Electromagnetic Coupling from Proximal Lightning Strikes on High-Voltage Transmission Lines

Rodolphe Gomba; Rodrigue Armel Patrick Okemba; Mathurin Gogom

doi:doi:10.11648/j.epes.20251404.11

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Electromagnetic Coupling from Proximal Lightning Strikes on High-Voltage Transmission Lines

Rodolphe Gomba^*

, Rodrigue Armel Patrick Okemba, Mathurin Gogom

Published in American Journal of Electrical Power and Energy Systems (Volume 14, Issue 4)

Received: 25 June 2025 Accepted: 14 July 2025 Published: 5 August 2025

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Abstract

This study investigates the electromagnetic surges induced by nearby lightning strikes on high-voltage overhead transmissionlines, using Rusck’s analytical model as a foundational framework. The work focuses on characterizing over voltages generated through inductive coupling between a vertically oriented lightning channel and conductors suspended at various heights above ground level. The main objective is to quantify the peak induced voltages as functions of lateral strike distance (from 10 to 5,000 meters), lightning current amplitude (20 kA to 300 kA), and geometric configuration of the transmission line. Applied to the 208 km Ngo-Djiri line in the Congo Basin an area subject to high thunderstorm frequency the results reveal a steep hyperbolic decrease in induced voltage with increasing distance from the strike point, consistent with electromagnetic field theory. A linear relationship between lightning current and induced voltage is observed, validating the model’s reliability in high-amplitude regimes. For typical configurations, overvoltages remain below the 1050 kV insulation level of 220 kV systems. However, in extreme cases involving high current (> 200kA) and close proximity (< 50m), induced voltages can exceed this threshold, suggesting the need for enhanced protection measures. Beyond theoretical modeling, this study highlights the relevance of Rusck’s approach for African networks, where simplified models are essential due to limited measurement data and resource constraints. It also outlines practical directions for future research, including integration of real soil resistivity, capacitive coupling effects, and multi-conductor asymmetry into the modeling framework. The results advocate for adaptive insulation coordination and protection schemes tailored to regions with high lightning activity. Ultimately, the work contributes to strengthening the resilience of HV infrastructures in tropical environments by providing a deterministic, scalable, and physically interpretable methodology for lightning-induced surge prediction and mitigation.

Published in	American Journal of Electrical Power and Energy Systems (Volume 14, Issue 4)
DOI	10.11648/j.epes.20251404.11
Page(s)	72-80
Creative Commons	This is an Open Access article, distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/), which permits unrestricted use, distribution and reproduction in any medium or format, provided the original work is properly cited.
Copyright	Copyright © The Author(s), 2025. Published by Science Publishing Group

Keywords

Induced Overvoltage, Lightning, High-voltage Line, Inductive Coupling, Rusck Model, Insulation Coordination, Tropical Network

References

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[2]	Gogom, M., Oboulhas, C. O. T., Apila, N., Ganongo, A. O., & Lilonga-Boyenga, D. (2022). Optimization of Losses Joule in the Congolese Electrical Network Integrated with the Energy Pool of Central Africa in the PEAC Acronym. Energy and Power Engineering, 14(1), 13-34.
[3]	Amos Omboua Eyandzi & al. Analysis of Dynamic Interactions Between Reactive Compensation and Voltage Stability in THT Networks with SVC. American Journal of Electrical Power and Energy Systems 2025; 14(3): 45-63. https://doi.org/10.11648/j.epes.20251403.11
[4]	Tarko, R., Gajdzica, J., Nowak, W., & Szpyra, W. (2021). Study of the Lightning Overvoltage Protection Effectiveness of High Voltage Mixed Overhead Cable Power Lines. Energies, 14(8), 2329.
[5]	Christodoulou, C. A., Gonos, I. F., & Stathopulos, I. A. (2008, June). Lightning performance of high voltage transmission lines protected by surge arresters: a simulation for the Hellenic transmission network. In Proc. 29th Int. Conf. Lightning Protection (ICLP08), Uppsala, Sweden (pp. 6b-7).
[6]	Ganongo, A.O., Gogom, M., Nianga-Apila, Obita, L. L. A. and Ganga, G. (2024) Optimisation of Lightning Current Discharge to the Ground in Electrical Networks: Introduction of the Proportionality Coefficient (K). Electric Power Systems Research, 231, Article 110348. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.epsr.2024.110348
[7]	Nzao, A. B. S. (2022). Analysis of the Behavior of a HV AC Line during an Atmospheric Discharge and Evaluation of the Spatio-Temporal Distribution of the Lightning Current Wave. Open Journal of Applied Sciences, 12(2), 175-195.
[8]	Rusck, S. (1958). Induced lightning over-voltage on power transmission lines with special reference to the overvoltage protection of low-voltage networks. Trans. Royal Institute of Technology, 120.
[9]	Paolone, M. (2001). Modeling of lightning-induced voltages on distribution networks for the solution of power quality problems, and relevant implementation in a transient program. Department of Electrical Engineering Bologna, Italy: University of Bologna, 117.
[10]	DIB, D., & LABAR, H. (2012). Lightning Radiations Towards the HV Electric Power Systems.
[11]	Sabiha, N. A. (2010). Lightning-induced overvoltages in medium voltage distribution systems and customer experienced voltage spikes. https://urn.fi/URN:ISBN:978-952-60-3046-3
[12]	Chew, W. C. (2020). Lectures on electromagnetic field theory. Purdue University.
[13]	Gerard, F. (2008). Généralités sur la foudre et les surtensions. ADEE Electronic. Édition octobre.
[14]	M’ziou, N. (2009). Modélisation de la décharge de foudre en vue d’une application en compatibilité électromagnétique (Doctoral dissertation, Alger, Ecole Nationale Supérieure Polytechnique).
[15]	Nianga-Apila, Gogom, M., Ganongo, A. O., Gomba, R., & Ganga, G. (2025). Detecting and Locating Short-Circuit Faults in Electrical Mesh Networks. Energy and Power Engineering, 17(6), 134-153. https://doi.org/10.4236/epe.2025.176007

