Parameters Optimization of Impulse Generator Circuit for Generating First Short Stroke Lightning Current Waveform

This paper presents the parameters optimization technology for generating the first short stroke lightning current waveform($10/350{\mu}s$) which is necessary for the performance tests of components of lightning protection systems, as required under IEC 62305 and the newly amended IEC 62561. The circuit using the crowbar device specified in IEC 62305 was applied to generate the lightning current waveform. To find the proper parameters of the circuit is not easy because the circuit consists of two parts; circuit I, which relates to the front of current waveform, and circuit II, which relates to the tail. A simulation in PSpise was carried out to find main factors related to the front and tail of $10/350{\mu}s$. The lightning current generator was developed by utilizing the circuit parameters found in the simulation. In the result of experiments, new parameters of the circuits need to be changed because of the difference between the simulation and the experiment results. Using the iterative method, the optimized parameters of the circuits was determined. Also a multistage-type external coil and a damping resistor were proposed to make the efficiency of generation to enhance. According to the result in this paper, an optimized first short stroke lightning current waveform was obtained.