The simulation procedures were subsequently repeated for surge
arresters of rating 39 and 84 kV uses nominal discharge current of10 kA. Figs. 7 and 8 indicate that the simulation results generated
by FEA model are consistent with the PSCAD, EMTP-RV and
manufacturer’s data in term of the peak residual voltage and the
discharge energy waveform. Relative errors of the discharge
voltage were then determined to evaluate the precision of the
simulated voltage–current characteristics. Table 4 represents the
values of errors which were determined for 8/20 μs discharge
current of 5, 10 and 20 kA, respectively. Regardless of the surge
arrester rating, the good agreement between simulation results and
actual measurements has demonstrated that design optimisation by
FEA model is a valid option for future arrester development.
Further improvements on the model can be done by considering
omitted features of the surge arrester, which were initially assumed
to demonstrate insignificant influences on the simulation results.