Transient Over Voltage

What are Transient Over Voltages?

Transient over voltages occur due to sudden

changes in the electrical conditions of a
circuit and lead to the release of large
amounts of energy stored in the inductive
and capacitive elements of the system.
Sources of Over Voltage
There are mainly two sources of over voltage:
 External over voltage :- Generated due to
atmospheric disturbances, lightning is the
most common and severe.

 Internal over voltage:- Generated by

changes in the operating conditions of the
network. Mainly switching surges.
External over voltages
Lightning stroke possibilities
 Lightning falls directly on an overhead line:- The
current can be considered as an ideal current
source. The resulting over voltage therefore
depends on the impedance seen by the current
source. The impedance is the surge impedance of
the line (200-400 ohm). Then a very high voltage
appears.

 Lightning falls near a overhead line:- The lightning

current generates over voltages through
electromagnetic induction in the distribution
system. These over voltages are propagated along
the line.
Lightning strike on an overhead line.
Lightning falls directly on a building:-
The lightning current flows to earth via the
more or less conductive structures of the
building with very destructive effects.

 Lightning falls near a building:- The lightning

stroke generates the same types of
overvoltage as those described earlier. In
addition, the lightning current rises back
from the earth to the electrical installation,
thus causing equipment breakdown.
Some Figures
 A lightning strike can generate at an average
100 million volts of electricity.
 Current of up to 100,000 amperes.
 Can generate a temperature of 54,000 deg F.
 Lightning strikes kills hundreds of people

every year.
Switching over voltages
 With the increase in transmission voltages
needed to fulfill the required increase in
transmitted powers, switching surges have
become the governing factor in the design
of insulation for EHV and UHV systems.
 High-frequency over voltages or burst

disturbance caused by a change in the

steady state in an electrical network.
 In the meantime, lightning over voltages come

as a secondary factor in these networks.

Origin of switching surges
 There are a great variety of events that would
initiate a switching surge in a power network.
1. Energization of transmission lines and
cables.
2. Re- energization of a line.
3. Load rejection.
4. Switching on and off of equipment.
5. Fault initiation and clearing.
Switching surges due to energization of an unloaded transmission line
Protection against Over Voltages
Protection against external over
voltages:-
The system can be protected
against external over voltages
using shielding methods which
do not allow an arc path to form
between the line conductor and
ground. Therefore giving inherent
protection to the line design.
Use of ground wire is a shielding
method.
 Protection against
internal over voltages:-
Normally non shielding
methods are used which
allow an arc path
between the ground
structure and line
conductor. Means are
provided to quench the
arc.
Lightning arrester is an
example of a non
shielding method.
Conclusion
Over voltages are very severe and cause
damage to life and property. Their occurrence
cannot be prevented but protective devices
are used which form 4-5% of the total cost in
a power system. They ensure uninterrupted
supply to the customers and most
importantly protection of life and the very
expensive equipments.
Thank you