Published Paper Details:

Substations are vital components of the electrical power system and are particularly vulnerable to direct lightning strikes, which can result in severe equipment damage, insulation breakdown, and widespread power outages. The objective is to evaluate the effectiveness of various protection methods--namely the Fixed Angle Method, Rolling Sphere Method, Razevig Method, and Early Streamer Emission (ESE) Method for 33 kV / 220 kV Renewable substations. These methods are critically examined through analytical calculations and substation layout designs to determine their zone of protection and shielding efficiency. This Paper highlights how the geometry, height of structures, and positioning of lightning masts or shield wires influence the level of protection offered. Systematically analyzing and comparing different methods, this work proposes optimized lightning protection schemes that can reduce equipment failure rates, improve personnel safety, and minimize substation downtime. The findings contribute to more robust and resilient substation design, especially in regions with high lightning density.