30-04-2011, 02:17 PM
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HARISH G
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LIGHTNING ARRESTER
Introduction:
Lightning arresters or surge diverters are used to protect the earth screen and ground wires in an electrical system against direct lightning strokes. They conduct the high voltage surges to the ground without getting affected to the system. The lightning arrestor provides a cone of protection which has a ground radius approximately equal to its height above the ground.
The surge diverters consist of a spark gap in series with a nonlinear resistor. The function of non linear resistor is very important. As the gap sparks over, due to the over voltage, the arc would get short circuited and may cause power flow current in the arrester. Since the characteristic of the resistor is to offer high resistance to high voltage, it prevents the effect of a short circuit. After the surge is over, the resistor offers high resistance to make the gap non-conducting.
One end of the arrestor would be connected to the terminal of the equipment to be protected and other end would be grounded. The length of the spark gap is set in such a way that normal line voltage is enough to cause an arc across the gap but high voltage would break down the air insulation and form an arc.
Working of lightning arrester
The lightning arrestor protects the structure from damage by intercepting flashes of lightning and transmitting their current to the ground. Since lightning strikes tends to strike the highest object in the vicinity, the rod is placed at the apex of a tall structure. It is connected to the ground by low-resistance cables. In the case of a building, the soil is used as the ground, and on a ship, water is used. A lightning rod provides a cone of protection, which has a ground radius approximately, equal to its height above the ground. Courtesy : The Hindu
Concept of lightning
Lightning is an atmospheric discharge of electricity from the thunder ,which typically occurs during thunderstorms or during storms.
The atmospheric discharge lightning can travel at a speed of 220,000 km/h.
It can reach temperature approaching 30,000 degree Celsius.
Figure shows the lightning strikes on efiel tower in 1902.
What exactly does a surge arrester do
Surge arresters does not absorb the lightning.
Surge arresters does not stop the lightning.
Surge arresters divert the lightning to the ground.
Surge arresters limit the voltage produced by lightning.
Types of lightning arresters
Station class
Intermediate class
Distribution class
Secondary class
WITHOUT PROTECTED HOUSE WITH LIGHTING ARRESTOR
PROTECTED HOUSE WITH LIGHTING ARRESTOR
Surge diverters are available depending on the purpose.
1.Rod gap arrester
2.Expulsion type lighting arrester
3.Valve gap arrester
applications
Lightning arresters are used on tall buildings to prevent lightning from causing physical damage to infrastructure.
It is used on power lines to protect the cables from lightning.
Lightning arresters are used power outlets to protect electronic devices from surges of electricity.
CONCLUSION
All electrical equipment in an electrical system needs to be protected from voltage surges. The rating of the arrester, the class of arrester and location of the arrester all play in a part in the surge protection. In tall buildings ground is used to discharge and in ships water is used to discharge the voltage. In protection of substation we use different class of lightning arresters to protect the electrical equipment.