A Fast and Accurate Method for Estimating Lightning Overvoltage Probability Distributions on Overhead Transmission Lines

Assessing overvoltage due to lightning interactions with transmission lines is essential for the reliability of electric power systems. In this sense, the probability distribution of maximum lightning overvoltage is typically estimated considering the stochastic nature of lightning. This paper focuses on this problem by introducing a method offering reduced computational time and more flexibility. To do so, the proposed methodology effectively combines a modified version of the Unscented Transform method and probability density function reconstruction techniques based on Pearson and Johnson systems. Numerical results show that it estimates the probability density functions of maximum lightning overvoltage with considerable accuracy and reduced computational time. Also, they show that combining the Unscented Transform method and Pearson and Johnson systems is effective for reconstructing the probability density function of the maximum lightning overvoltage. As a result, the proposal emerges as a strong contender to replace the traditional methods in this context.