A risk model for design of transmission line systems against thunderstorm downburst winds

In this paper we describe a probabilistic model for the design of transmiss ion line systems for local high-intensity winds of the downburst type, usua lly associated with thunderstorms. The downburst damage 'footprint' has bee n assumed to be roughly rectangular in shape, and the transmission line as a line 'target'. With a number of other assumptions, a practical model for estimating the risk of a strike of damaging downburst on a line of specifie d length and orientation has been developed, and applied to high-voltage li nes in Australia. (C) 2000 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.