Various Benefits for Line Surge Arrester Application and Advantages of Externally Gapped Line Arresters

The use of Line Surge Arresters is a well-known application. This cost-effective way has clearly shown the performance improvement for the electricity supply industry. However, there is often resistance to make it a common use. The reduction of outages due to lightning activity and poor grounding makes their application vital. Meanwhile, some users apply this technology also for security of population, switching surge control, line uprating and compaction or live-line working. Even though the use of Externally Gapped Line Arresters can achieve outstanding results by minimizing the investment, this smart protection device shows a mild growth excepting in some specific countries. The EGLA application does not only improve significantly the performance and the operation of the power systems but also improve the design and lower the costs of the construction and the maintenance. The financial benefits are easily demonstrated. Today, proactive maintenance and trend monitoring is a key point for the transmission lines operators. While existing solutions to assess the conditions of the surge arresters are not suitable and relevant, the new generations of Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) are becoming extremely cost-efficient and accurate to inspect transmission line components. This paper intends to present Siemens latest innovations for compact and cost-efficient lightning-proof transmission lines.