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APA Style

Gomba, R., Okemba, R. A. P., Gogom, M. (2025). Electromagnetic Coupling from Proximal Lightning Strikes on High-Voltage Transmission Lines. American Journal of Electrical Power and Energy Systems, 14(4), 72-80. https://doi.org/10.11648/j.epes.20251404.11

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ACS Style

Gomba, R.; Okemba, R. A. P.; Gogom, M. Electromagnetic Coupling from Proximal Lightning Strikes on High-Voltage Transmission Lines. Am. J. Electr. Power Energy Syst. 2025, 14(4), 72-80. doi: 10.11648/j.epes.20251404.11

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AMA Style

Gomba R, Okemba RAP, Gogom M. Electromagnetic Coupling from Proximal Lightning Strikes on High-Voltage Transmission Lines. Am J Electr Power Energy Syst. 2025;14(4):72-80. doi: 10.11648/j.epes.20251404.11

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@article{10.11648/j.epes.20251404.11,
  author = {Rodolphe Gomba and Rodrigue Armel Patrick Okemba and Mathurin Gogom},
  title = {Electromagnetic Coupling from Proximal Lightning Strikes on High-Voltage Transmission Lines
},
  journal = {American Journal of Electrical Power and Energy Systems},
  volume = {14},
  number = {4},
  pages = {72-80},
  doi = {10.11648/j.epes.20251404.11},
  url = {https://doi.org/10.11648/j.epes.20251404.11},
  eprint = {https://article.sciencepublishinggroup.com/pdf/10.11648.j.epes.20251404.11},
  abstract = {This study investigates the electromagnetic surges induced by nearby lightning strikes on high-voltage overhead transmissionlines, using Rusck’s analytical model as a foundational framework. The work focuses on characterizing over voltages generated through inductive coupling between a vertically oriented lightning channel and conductors suspended at various heights above ground level. The main objective is to quantify the peak induced voltages as functions of lateral strike distance (from 10 to 5,000 meters), lightning current amplitude (20 kA to 300 kA), and geometric configuration of the transmission line. Applied to the 208 km Ngo-Djiri line in the Congo Basin an area subject to high thunderstorm frequency the results reveal a steep hyperbolic decrease in induced voltage with increasing distance from the strike point, consistent with electromagnetic field theory. A linear relationship between lightning current and induced voltage is observed, validating the model’s reliability in high-amplitude regimes. For typical configurations, overvoltages remain below the 1050 kV insulation level of 220 kV systems. However, in extreme cases involving high current (> 200kA) and close proximity (< 50m), induced voltages can exceed this threshold, suggesting the need for enhanced protection measures. Beyond theoretical modeling, this study highlights the relevance of Rusck’s approach for African networks, where simplified models are essential due to limited measurement data and resource constraints. It also outlines practical directions for future research, including integration of real soil resistivity, capacitive coupling effects, and multi-conductor asymmetry into the modeling framework. The results advocate for adaptive insulation coordination and protection schemes tailored to regions with high lightning activity. Ultimately, the work contributes to strengthening the resilience of HV infrastructures in tropical environments by providing a deterministic, scalable, and physically interpretable methodology for lightning-induced surge prediction and mitigation.
},
 year = {2025}
}

