Influence of Structural Characteristics for Optical Fiber Composite Overhead Ground Wire on Current Density Distribution under Lightning Strikes

When Optical Fiber Composite Overhead Ground Wire (OPGW) is struck by lightning, the damage or rupture accident occur. This is unacceptable for the stable operation of the power system and the safe transmission of the communication system. Therefore, the investigation on the lightning-induced damage mechanism of OPGW is significant for the optimization of lightning protection measures. Combined with the structural characteristics of OPGW, this paper calculated current density distribution of OPGW caused by lightning strike, which provided the data support for the damage mechanism research. Firstly, the magnetohydrodynamics (MHD) models based on OPGW and plate structure were established. Then, the current density distributions of OPGW and plate under lighting strikes were compared. The result shows that the maximum current density on the surface of the OPGW is greater than that on the surface of the plate. Moreover, the distribution range of current density on the surface of the OPGW is smaller than that on the surface of the plate. Therefore, in order to accurately establish the numerical modeling of thermal ablation damage of OPGW, it is necessary to consider the influence of structural characteristics of OPGW on current density distribution.