor 16/3/18 0659

Punctured upriser Enuru 21/3/18 2201

Burning XLPE Ekreze 26/3/16 1227

Moisture in incomer Edhemoko 12/4/16 2150

Burning XLPE Orie 23/4/17 0520

39
 Wire cutdown Ekreze 24/4/16 2101

Burning XLPE Mission Rd “ 2200

Shattered pot insulator Allah 26/4/18 1915

Moisture in incomer NDC II 26/7/18 2024

Over current Vegetation Idheze Rd 28/4/18 1346

Emergency Burning bushing 7.5MVA Inj SS 7/5/18 2039

Earth fault Punctured upriser Ogboka 15/5/17 2135

J&P drop NDC 27/5/18 1605

Ruptured incomer Owhelogbo 5/6/16 1338

junction

Over current Wire cutdown Ekreze 7/6/17 1159

Earth fault Shattered pot insulator Otibio 8/6/17 2238

Burning upriser Edhemoko 16/6/17 1915

Ruptured income Owhelogbo 24/6/16 0640

junction

Moisture in XLPE Akalubar 26/6/18 1043

J&P drop Orie 1/7/17 1523

Shattered disc insulator Ellu 3/7/18 2158

Wire cutdown Eniagbedhi 5/7/16 2227

J&P drop Owhelogbo 11/7/16 1150

junction

Moisture in XLPE Ofagbe 5/8/18 1803

Over current Rupture line fuse Idheze Rd 7/8/18 1914

40
Earth fault Shattered Disc insulator Ellu 8/818 0719

Over current Vegetation Otheremu 10/18/18 1717

“ Maikpobi 12/8/18 1639

“ Uda 15/8/17 1503

Earth fault Wire cutdown Fred Obeh 5/9/16 1805

Burning upriser Urude 6/9/18 1343

Over current Vegetation Oyoyo 19/9/18 2015

“ Ebelebor 3/10/18 1407

Earth fault Shattered disc insulator Enuru 5/6/18 2032

Punctured XLPE Ogboka 3/1/17 1433

Burning incomer Hospital I 4/8/16 2113

Punctured incomer Eniagbedhi 6/9/16 1614

Burning XLPE Otibio 11/11/18 1353

J&P drop Akalubar 16/9/18 2135

Shattered disc insulator Ekreze 19/6/17 0613

Burning incomer Edhemoko 27/7/17 2014

Over current J&P drop Ellu 4/12/17 2051

Earth fault Wire cutdown Otibio 5/12/18 1504

Over current Punctured XLPE Owhelogbo 10/9/16 1828

junction

Earth fault Incomer neutral cut Ofagbe 8/6/18 1970

J&P drop Akalubar 10/2/18 1841

Burning bushing Otibio 16/2/19 2120

41
 Burning upriser Ogboka 26/2/17 1416

Punctured XLPE Enuru “ 1950

Over current Wire cutdown Edhemoko 2/3/17 0004

Earth fault Burning upriser Orie 23/3/17 0453

J&P drop Eniagbedhi 25/3/17 2158

Over current Shattered disc insulator Ellu 5/4/18 1752

Earth fault J&P drop Iyeriri 24/4/19 1712

“ Urutto 5/5/19 1342

“ Mission Rd 14/5/16 1744

“ Ebelebor 5/5/19 1950

Over current Line fuse drop Idheze Rd 17/5/19 1429

Earth fault Punctured XLPE Ofagbe 22/5/18 1242

J&P drop Ellu 28/5/18 1818

“ Rector 31/5/19 1725

Over current Wire cutdown Edhemoko 11/6/17 1839

Earth fault J&P drop Fred Obeh 15/6/19 1112

“ Ofagbe 17/6/18 2310

Line fuse drop Idheze Rd 19/6/19 1143

J&P drop Urutto 25/6/19 1529

“ Etereva 23/7/19 0814

“ Maikpobi 6/8/19 1300

Punctured incomer Ofagbe 6/7/18 1858

Moisture incomer Eniagbedhi 10/9/17 1017

42
 Wire cutdown Etereva 21/11/19 1821

Vegetation Westin hall 28/11/19 2037

Shattered pot insulator Ellu 20/9/19 0748

J&P drop Leo 9/8/19 1130

“ Water board 29/6/19 0113

CHAPTER FOUR

Results and Findings

In this research work, eighty five(85) transformers are investigated, their location,

product and rating are shown, the numbers of functioning and non-functioning

lightning arresters in these transformers are also recorded, active transformers and
43
inactive transformers with the nature of faults that causes them to breakdown and the

date of the fault occurrence are stated.

A total of one hundred and seventy seven lightning arresters found installed across

the distribution system in 2016 which is 56% of the supposed total for the entire

network. In 2017, there was a decline by 10% the existing arresters. 2018 saw a

further reduction. By the turn of 2020, the steady decline has resulted the lose of 25%

of the one hundred and seventy seven(177)arresters leaving 48% which amount to

one hundred and forty four(144) lightning arresters left. This continuous decline of

lightning arresters was as a result of n0n-replacement of bad or disconnected arresters

from the network. Fifteen(15) transformer nodes were found inactive representing

20% of the transformer node in the entire network.

