Discharge Performance of Lightning Current Arresters used in Low-voltage Power Supply Systems under the Influence of Multiple Lightning Current Events

Abstract:
T1 surge protective devices, so-called T1 SPDs, have to be used for an efficient protecion of low-voltage power supply system against lightning current impacts. This kind of SPDs can provide reliable protection against these kinds of disturbances without causing negative impacts on the operational condition of the system itself. In this regard, their performance and reliability have to be proved. The focus of this work is set on the evaluation of their discharge capability for different lightning current events. Besides qualification-testing acc. to the present IEC 61643-11 standard, tests with increase load conditions above the requirements of the standard are carried out. These investigations are carried out by using a newly developed T1 lightning current arrester based on multi-carbon spark-gap technology. Additionally, a comparison to a purely MOV-based T1 SPD is drawn.