No description available.

In the recent years there is an increasing need of electrical and electronic units for household, commercial and industrial use. These loads require a proper electrical power supply to convey optimal energy, i.e. kinetic, mechanical, heat, or electrical with different form. As it is known, any electrical or electronic unit in order to operate safely and satisfactory, requires that the nominal voltages provided to the power supply are kept within strict boundary values defined by the electrical standards and certainly there is no unit that can be supplied with voltage values above or below these specifications; consequently, for their correct and safe operation, priority has been given to the appropriate electrical power supply. Moreover, modern electrical and electronic equipment, in order to satisfy these demands in efficiency, reliability, with high speed and accuracy in operation, employ modern semiconductor devices in their circuitries or items. Nevertheless, these modern semiconductor devices or items appear non-linear transfer characteristics in switching mode, which create harmonic currents and finally distort the sinusoidal ac wave shape of the current and voltage supply. This dissertation proposes an analysis and synthesis of a framework specifically on what happens on power consumption in different types of loads or equipment when the nominal voltage supply increases over the permissibly limits of operation. A variety of loads have been selected from those used in everyday life, for household needs, office needs, as well as trade and industry. They were classified in two main categories, the passive loads and the non-linear loads. The classification was made on the event that the passive loads do not create harmonic currents but the non-linear loads create harmonic currents. For the above purpose was made practical experimental testings on several loads – equipment of both the categories in the laboratories, summarising the effects of the supplying voltages in power consumption at higher values1 gradually, from the nominal values up to the overvoltages. Also in some cases, for more accurate observation, was used the PSpice simulating program. 1 For a better understanding of the events, some experimental testings was made at lower supplying voltages – undervoltages across the loads. Finally, the results from the experimental testings confirmed that the effects of the overvoltages are: the increased consumption of power,  the decrease of the lifespan of electronic components due to overheating,  they are different with respect to the nature of the loads,  the increased amplitude of the current harmonics in the non-linear loads. For harmonic current reduction, an easy to use Pulse Width Modulation (PWM) method is proposed through booster topology, using a minimum number of components. This electronic circuit (harmonic current reducer) is cheap and easy to use, and can be easily connected between the mains supply and the non-linear load. It reduces, or keeps in low level the amplitudes of the current harmonics of the supplying current (distorted) of a non-linear load, in order to offer an extra protection or relief to the load when the supplying voltage or mains increases from its nominal value to undesired overvoltage values. Also, in order to avoid the undesirable effects on power consumption, due to overvoltages, design of a prototyping electronic circuit is proposed. This circuit (stabiliser), like the above harmonic current reducer, can be easily connected between the mains supply and a load or equipment; despite the mains supply variations, it keeps constant the desired or nominal voltage supply (voltage amplitude, Vpeak to peak) across the load or equipment.

No description available.

A utilização crescente de equipamentos eletro-eletrônicos sensíveis a interferências e a adoção de novos critérios para avaliação da qualidade da energia fornecida têm resultado em um aumento do número de pesquisas desenvolvidas com o objetivo de se obter informações a respeito das características das sobretensões em redes de baixa tensão. Isto motivou a realização deste trabalho, que teve por objetivo analisar as sobretensões causadas por descargas atmosféricas próximas a redes secundárias. O estudo trata inicialmente das tensões transferidas para a rede de baixa tensão, via transformador, devido a tensões induzidas no primário. Para tal são utilizados resultados experimentais obtidos em modelo de linhas de distribuição em escala reduzida e também medições de tensões induzidas por descargas naturais em uma linha especialmente construída para estudo do fenômeno. Com o uso de um modelo de transformador de distribuição típico, de validade comprovada para avaliação de surtos transferidos, são analisadas as tensões transferidas para a rede secundária considerando-se diversas formas de onda no primário. Posteriormente são calculadas as tensões induzidas nas redes de baixa tensão por descargas incidentes em suas proximidades através do 'Extended Rusck Model' (ERM) – modelo de validade comprovada por meio de centenas de comparações entre tensões induzidas medidas e calculadas. O trabalho discute as influências, nas tensões induzidas, do modo de representação do transformador e das cargas conectadas ao secundário, valor da resistência de terra, amplitude e velocidade de propagação da corrente no canal, etc. A comparação entre as tensões induzidas em linhas convencionais e multiplexadas também é realizada. É analisado também o uso de dispositivos de proteção contra surtos na rede multiplexada tendo em vista a redução das amplitudes das tensões induzidas. Por fim são feitas comparações entre tensões induzidas e tensões transferidas via transformador à rede secundária considerando a mesma descarga atmosférica. / The growing use of electric and electronic equipment