Mathematical Algorithm for the Analysis of Electromagnetic Transients caused by Atmospheric Discharges on Power Transmission Towers

Abstract

Computational Electromagnetics and Vector Analysis represent powerful tools for the study of electromagnetic phenomena that require it. In this sense, a computational algorithm is proposed, consisting of mathematical models and methods used to perform approximate calculations of electromagnetic transients through the Finite Difference in Time Domain (FDTD) method associated with the Thin-Wire Model (TWM), this is used to solve the electromagnetic model of Maxwell’s Equations, which describe propagation of electromagnetic waves from a source such as an Electromagnetic Pulse or a Lightning Bolt in free space and their interaction with conductive structures. This algorithm was modified and adadted to study different cases of power transmission systems under the influence of these transient phenomena. The results obtained indicate that said methodology is efficient for analysis of the problem caused by direct and indirect impacts by lightning induction on towers and transmission lines. These data were analyzed through convergence and numerical stability studies, as well as their validation with experimental data and similar methodologies from other authors in the literature on the subject.
Keywords: Electromagnetic pulse, Atmospheric discharge, Maxwell’s equations, FDTD, Thin-Wire Model, Towers and Transmission lines.