Using Genetic Algorithms in Designing Substation Lightning Shielding

Abstract

This paper introduces application of genetic algorithm (GA) in designing air-termination system of the high-voltage open-air substation external lightning protection system (LPS). The air-termination system, as a part of the external LPS of high-voltage substation, is known to be cumbersome to design using traditional techniques, where optimization is often relegated to the trial-and-error approach. In addition, traditional methods are often associated with geometric constraints and various implementation difficulties. This paper proposes a novel approach which utilizes a combination of statistical LPS efficiency and GA in designing techno-economically optimal external LPS of open-air substations. Proposed approach offers a LPS designer unique and valuable assistance in optimally arranging elements of air-termination system for obtaining maximum lightning shielding effects with minimum total investments.

Petar Sarajčev

Full Professor | Department of Power Grids and Substations

Damir Jakus

Full Professor | Department of Power Grids and Substations

Researcher and a full professor at the Faculty of Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering and Naval Architecture in Split. His research interests include power system optimization and planning, RES integration, electricity market modeling.

Josip Vasilj

Associate Professor | Department of Power Grids and Substations

Researcher and Associate Professor at the Faculty of Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, and Naval Architecture in Split, where he teaches courses related to engineering economics, power system analysis, power grids and machine learning. His research focus is the application of advanced numerical methods to problems in the analysis and planning of power system operations.