prone to electromagnetic interferences and the adoption of new criteria for evaluating the quality of the power supplied have increased the number of studies developed in order to obtain information regarding the characteristics of overvoltages on low-voltage networks. Such fact has motivated the development of this work, which aimed at analyzing overvoltages caused by lightning discharges near secondary networks. The study first covers voltages transferred to the low-voltage network through the transformer due to induced voltages on its primary terminals. In order to accomplish that, experimental results obtained on a reduced scale model are used, as well as measurements of natural lightning induced voltages on a line specially built to study the phenomena. The voltages transferred to the secondary network, considering several waveforms on the primary, are analyzed by using a typical distribution transformer model, proven valid for evaluating transferred surges. The study then presents the calculation of voltages induced on low-voltage networks by discharges on their vicinity through the 'Extended Rusck Model' (ERM) – a model that has been validated by hundreds of comparisons between measured and calculated induced voltages. This work discusses the influences on induced voltages of the manner of representing the transformer and the loads connected to the secondary, as well as grounding resistance, amplitude and stroke current propagation speed, etc. Comparisons between lightning induced voltages on open wire lines and on lines with twisted conductors are also made. The use of surge protective devices on lines with twisted conductors is analyzed, and the reduction of induced voltage amplitudes is investigated. Finally, induced voltages and voltages transferred to the secondary network through a transformer are compared, considering the same lightning discharge.

A utilização crescente de equipamentos eletro-eletrônicos sensíveis a interferências e a adoção de novos critérios para avaliação da qualidade da energia fornecida têm resultado em um aumento do número de pesquisas desenvolvidas com o objetivo de se obter informações a respeito das características das sobretensões em redes de baixa tensão. Isto motivou a realização deste trabalho, que teve por objetivo analisar as sobretensões causadas por descargas atmosféricas próximas a redes secundárias. O estudo trata inicialmente das tensões transferidas para a rede de baixa tensão, via transformador, devido a tensões induzidas no primário. Para tal são utilizados resultados experimentais obtidos em modelo de linhas de distribuição em escala reduzida e também medições de tensões induzidas por descargas naturais em uma linha especialmente construída para estudo do fenômeno. Com o uso de um modelo de transformador de distribuição típico, de validade comprovada para avaliação de surtos transferidos, são analisadas as tensões transferidas para a rede secundária considerando-se diversas formas de onda no primário. Posteriormente são calculadas as tensões induzidas nas redes de baixa tensão por descargas incidentes em suas proximidades através do 'Extended Rusck Model' (ERM) – modelo de validade comprovada por meio de centenas de comparações entre tensões induzidas medidas e calculadas. O trabalho discute as influências, nas tensões induzidas, do modo de representação do transformador e das cargas conectadas ao secundário, valor da resistência de terra, amplitude e velocidade de propagação da corrente no canal, etc. A comparação entre as tensões induzidas em linhas convencionais e multiplexadas também é realizada. É analisado também o uso de dispositivos de proteção contra surtos na rede multiplexada tendo em vista a redução das amplitudes das tensões induzidas. Por fim são feitas comparações entre tensões induzidas e tensões transferidas via transformador à rede secundária considerando a mesma descarga atmosférica. / The growing use of electric and electronic equipment prone to electromagnetic interferences and the adoption of new criteria for evaluating the quality of the power supplied have increased the number of studies developed in order to obtain information regarding the characteristics of overvoltages on low-voltage networks. Such fact has motivated the development of this work, which aimed at analyzing overvoltages caused by lightning discharges near secondary networks. The study first covers voltages transferred to the low-voltage network through the transformer due to induced voltages on its primary terminals. In order to accomplish that, experimental results obtained on a reduced scale model are used, as well as measurements of natural lightning induced voltages on a line specially built to study the phenomena. The voltages transferred to the secondary network, considering several waveforms on the primary, are analyzed by using a typical distribution transformer model, proven valid for evaluating transferred surges. The study then presents the calculation of voltages induced on low-voltage networks by discharges on their vicinity through the 'Extended Rusck Model' (ERM) – a model that has been validated by hundreds of comparisons between measured and calculated induced voltages. This work discusses the influences on induced voltages of the manner of representing the transformer and the loads connected to the secondary, as well as grounding resistance, amplitude and stroke current propagation speed, etc. Comparisons between lightning induced voltages on open wire lines and on lines with twisted conductors are also made. The use of surge protective devices on lines with twisted conductors is analyzed, and the reduction of induced voltage amplitudes is investigated. Finally, induced voltages and voltages transferred to the secondary network through a transformer are compared, considering the same lightning discharge.