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TY  - JOUR
T1  - Electromagnetic Coupling from Proximal Lightning Strikes on High-Voltage Transmission Lines

AU  - Rodolphe Gomba
AU  - Rodrigue Armel Patrick Okemba
AU  - Mathurin Gogom
Y1  - 2025/08/05
PY  - 2025
N1  - https://doi.org/10.11648/j.epes.20251404.11
DO  - 10.11648/j.epes.20251404.11
T2  - American Journal of Electrical Power and Energy Systems
JF  - American Journal of Electrical Power and Energy Systems
JO  - American Journal of Electrical Power and Energy Systems
SP  - 72
EP  - 80
PB  - Science Publishing Group
SN  - 2326-9200
UR  - https://doi.org/10.11648/j.epes.20251404.11
AB  - This study investigates the electromagnetic surges induced by nearby lightning strikes on high-voltage overhead transmissionlines, using Rusck’s analytical model as a foundational framework. The work focuses on characterizing over voltages generated through inductive coupling between a vertically oriented lightning channel and conductors suspended at various heights above ground level. The main objective is to quantify the peak induced voltages as functions of lateral strike distance (from 10 to 5,000 meters), lightning current amplitude (20 kA to 300 kA), and geometric configuration of the transmission line. Applied to the 208 km Ngo-Djiri line in the Congo Basin an area subject to high thunderstorm frequency the results reveal a steep hyperbolic decrease in induced voltage with increasing distance from the strike point, consistent with electromagnetic field theory. A linear relationship between lightning current and induced voltage is observed, validating the model’s reliability in high-amplitude regimes. For typical configurations, overvoltages remain below the 1050 kV insulation level of 220 kV systems. However, in extreme cases involving high current (> 200kA) and close proximity (< 50m), induced voltages can exceed this threshold, suggesting the need for enhanced protection measures. Beyond theoretical modeling, this study highlights the relevance of Rusck’s approach for African networks, where simplified models are essential due to limited measurement data and resource constraints. It also outlines practical directions for future research, including integration of real soil resistivity, capacitive coupling effects, and multi-conductor asymmetry into the modeling framework. The results advocate for adaptive insulation coordination and protection schemes tailored to regions with high lightning activity. Ultimately, the work contributes to strengthening the resilience of HV infrastructures in tropical environments by providing a deterministic, scalable, and physically interpretable methodology for lightning-induced surge prediction and mitigation.

VL  - 14
IS  - 4
ER  -

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Author Information

Rodolphe Gomba

Polytechnic Superior National School (ENSP), Marien Ngouabi University, Brazzaville, Congo

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http://orcid.org/0009-0002-8183-5060
Rodrigue Armel Patrick Okemba

Polytechnic Superior National School (ENSP), Marien Ngouabi University, Brazzaville, Congo

Contact Email
Mathurin Gogom

Polytechnic Superior National School (ENSP), Marien Ngouabi University, Brazzaville, Congo

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APA Style

Gomba, R., Okemba, R. A. P., Gogom, M. (2025). Electromagnetic Coupling from Proximal Lightning Strikes on High-Voltage Transmission Lines. American Journal of Electrical Power and Energy Systems, 14(4), 72-80. https://doi.org/10.11648/j.epes.20251404.11

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ACS Style

Gomba, R.; Okemba, R. A. P.; Gogom, M. Electromagnetic Coupling from Proximal Lightning Strikes on High-Voltage Transmission Lines. Am. J. Electr. Power Energy Syst. 2025, 14(4), 72-80. doi: 10.11648/j.epes.20251404.11

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AMA Style

Gomba R, Okemba RAP, Gogom M. Electromagnetic Coupling from Proximal Lightning Strikes on High-Voltage Transmission Lines. Am J Electr Power Energy Syst. 2025;14(4):72-80. doi: 10.11648/j.epes.20251404.11

