Articles
| Open Access |
Electromagnetic Transient Analysis of Power Lines in Storm-Prone Regions
Ethan Mitchell , Department of Computer Science, Northern Research Institute, Toronto, Canada Olivia Bennett , School of Computing, Pacific Technology University, Vancouver, CanadaAbstract
High-voltage power transmission lines operating in storm-prone regions are exposed to electromagnetic disturbances caused by lightning discharges, which can produce transient overvoltages, insulation stress, protective-device operation, and interruptions in electricity supply. Understanding these disturbances requires an integrated analysis of lightning-current characteristics, electromagnetic-field propagation, transmission-line responses, and surge-protection mechanisms. This research and review article develops a conceptual framework for analyzing electromagnetic transients in high-voltage transmission networks exposed to frequent thunderstorms. The methodology combines a critical review of the nine supplied references with a structured engineering framework covering lightning-source characterization, electromagnetic coupling, transient propagation, insulation coordination, and mitigation strategies. Particular attention is given to the relationship between lightning return currents and induced electromagnetic effects, as well as the influence of transmission-line configuration and grounding conditions on transient behavior. The analysis indicates that effective transient management depends on evaluating the complete interaction between the lightning source, transmission infrastructure, and protective equipment rather than considering individual components in isolation. The article also identifies limitations in the supplied literature, including the absence of a unified quantitative comparison, a common simulation dataset, and field-validated performance measurements. The proposed framework provides a basis for future simulation-based and experimental research aimed at improving transmission-system resilience in lightning-intensive environments.
Keywords
Electromagnetic transients, lightning-induced overvoltages, high-voltage transmission lines
References
Rachidi, F. (2002). Electromagnetic effects of lightning on power lines, EMC electromagnetic compatibility. Course document, LRE, EPFL.
Roy, G., Gary, C., & Hutzler, B. (1988). The dielectric properties of air and very high voltages. Eyrolles, Paris.
Schneider Electric. (2010). “Protection against surges”.
Sommerfeld, A. (1909). On the Ausbreitung des wellen in der drahtlosen Telegraphie. Annalen der Physik, 333, 665-736.
Spiegel, M. R. (1975). Overview of theories and problems in advanced Schaum calculus. McGraw-Hill, New York, 160-165.
Uman, M. A., & McLain, D. K. (1970). Lightning return current from measurements of magnetic fields and radiation. Journal of Geophysical Research, 75, 5143-5147.
Uman, M. A., DK McLain, & E. P. Krider. (1975). The electromagnetic radiation from a finite antenna. American Journal of Physics, 43(1), 33-8.
Van Cutsem, T. (1998). Electrical Power Systems. University of Liège, Department of Electricity. Electronics and Computer Science (Montefiore Institute), Liège.
Yang, G., & al. (2017). Evaluation of lightning current from magnetic field based on deconvolution method. IEEE Transactions on Electromagnetic Compatibility, 60, 679-684.
Article Statistics
Downloads
Copyright License
Copyright (c) 2026 Ethan Mitchell, Olivia Bennett
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International License.
Copyright and Ethics:
- Authors are responsible for obtaining permission to use any copyrighted materials included in their manuscript.
- Authors are also responsible for ensuring that their research was conducted in an ethical manner and in compliance with institutional and national guidelines for the care and use of animals or human subjects.
- By submitting a manuscript to International Journal of Computer Science & Information System (IJCSIS), authors agree to transfer copyright to the journal if the manuscript is accepted for publication.