Σκοπός της παρούσας διπλωματικής είναι η μελέτη των αναπτυσσόμενων υπερτάσεων στις γραμμές μεταφοράς υψηλής τάσης (132kV) του δικτύου της Αρχής Ηλεκτρισμού Κύπρου. Γίνεται μια παρουσίαση του κάθε στοιχείου του δικτύου ξεχωριστά, με ποιο τρόπο μπορεί να μοντελοποιηθεί και πως συμπεριφέρεται σε κεραυνικό πλήγμα εύρους 100kA με τρία διαφορετικά σήματα. Τέλος παρουσιάζονται τα αποτελέσματα της προσομοίωσης στο λογισμικό ATP-EMTP και εξάγονται παρατηρήσεις και συμπεράσματα. Αρχικά στο πρώτο κεφάλαιο γίνεται μια εισαγωγική παρουσίαση της διπλωματικής εργασίας, μια ιστορική αναδρομή για τα συστήματα ηλεκτρικής ενέργειας και την επανάσταση που έφερε η ανάπτυξη τους. Στη συνέχεια παρουσιάζεται η πορεία του ηλεκτρισμού στη Κύπρο κάτω από το φορέα διαχείρισης του, την Αρχή Ηλεκτρισμού Κύπρου. Στο δεύτερο κεφάλαιο παρατίθενται λεπτομερώς τα στοιχεία που συνθέτουν σήμερα το δίκτυο της Α.Η.Κ από την παραγωγή, τη μεταφορά και τη διανομή της ηλεκτρικής ενέργειας στο νησί. Ακόμη γίνεται μία σύντομη αναφορά στο κλίμα της Κύπρου και πως αυτό ευνοεί τη δημιουργία κεραυνών. Στο τρίτο κεφάλαιο παρουσιάζεται και περιγράφεται αναλυτικά η αιτία της δημιουργίας των εξωτερικών υπερτάσεων, δηλαδή ο κεραυνός και πως λειτουργεί αυτός ως φυσικό φαινόμενο. Επίσης περιγράφονται οι διάφοροι μηχανισμοί δημιουργίας υπερτάσεων από τους κεραυνούς. Στα επόμενα τρία κεφάλαια παρουσιάζονται ενδελεχώς τα τρία βασικά στοιχεία του δικτύου το οποίο τυγχάνει προσομοίωσης, δηλαδή οι γραμμές μεταφοράς, οι πυλώνες και οι αλυσοειδείς μονωτήρες ανάρτησης. Συγκεκριμένα, για τις μεταφοράς γίνεται αναφορά στα γενικά τους στοιχεία, στα χαρακτηριστικά τους αλλά και στις καταπονήσεις που υφίστανται. Στους πυλώνες παρουσιάζεται η καταπόνηση τους από κεραυνούς με απότομο μέτωπο, το πως εκτιμάται η αντίσταση γείωσης τους και τι ρόλο παίζει η ειδική αντίσταση εδάφους. Όσο αφορά τους μονωτήρες ανάρτησης προβάλλονται γενικά κατασκευαστικά τους στοιχεία, οι συνθήκες στις οποίες λαμβάνει χώρα η υπερπήδηση(διάσπαση) τους και οι μέθοδοι υπολογισμού του χρόνου επιφανειακής διάσπασης των. Στο έβδομο κεφάλαιο παρουσιάζεται το λογισμικό ATP- EMTP μέσω του οποίου γίνεται η μοντελοποίηση των στοιχείων του δικτύου και η προσομοίωση τους. Γίνεται αναφορά στη δομή του προγράμματος, τα ιστορικά του στοιχεία, τις διάφορες βιβλιοθήκες μοντέλων που εμπεριέχονται σε αυτό, τα διάφορα προγράμματα υποστήριξης του και περισσότερο το ATP – Draw όπου παρέχεται η δυνατότητα για σχεδίαση των στοιχείων και εισαγωγή των παραμέτρων τους. Στο όγδοο κεφάλαιο παρουσιάζεται η μοντελοποίηση των προαναφερθέντων στοιχείων της διάταξης και ενσωμάτωση τους στο ATP – EMTP. Τέλος, στο ένατο και τελευταίο κεφάλαιο παρατίθενται τα αποτελέσματα της προσομοίωσης, η εξαγωγή των αποτελεσμάτων, οι παρατηρήσεις και τα συμπεράσματα. / The aim of the work described in this thesis is the study of the induced overvoltages on high voltage transmission lines (132kV) of the network of the Electricity Authority of Cyprus. Every network element is separately described, ways for the modeling of each element are explored and the behavior of each element during a 100kA lightning strike using three different signals is observed. Lastly, the results of the simulation are presented by using ATP/EMTP software, observations are made and findings are determined. The first chapter introduces the thesis and consists of a historical overview of electrical power systems and an overview of the revolution brought through their development. Thereafter the development of electricity in Cyprus as part of the electricity supplier “Electricity Authority of Cyprus” is analyzed. A detailed review of the system used by the “Electricity Authority of