Research Article
Electromagnetic Coupling from Proximal Lightning Strikes on High-Voltage Transmission Lines
Rodolphe Gomba*
,
Rodrigue Armel Patrick Okemba,
Mathurin Gogom
Issue:
Volume 14, Issue 4, August 2025
Pages:
72-80
Received:
25 June 2025
Accepted:
14 July 2025
Published:
5 August 2025
Abstract: This study investigates the electromagnetic surges induced by nearby lightning strikes on high-voltage overhead transmissionlines, using Rusck’s analytical model as a foundational framework. The work focuses on characterizing over voltages generated through inductive coupling between a vertically oriented lightning channel and conductors suspended at various heights above ground level. The main objective is to quantify the peak induced voltages as functions of lateral strike distance (from 10 to 5,000 meters), lightning current amplitude (20 kA to 300 kA), and geometric configuration of the transmission line. Applied to the 208 km Ngo-Djiri line in the Congo Basin an area subject to high thunderstorm frequency the results reveal a steep hyperbolic decrease in induced voltage with increasing distance from the strike point, consistent with electromagnetic field theory. A linear relationship between lightning current and induced voltage is observed, validating the model’s reliability in high-amplitude regimes. For typical configurations, overvoltages remain below the 1050 kV insulation level of 220 kV systems. However, in extreme cases involving high current (> 200kA) and close proximity (< 50m), induced voltages can exceed this threshold, suggesting the need for enhanced protection measures. Beyond theoretical modeling, this study highlights the relevance of Rusck’s approach for African networks, where simplified models are essential due to limited measurement data and resource constraints. It also outlines practical directions for future research, including integration of real soil resistivity, capacitive coupling effects, and multi-conductor asymmetry into the modeling framework. The results advocate for adaptive insulation coordination and protection schemes tailored to regions with high lightning activity. Ultimately, the work contributes to strengthening the resilience of HV infrastructures in tropical environments by providing a deterministic, scalable, and physically interpretable methodology for lightning-induced surge prediction and mitigation.
Abstract: This study investigates the electromagnetic surges induced by nearby lightning strikes on high-voltage overhead transmissionlines, using Rusck’s analytical model as a foundational framework. The work focuses on characterizing over voltages generated through inductive coupling between a vertically oriented lightning channel and conductors suspended ...
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Research Article
Power Character Improvement Using Nonlinear Inductance in SWPGS with AMPTC
Issue:
Volume 14, Issue 4, August 2025
Pages:
81-87
Received:
18 August 2025
Accepted:
30 August 2025
Published:
25 September 2025
DOI:
10.11648/j.epes.20251404.12
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Abstract: This paper describes about improvement the power character using nonlinear inductance in SWPGS with AMPTC. Wind power generation system is a one that converts the kinetic energy of the wind into electrical energy. In particular, it is very important to increase the operation efficiency because small wind power systems can be used as an efficient independent power source in areas with large power demand and no other energy sources. The SWPGS with AMPTC consists of a wind turbine, a PM generator, two rectifiers, a battery and a load. The wind turbine is a horizontal axis with three blades and the PM generator has a structure with the reactance bridges and two Y-connected winding sets. This system can automatically track the maximum power from the wind by changing the nonlinear inductance without the need for converters and control circuits. At this time, the variation of the nonlinear inductance follows the saturation characteristic of the reactance bridges in the internal magnetic circuit of the generator. In this paper, using this principle, the problem of fully approaching the maximum power curve of a wind turbine with the power characteristics of a wind power system following the rotational speed change is mathematically modeled. In other words, the output characteristics of SWPGS with AMPTC were close to the concave characteristics as well as the maximum output characteristics of wind turbines. Finally, without control circuit, the load power characteristic curve was allowed to operate at the maximum power point of the wind turbine. We also verified the accuracy of the theory by changing the nonlinear inductance in a stand-alone small-scale wind power system through simulation analysis using MATLAB.
Abstract: This paper describes about improvement the power character using nonlinear inductance in SWPGS with AMPTC. Wind power generation system is a one that converts the kinetic energy of the wind into electrical energy. In particular, it is very important to increase the operation efficiency because small wind power systems can be used as an efficient in...
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