volume | PIER Journals

Abstract

In ultra-high-voltage alternating current (HVAC) transmission systems, switching and lightning transients pose major challenges to insulation coordination. Non-gap line arresters (NGLAs) offer a promising distributed protection solution, capable of suppressing both types of transients when installed along the transmission corridor. However, the differences in protection performance under varying configurations and installation strategies remain insufficiently understood. This paper establishes a 750 kV, 400 km transmission line model using an ATP-EMTP and MATLAB co-simulation framework to investigate the transient suppression performance of NGLAs with different rated voltages and installation positions. Simulation results show that for switching transients, effective suppression of the 2% statistical overvoltage level below 1.8 p.u. can be achieved when NGLA is installed around an optimal position. Meanwhile, energy absorption of all arresters remains well below the 6 MJ thermal design threshold, confirming both suppression effectiveness and thermal stability. On the other hand, lightning transients exhibit strong spatial locality. NGLA can effectively reduce the lightning transient peak at positions close to lighting strike point. Even slight spatial offsets (1-5 km) drastically reduce its effectiveness in limiting peak voltage. Under typical lightning currents of 30-40 kA, the maximum energy absorbed by arresters remains below 2.2 MJ, demonstrating robust energy endurance. This study highlights the fundamental differences in propagation and protection mechanisms between switching and lightning transients, and underscores the need for differentiated arrester deployment strategies. The findings provide theoretical insight and engineering guidance for optimized NGLA configuration and insulation coordination in HVAC systems.

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Dr. Tongwei Guo

Dr. Tao Liang

Dr. Wei Shen

Dr. Sen Wang

Dr. Jie Guo

Prof. Yan-Zhao Xie