Cyprus” (Generation, Transmission, Distribution, Supply) constitutes the second chapter. Further, a brief reference to the climate of Cyprus is made and on how it favors the formation of lightning. The third chapter presents and describes in detail what might cause extraneous voltages, i.e. lightning and how it works as a natural phenomenon. Plus the different generation mechanisms of lightning overvoltages are described. In the next three chapters the main three elements of the network being simulated are presented in detail, i.e. transmission lines, pylons and catenary suspension insulators. Namely, with regard to transmission lines general information is given, their characteristics are described along with the stresses they face. As long as the pylons are concerned, the stresses they face by steep-front lightning are described, information on how to assess their grounding system resistance is given and it is also discussed whether Soil Resistivity plays a dominant role. Regarding suspension insulators their parts are described, the circumstances under which their disruptive discharge takes place and the methods of calculating surface discharges. In the seventh chapter the ATP/EMTP software used for network modeling and simulation is presented. Reference is made to the program structure, the historical data, the various model- libraries included in it, the various supporting programs and more specifically ATPDraw which creates/draws the elements and which does the parameter fitting. The eighth chapter contains the analysis of the modeling of the aforementioned parts of the assembly and their integration in the ATP/EMTP. Lastly, in the ninth and final chapter the results of the simulation are presented, observations are made and findings are determined.

Η εργασία αυτή παρουσιάζει τους σημαντικότερους μηχανισμούς με τους οποίους οι υπερτάσεις προκύπτουν από κεραυνό στα εναέρια δίκτυα διανομής ισχύος μέσης και χαμηλής τάσης, όπως επίσης και τυπικές κυματομορφές υπερτάσεων. Η αποτελεσματικότητα των πιο σημαντικών μεθόδων για να μετριάσουμε τέτοιες υπερτάσεις σε δίκτυα μέσης και χαμηλής τάσης συζητούνται επίσης. Αρχικά γίνεται αναφορά στο φαινόμενο του κεραυνού, στο πως δημιουργείται ο κεραυνός καθώς και στα προβλήματα που μπορεί να δημιουργήσει. Στη συνέχεια γίνεται μια σύντομη αναφορά στον τρόπο που είναι δομημένο το εναέριο δίκτυο διανομής και στον τρόπο λειτουργίας του, πριν ξεκινήσει η ανάλυση της αντικεραυνικής συμπεριφοράς του και η μελέτη τρόπων για τη βελτίωση αυτής. Τέλος, παρουσιάζεται η προσομοίωση ενός ελληνικού δικτύου εναέριας διανομής ηλεκτρικής ενέργειας με τη χρήση του προγράμματος ΑΤΡ - ΕΜΤΡ και μελετάται η συμπεριφορά του μετά την πτώση κεραυνού σε αυτή εξάγοντας συμπεράσματα και προτείνοντας λύσεις για τη βελτίωση της. / This work presents the major mechanisms by which the overvoltages are stemmed from lightning in both medium and low voltage overhead power distribution networks, as well as typical surge waveforms. The effectiveness of the main protective measures that can be utilized to improve the line lightning performance are also discussed. Initially what is briefly described is the lightning phenomenon, the ways it is created and the problems it can cause as well. Afterwards the way that the overhead distribution power network is structured is presented as well as the way it works, ending with the complete method of its lightning protection in theoretical basis and the ways this can be improved. Finally, we performed the simulation of a greek overhead power distribution network using the ATP - EMTP software, we studied its lightning performance by making conclusions and proposing ways it can be improved.

