Assessment of Lightning Stroke Incidence to Underground Power Cables

Abstract

An assessment of lightning stroke incidence to underground power cables is presented in this paper. It needs to be acknowledged that the medium voltage underground power cables could be struck by lightning and damaged as a consequence. This is especially important in regards to the wind farms, which are becoming increasingly popular renewable energy producers. Wind farms are often located in regions of increased thunderstorm activity. This could be supplemented with high soil resistivity, which enhances the risk of lightning-produced failures of the underground medium voltage cable networks associated with these wind farms.

Petar Sarajčev

Full Professor | Department of Power Grids and Substations