On the Effect of Building Segmentation on the Induced Voltages of Urban Distribution Systems

Abstract:
Lightning-induced voltages represent a prominent factor contributing to flashovers in medium voltage (MV) overhead distribution lines. Their magnitude is subject to significant modulation by nearby objects, which can alter or attenuate the voltage waveform across pole insulators. This study focuses on the influence of building segmentation on the induced voltage along the line, compared to the case in which a long structure representing a building is considered. Using a solver based on the Finite-Difference Time-Domain (FDTD) method, simulations are carried out to analyse the variations in electric field strength within the designated analysis space and the temporal evolution of the induced voltage on the line.