This master´s thesis deals with the designing process of surge protection for the object potentially explosive atmospheres and according to a set of standards ČEN EN 62305 and ČSN EN 60079. This work consists of four main parts. The first part deals with the theory of lightning and surges. Subsequently, in the second part is devoted to the theory of protection against these phenomena and proposals for external and internal lightning protection and surge. This chapter also deals with more demands on electrical installations in hazardous areas. The third part deals with the analysis of the risks to the subject paint and according to ČSN EN 62305-2 ed.2 and at the conclusion of the study is a proposal for external lightning protection and internal surge protection.

A universalização da energia elétrica, como uma das principais políticas públicas de inclusão social, tem como desafio a escolha de alternativas tecnológicas capazes de conciliar os aspectos de viabilidade técnica e econômica. A Tecnologia cabos para-raios energizados (PRE), objeto de estudo desta tese, se insere neste contexto. Assim, este trabalho consiste na análise de viabilidade do PRE no esquema trifásico, cuja instalação é associada à linha de transmissão 230 kV do sistema de transmissão de Rondônia. São analisados os aspectos de seu desempenho técnico, operacional e econômico. No aspecto técnico é analisado o desempenho do sistema de aterramento quanto à resistência de terra, tensões de toque e de passo, além de análise da queda de tensão, desequilíbrio de tensão e capacidade de carregamento da instalação. A abordagem técnica é aprofundada após análise do desempenho operacional avaliado a partir da classificação das interrupções verificadas em mais de 180 meses de operação do Sistema PRE Rondônia. Em decorrência dessa avaliação, são obtidos índices operacionais de continuidade, analisados comparativamente em relação a outras alternativas tecnológicas, visando analisar a viabilidade da Tecnologia PRE. Uma das constatações resultantes da análise das causas das interrupções indica um elevado impacto das descargas atmosféricas no desempenho do PRE. Este aspecto é extensivamente analisado quanto aos efeitos das descargas diretas e indiretas sobre a instalação, partindo-se de medições de campo nos contrapesos das torres, medições de resistividade do solo e ensaios na cadeia de isoladores do PRE. Simulações são realizadas utilizando-se os programas computacionais ATPDraw, ERM e CDEGS para análise das tensões resultantes de descargas diretas, tensões induzidas por descargas indiretas e cálculo de resistência de terra, respectivamente. São investigados os efeitos de parâmetros importantes no desempenho do sistema frente a descargas atmosféricas e comparados os números de interrupções estimadas e verificadas em campo, partindo-se de um roteiro metodológico minuciosamente detalhado, a fim de permitir a repetição dos procedimentos em situações semelhantes às analisadas neste trabalho. Após uma análise comparativa do desempenho do sistema PRE em relação a outras alternativas convencionais, são estabelecidos índices de referência para o desempenho operacional da Tecnologia PRE e desenvolvida uma análise econômica da implantação dessa tecnologia em Rondônia. / As one of the major public policies of social inclusion, the universalization of electric energy services has as a challenge to choose appropriate technological solutions that combine technical and economic aspects. The energized shield wire line technology (SWL), subject of this thesis, is in this context. This study aims at evaluating the viability of the SWL technology (three-phase scheme) installed on a 230 kV transmission line in the State of Rondônia. The analysis covers its technical, operational, and economic performance. The former aspect considers the performance of the grounding system regarding the ground resistance and step and touch voltages, analysis of voltage drop, voltage unbalance and the load capacity of the installation. The technical issue is deeply held after the analysis of the system operational performance in Rondônia based on the classification of outages considering a period greater than 180 months. The operational indices that result from this evaluation are compared to those corresponding to other technology alternatives in order to evaluate the viability of SWL technology. The analysis of the causes of interruptions reveals that lightning has a significant impact on the SWL performance. Thus, an extensive analysis is carried out regarding the effects of direct and indirect strokes on the SWL, including field measurements (soil resistivity and tower footing resistance) and laboratory tests (determination of the positive and negative critical flashover overvoltages of insulator strings). Simulations are performed using computer programs of proved validity (ATPDraw, ERM, and CDEGS) for the analysis of lightning overvoltages resulting from direct and indirect strokes and for the calculation of ground resistance. The effects of important parameters on the system lightning performance are investigated and the estimated and observed frequencies of interruptions are compared. The applied methodological procedure is described in detail, to allow the method to be used in other cases similar to the situations examined on this study. After a comparative analysis of the performance of the SWL with respect to other conventional alternatives, reference indices for the operational performance of SWL Technology are set and an economic analysis of the SWL technology in Rondônia is carried out.

