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CHAPTER 1
INTRODUCTION

1.1. Introduction
Electricity is the backbone of the country’s economy. It is an urgent issue to
get electricity without interruption as possible in Myanmar. Electrical power is an
increasing used in anywhere and any devises. Some plant and devices do not need
power failure. Therefore, this system needs for full time power supply. Protection
system plays a vital role to keep system reliable and stable. According to the tropical
condition, lightning occurs many times in rainy season in Myanmar. Therefore,
lightning protection is very important. Lightning is one of the more visible effects of
atmospheric electricity. If the power equipment especially at outdoor substation is not
protected from over voltage, it will be caused the burning of insulation. When high
voltage and extra high voltage are transmitted, the clearance between the line and the
earth need to consider. And also, the high of the tower is essential part to consider.
When the tower is high, the most important factor to consider becomes lightning
stroke. If protection fails or is absent, lightning that strikes the electrical system
introduces thousands of kilovolts that may damage the transmission lines, and can
also cause severe damage to transformers and other electrical or electronic devices.
Lightning-produced extreme voltage spikes in incoming power lines can damage
electrical home appliances or even produce death.
Sub-station is important for power system as it is a linkage between generation
and customers. Consequently, protection system of sub-station is also a must
consideration. Lightning arresters used in power substations are large devices,
consisting of a porcelain tube several feet long and several inches in diameter,
typically filled with discs of zinc oxide. A safety port on the side of the device vents
the occasional internal explosion without shattering the porcelain cylinder. Lightning
arresters are rated by the peak current they can with stand, the amount of energy they
can absorb, and the break over voltage that they require to begin conduction. They are
applied as part of a lightning protection system, in combination with air terminals and
bonding.
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1.2. Aim and Objectives

The main aim of this thesis is to analyze the lightning protection system. The
objectives of this thesis are as follows:
1. To study the phenomena of the lightning
2. To study about lightning protective devices
3. To identify the different types of lightning protection systems
4. To study the lightning protection system in substation
5. To design and calculate lightning arresters

1.3. Scope of the Thesis

In this thesis, the phenomenon of lightning and protection system is expressed.
And also the types of arrester are described. Design calculation of lightning arrester,
case time of lightning will be obtained for the designated sub-station.

1.4. Implementation Program

The procedures to implement this thesis are as follows:
1. Study the components of substation
2. Study the lightning protection system of the substation
3. Study protection of lightning stroke for transmission lines
4. Study the classification of lightning arrester
5. Design consideration for lightning arrester
6. Calculation required data for lightning arrester

1.5. Outlines of the Thesis

This thesis is mainly composed of five chapters. In chapter one, the
introduction of the thesis is expressed. Chapter two discusses the literature review of
lightning and protection technologies. And then, types and application of lightning
arrester are presented in chapter three. Analysis and design calculation of lightning
arrester for substation are described in chapter four. The discussion and conclusion
are summarized in the chapter five.