Table 3.1 contains the breakdown of the transformer nodes, active, inactive, numbers

of lightning arresters, attached faults and nature of faults within the transformer

locations. The total numbers of fault around the transformers with all active arresters

are recorded.

Table 3.2 shows the total number of the different transformer rating, the year they

were decommission as a result of damages from the network within the said period.

In 2016 a total of twenty(20) active (33KV – 11KV) transformers and sixty one(61)

active (11KV – 415V) transformers are recorded between September – November

44
representing 95%. By 2017, nineteen(19) active (33KV – 11KV)transformers fifty

seven(57) active (11KV – 415V) transformers with one inactive 33KV transformer

and four(4) inactive 11KV transformers were recorded between July – October; 2018

sixteen 33KV active transformers and fifty five active 11KV transformers with three

33KV transformers and two inactive 11KV transformers are recorded between

September – October. In 2019, saw sixteen 33KV active transformers and fifty four

active 11KV transformers with one inactive 11KV transformer recorded in February

and none in 2020. As a result percentage lose of transformers in the entire

distribution network is 17.64%.

Fig. 3.1 shows the bar chart of the active and inactive transformers in the distribution

system.

Fig. 3.3 shows the total number of transformers in the system, the transformers

product with the total number of connected and disconnected lightning arresters

across the system. The total of two hundred and fifty five(255) lightning arresters

were supposed to be installed across the network with three for each transformer; but

it was discovered that some transformers have maximum of three, some two, some

one and others none as shown in table 3.1. The inactive transformers packed up as a

result of the lightning arresters that were not replaced after disconnected.

45
Table 3.5 shows the analysis of faults and their nature, their causes, location, dates

and the time the faults occurred in the distribution system. The actual number of

faults attributedtodeath transformers with the date and time they are decommissioned.

Findings

The numbers of inactive transformers went bad as a result of the following:

1. Increase in current due to lightning

2. Disconnected/bad lightning arresters across the transformers

3. Lack of testing equipment’s for lightning arresters

4. Bad attitude to replacing bad lightning arresters

CHAPTER FIVE

CONCLUSION

As expected, the impact of lightning strike is destructive for transformer nodes

without lightning arresters. The severity is enough to guarantee insulation failure

46
on the line structures and damage to connected equipment. When the travelling

wave produced by lightning spike hits the windings of the transformer, it causes

considerable damage.

The increase impedance of the fault windings then opposes any sudden passage of

electricity current through it. Therefore, the electric charges “piles up”against the

transformer. This induces such an excessive pressure between the windings and

the insulation may breakdown, resulting in the production of arc. Also, the

traveling waves produced by lightning surges can shatter insulators and wreck

poles.

Whenever lightning strikes at any point in the network, it propagates from the

point of incidence to other parts of the network. The propagation is such that the

voltage surge magnitude decreases with time but the overall voltage magnitude of

the line increases above normal. This implies that consumer’s load located at the

low voltage levels will experience the highest effect of any lightning strike.

We can conclude that operating a feeder with no lightning protection is very

detrimental for system performance, exposes loads and system devices to

unnecessary over voltages which may cause insulation flashovers and device

failures.

47
 Therefore installation of lightning arresters helps decrease the adversarial effects

resulting from the lightning strike in the feeder. Our study shows that with

lightning arrester installed across nodes in distribution system can help mitigate

one direct hit/multiple stroke lightning. Nevertheless, the lightning arresters have

to be replaced for several cases, after operation, due to excessive energy

dissipation. The study successfully establishes the need for lightning protection

systems in distribution feeders. Further research can be made to identify a

different arrester model more suitable for this feeder.

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Protection” Advances in Electrical and Electronics Engineering Power

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Fernandez F Diaz R. (2001),“Metal oxide surge arrester model for fast transient

simulations” Int. Conf. on power System transients IPA ’ , Rio De Janeiro,

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Greenwood A. ,(2003), “Electrical Transients in Power Systems”. New York: John

Wiley & Sons, 2nd Ed. pp. 463-485.

Gupta, B.R.(2006), “Power System Analysis andDesign”, 4thEdition, S. Chand, New

Delhi.

Hinrichsen, V., “(2001), Metal-Oxide Surge ArresterFundamental”, 1stEdition,

Siemens AG, Berlin.

Mackevich, J.P. (2003), "Proper Lightning Arrester Application Improves

Distribution System Reliability" presented at the IIE 2nd Int. Conf.Advances

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MARTINEZ, J. A. and D. W. DURBAK (2005), Parameter determination for

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10.1109/TPWRD.848771.

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Oluseyi, P. O., (2018),Adelaja, T. S. and Akinbulire, T. O., “Analysis of the transient

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Pabla, A.S., (2005), “Electric Power Distribution”, 5 thEdition, Tata McGraw-Hill,

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Prescription for the Execution of DiagnosticControls on Medium Voltage Overhead

Lines”,(2005), CESI.

Rodrigues, R. B., Mendes, V. M. F.,SanabriaD. and Catalao, J.P.S. (2004),

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Rakov V. A, " (2006), Positive and Bipolar Lightning Discharges: A

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50