A universalização da energia elétrica, como uma das principais políticas públicas de inclusão social, tem como desafio a escolha de alternativas tecnológicas capazes de conciliar os aspectos de viabilidade técnica e econômica. A Tecnologia cabos para-raios energizados (PRE), objeto de estudo desta tese, se insere neste contexto. Assim, este trabalho consiste na análise de viabilidade do PRE no esquema trifásico, cuja instalação é associada à linha de transmissão 230 kV do sistema de transmissão de Rondônia. São analisados os aspectos de seu desempenho técnico, operacional e econômico. No aspecto técnico é analisado o desempenho do sistema de aterramento quanto à resistência de terra, tensões de toque e de passo, além de análise da queda de tensão, desequilíbrio de tensão e capacidade de carregamento da instalação. A abordagem técnica é aprofundada após análise do desempenho operacional avaliado a partir da classificação das interrupções verificadas em mais de 180 meses de operação do Sistema PRE Rondônia. Em decorrência dessa avaliação, são obtidos índices operacionais de continuidade, analisados comparativamente em relação a outras alternativas tecnológicas, visando analisar a viabilidade da Tecnologia PRE. Uma das constatações resultantes da análise das causas das interrupções indica um elevado impacto das descargas atmosféricas no desempenho do PRE. Este aspecto é extensivamente analisado quanto aos efeitos das descargas diretas e indiretas sobre a instalação, partindo-se de medições de campo nos contrapesos das torres, medições de resistividade do solo e ensaios na cadeia de isoladores do PRE. Simulações são realizadas utilizando-se os programas computacionais ATPDraw, ERM e CDEGS para análise das tensões resultantes de descargas diretas, tensões induzidas por descargas indiretas e cálculo de resistência de terra, respectivamente. São investigados os efeitos de parâmetros importantes no desempenho do sistema frente a descargas atmosféricas e comparados os números de interrupções estimadas e verificadas em campo, partindo-se de um roteiro metodológico minuciosamente detalhado, a fim de permitir a repetição dos procedimentos em situações semelhantes às analisadas neste trabalho. Após uma análise comparativa do desempenho do sistema PRE em relação a outras alternativas convencionais, são estabelecidos índices de referência para o desempenho operacional da Tecnologia PRE e desenvolvida uma análise econômica da implantação dessa tecnologia em Rondônia. / As one of the major public policies of social inclusion, the universalization of electric energy services has as a challenge to choose appropriate technological solutions that combine technical and economic aspects. The energized shield wire line technology (SWL), subject of this thesis, is in this context. This study aims at evaluating the viability of the SWL technology (three-phase scheme) installed on a 230 kV transmission line in the State of Rondônia. The analysis covers its technical, operational, and economic performance. The former aspect considers the performance of the grounding system regarding the ground resistance and step and touch voltages, analysis of voltage drop, voltage unbalance and the load capacity of the installation. The technical issue is deeply held after the analysis of the system operational performance in Rondônia based on the classification of outages considering a period greater than 180 months. The operational indices that result from this evaluation are compared to those corresponding to other technology alternatives in order to evaluate the viability of SWL technology. The analysis of the causes of interruptions reveals that lightning has a significant impact on the SWL performance. Thus, an extensive analysis is carried out regarding the effects of direct and indirect strokes on the SWL, including field measurements (soil resistivity and tower footing resistance) and laboratory tests (determination of the positive and negative critical flashover overvoltages of insulator strings). Simulations are performed using computer programs of proved validity (ATPDraw, ERM, and CDEGS) for the analysis of lightning overvoltages resulting from direct and indirect strokes and for the calculation of ground resistance. The effects of important parameters on the system lightning performance are investigated and the estimated and observed frequencies of interruptions are compared. The applied methodological procedure is described in detail, to allow the method to be used in other cases similar to the situations examined on this study. After a comparative analysis of the performance of the SWL with respect to other conventional alternatives, reference indices for the operational performance of SWL Technology are set and an economic analysis of the SWL technology in Rondônia is carried out.