The paper presents lightning protection zone visualisation for transmission lines and structures. Different methods used for protection zone evaluation are discussed. A software tool realised by applying AutoCAD and programming languages AutoLISP and Visual Basic is demonstrated. Some of the software tool possibilities are illustrated for concrete calculation examples.The use of computer simulation tools to improve efficiency in the learning process has been proposed since the 1980s. 1 As a result of recent technological trends in engineering education, the importance of applying software tools in power system studies has been realised. Computer simulation tools are widely used for transient event simulations, power flow studies, stability analysis and operational planning.Working as a design engineer of hydropower plants, the first author has identified the role of advanced computer-aided design (CAD) tools in the effective resolution of many practical problems. An important task in the design of lightning protection for transmission lines and structures is protection zone evaluation and its visualisation. This paper presents a review of the different methods used for protection zone evaluation. [2][3][4][5] The advantages and disadvantages of these methods are discussed. Formed by the application of powerful tool AutoCAD and programming languages AutoLISP and Visual Basic 6,7 the purpose of this user-oriented tool is to construct the lightning protection zone in a way suitable for the designer's practice. The algorithms contained in the tool are shown. The procedure of protection zone visualisation based on the use of different methods for a 220 kV transmission line tower and concrete structures is performed.
Transmission line shielding zone constructionMathematical formulation of the physical problem Shielding of transmission lines is based on the application of corresponding ground wires. The purpose of overhead ground wires is to act as collector of the flashes and to prevent flashes from terminating on the phase conductors and causing a flashover.