Lightning Arresters and Their Application

(System Reliability Enhancement)

2011 SWEDE Conference

Steve Brewer
Hubbell Power Systems/Ohio Brass

SWEDE Conference - April 2011

 Outline
• Disconnector Reliability
• Line Insulator Protection
• Practical/Safety Topics
• Track Resistant Bracket

®
SWEDE Conference - April 2011
Disconnector Reliability

®
SWEDE Conference - April 2011
 Proper Isolator Operation
• Ground lead separated

• Normal overcurrent
sequence
– Protection operates
– System re-energized
– Voltage holds
– Service to end user restored

• Visual indication of failure

SWEDE Conference - April 2011

 Improper Isolator Operation

• Ground lead remains intact

• Normal overcurrent
sequence
– Protection operates
– System re-energized
– System trips until lock-out occurs
– Service to end user NOT restored

• No visual indication of failure

SWEDE Conference - April 2011

 Resistor Graded Disconnector Time-Current Curve

10

1
Time (s)

0.1

0.01
10 100 1000
Current (A)

®
SWEDE Conference - April 2011
Capacitor Graded Disconnector Time-Current Curve

SWEDE Conference - April 2011

Line Insulator Protection

®
SWEDE Conference - April 2011
The Enemy

®
SWEDE Conference - April 2011
Traveling Wave/ Overvoltage Protection

• Lightning hits mid-span

• Current divides and then

propagates

• V=IxR
 Surge Arresters - Concept
• Surge causes traveling voltage wave

• Voltage would be enough to flash-over insulation

• Surge arrester high resistance at L-G voltage
• Surge arrester low resistance at surge voltage
• Surge is diverted to ground
• Surge arrester high resistance again after surge
• Conduction time is too short for breakers to react
®
Case Histories

®
SWEDE Conference - April 2011
 National Grid
• Champion International Paper Co.
– Operates 363 days/year, 24 hours/day
– One interruption costs $50-100k

• No. 2 line - 115 kV, 70 years old

– Hired PTI
– Installed new OHSW
– Improved footing resistances

®
SWEDE Conference - April 2011
National Grid 115 kV Line without Surge
Arresters

®
SWEDE Conference - April 2011
National Grid 115 kV Line with Surge Arresters

®
SWEDE Conference - April 2011
Suspended Line Arrester Configuration

®
Typical Dead-End Line Arrester Configuration

®
SWEDE Conference - April 2011
Practical/Safety Topics

®
SWEDE Conference - April 2011
 Practical Issues
• Must use right rating and type
– Too large as bad a too small
• Lead length affects protection
• Conductor Size - Min. # 6 AWG
– Ground lead must be flexible
• Reuse of arresters
– Not recommended
• Testing of Arresters
– Thermal Imaging holds most promise
• DOT shipping considerations

®
 Safety Issues
• Porcelain arresters
– Most dangerous if do not blow up

• Disconnector operation
– Brings line voltage to base of unit

®
Track Resistant Bracket

®
SWEDE Conference - April 2011