Protective Measures for Medium-Voltage Cable Systems against Nearby Lightning Strikes to Ground

Due to their reduced exposure to environmental influences and their high reliability, mediumvoltage (MV) cables represent an increasingly important component of modern power distribution networks. Despite this, underground MV cables are not immune to the effects of atmospheric discharges. Lightning strikes to ground in the vicinity of underground cable routes may induce severe transient overvoltages, potentially resulting in breakdown of the outer polyethylene (PE) cable sheath. Such events can initiate moisture ingress, accelerate degradation of the cross-linked polyethylene (XLPE) insulation, and consequently reduce the service life of the cable system. This paper presents a summary of the simulations and numerical models developed to assess these phenomena. The simulation results are…