Metal-oxide surge arrester model for fast transient simulations

Metal-oxide surge arresters have dynamic characteristics that are significant for overvoltage coordination studies involving fast front surges. Several models with acceptable accuracy have been proposed to simulate this frequency-dependent behavior. Difficulties arise in the calculation and adjustment of the model parameters: in some cases iterative procedures are required, in others the necessary data are not reported on manufacturers’ datasheets. A simplified model for zinc oxide surge arresters has already been developed, on the basis of the frequencydependent model recommended by the IEEE WG.3.4.11. In this paper, a different, also straightforward approach, for the generation of the IEEE model parameters from published manufacturer’s data, is presented. The model was verified for several medium voltage arresters from different manufacturers. The simulations were performed with the Alternative Transient Program (ATP) and the results were compared with both the data reported on the manufacturer’s catalogue and experimental data acquired in the high voltage laboratory. For a fast front current surges with front times of up to 1 μs, the model has an acceptable voltage response accuracy of about 1.5%.