Switching over-voltages and mitigation methods in sustainable power systems with renewable energy integration

Modern power systems are increasingly complex and dynamic, characterized by the large-scale integration of renewable energy sources, which elevates the risk of transient events. Among these events, switching over-voltages (SOVs) pose a significant threat to system reliability by causing insulation failure and equipment damage, motivating a thorough understanding of their management. This paper provides a comprehensive review of the existing literature on SOVs to identify their root causes, analyze associated challenges, and outline directions for future research. Through a systematic analysis of foundational studies, industry standards, and recent research, this study synthesizes information on SOV phenomena, modeling concerns, and the evolution of mitigation strategies. The review reveals a clear progression from traditional mitigation methods like surge arresters to modern techniques such as synchronous switching, with a notable shift towards intelligent systems using artificial intelligence for real-time detection, classification, and control. The study concludes that the effective mitigation of SOVs in sustainable power systems requires a paradigm shift towards adaptive, intelligent strategies, and highlights the need for future research focused on standardized modeling, AI applications for renewable integration, and the impact of emerging grid technologies.