Copy | Download

@article{10.11648/j.epes.20251404.11,
  author = {Rodolphe Gomba and Rodrigue Armel Patrick Okemba and Mathurin Gogom},
  title = {Electromagnetic Coupling from Proximal Lightning Strikes on High-Voltage Transmission Lines
},
  journal = {American Journal of Electrical Power and Energy Systems},
  volume = {14},
  number = {4},
  pages = {72-80},
  doi = {10.11648/j.epes.20251404.11},
  url = {https://doi.org/10.11648/j.epes.20251404.11},
  eprint = {https://article.sciencepublishinggroup.com/pdf/10.11648.j.epes.20251404.11},
  abstract = {This study investigates the electromagnetic surges induced by nearby lightning strikes on high-voltage overhead transmissionlines, using Rusck’s analytical model as a foundational framework. The work focuses on characterizing over voltages generated through inductive coupling between a vertically oriented lightning channel and conductors suspended at various heights above ground level. The main objective is to quantify the peak induced voltages as functions of lateral strike distance (from 10 to 5,000 meters), lightning current amplitude (20 kA to 300 kA), and geometric configuration of the transmission line. Applied to the 208 km Ngo-Djiri line in the Congo Basin an area subject to high thunderstorm frequency the results reveal a steep hyperbolic decrease in induced voltage with increasing distance from the strike point, consistent with electromagnetic field theory. A linear relationship between lightning current and induced voltage is observed, validating the model’s reliability in high-amplitude regimes. For typical configurations, overvoltages remain below the 1050 kV insulation level of 220 kV systems. However, in extreme cases involving high current (> 200kA) and close proximity (< 50m), induced voltages can exceed this threshold, suggesting the need for enhanced protection measures. Beyond theoretical modeling, this study highlights the relevance of Rusck’s approach for African networks, where simplified models are essential due to limited measurement data and resource constraints. It also outlines practical directions for future research, including integration of real soil resistivity, capacitive coupling effects, and multi-conductor asymmetry into the modeling framework. The results advocate for adaptive insulation coordination and protection schemes tailored to regions with high lightning activity. Ultimately, the work contributes to strengthening the resilience of HV infrastructures in tropical environments by providing a deterministic, scalable, and physically interpretable methodology for lightning-induced surge prediction and mitigation.
},
 year = {2025}
}

Copy | Download

TY  - JOUR
T1  - Electromagnetic Coupling from Proximal Lightning Strikes on High-Voltage Transmission Lines

AU  - Rodolphe Gomba
AU  - Rodrigue Armel Patrick Okemba
AU  - Mathurin Gogom
Y1  - 2025/08/05
PY  - 2025
N1  - https://doi.org/10.11648/j.epes.20251404.11
DO  - 10.11648/j.epes.20251404.11
T2  - American Journal of Electrical Power and Energy Systems
JF  - American Journal of Electrical Power and Energy Systems
JO  - American Journal of Electrical Power and Energy Systems
SP  - 72
EP  - 80
PB  - Science Publishing Group
SN  - 2326-9200
UR  - https://doi.org/10.11648/j.epes.20251404.11
AB  - This study investigates the electromagnetic surges induced by nearby lightning strikes on high-voltage overhead transmissionlines, using Rusck’s analytical model as a foundational framework. The work focuses on characterizing over voltages generated through inductive coupling between a vertically oriented lightning channel and conductors suspended at various heights above ground level. The main objective is to quantify the peak induced voltages as functions of lateral strike distance (from 10 to 5,000 meters), lightning current amplitude (20 kA to 300 kA), and geometric configuration of the transmission line. Applied to the 208 km Ngo-Djiri line in the Congo Basin an area subject to high thunderstorm frequency the results reveal a steep hyperbolic decrease in induced voltage with increasing distance from the strike point, consistent with electromagnetic field theory. A linear relationship between lightning current and induced voltage is observed, validating the model’s reliability in high-amplitude regimes. For typical configurations, overvoltages remain below the 1050 kV insulation level of 220 kV systems. However, in extreme cases involving high current (> 200kA) and close proximity (< 50m), induced voltages can exceed this threshold, suggesting the need for enhanced protection measures. Beyond theoretical modeling, this study highlights the relevance of Rusck’s approach for African networks, where simplified models are essential due to limited measurement data and resource constraints. It also outlines practical directions for future research, including integration of real soil resistivity, capacitive coupling effects, and multi-conductor asymmetry into the modeling framework. The results advocate for adaptive insulation coordination and protection schemes tailored to regions with high lightning activity. Ultimately, the work contributes to strengthening the resilience of HV infrastructures in tropical environments by providing a deterministic, scalable, and physically interpretable methodology for lightning-induced surge prediction and mitigation.

VL  - 14
IS  - 4
ER  -

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