Study of Earthing System Characteristics

Under Low Frequency and Transient

Conditions

By
Buba, Sani Dahiru
GS34084
Supervised by,
Dr. Wan Fatinhamamah Wan Ahmad
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Chandima Gomes

Presentation outline
Introduction on proposed research topic
Progress in the current semester

Overview
Types of earthing system;
functional earthing system, specific to sensitive

electronic equipment and data networks

system earthing, neutral point of a transformer
equipment earthing, connection of metallic parts to

ground.
protective earthing refers to bonding of all

exposed metallic and extraneous conductive parts.

Introduction contd.
Substation Earthing;
The substation earthing system is necessary for
connecting neutral points of transformers and
generators to ground.
For connecting the non-current carrying metal parts
such as structures, overhead shielding wires, tanks,
frames, etc. to ground.

Introduction contd.
The substation earthing system provides a
grounding mat below the earth surface in and
around the substation.
Provides uniform zero potential with respect to
ground and lower earth resistance.

Introduction contd.
Substations are basically classified based on,
1. Voltage level, e.g. A.C Substation: EHV, HV, MV, LV or,
HVDC Substation
2. Indoor or Outdoor, Indoor substations are sited within
buildings, while Outdoor Substations are under the
open
sky.
3. Configuration, conventional air insulated out door,
SF6 Gas

4. Application,
Step Up Substation; associated with generating stations.
step up voltages from 16-25kV to EHV or HV.
Primary grid Substation; installed at suitable load centre
along the primary transmission line. Receive power from
EHV lines at 400kV, 220kV, 132kV and transform to
66kV, 33kV or 22kV.
Secondary Substation; installed along secondary
transmission line, working voltages 66/33kV further
stepped down to 11kV.

 Distribution substation; installed where

transmission line voltage is stepped down to
secondary distribution voltage.
Bulk supply or Industrial Substation; are mostly
dedicated Substations.

Figure 2 Typical substation switch yard

General problem statement

All the earthing systems mentioned earlier exist in a
typical Substation, i.e. system earthing, functional
earthing, protective earthing and equipment earthing.
Should the earthing systems be separated or
integrated?
A typical scenario

Separated/isolated earthing
It is reported in IEEE Std. 142:2007 that,
The power earthing system has been found to cause
malfunctions and failures of electronic equipment.
A logical solution was not to use the equipment
earthing system for grounding electronic equipments.
The chosen alternative was to earth electronic
equipment through an isolated earthing electrode
consisting of one or more driven rods separate from
the power system earthing electrode system.

Separated/isolated contd.

This electrical separation of earthing electrodes without

bonding all earthing electrodes together violates (National
Electric Code) NEC requirements

While continuous low-level noise was eliminated by the

isolated earth practice, a number of catastrophic incidents
were encountered.

Separated/isolated contd.
Analysis indicated that, separation of earthing was
responsible for very large voltages being impressed
on
electronic
equipment
components
under
thunderstorm conditions.
These voltages occurred whether or not electronic
equipment were in operation.
The large voltages were due to lightning striking
either the building housing the electronic equipment
or the power system serving the building.

Integration of earthing systems

When the electronic equipment earthing electrode
and the electrical power system earthing electrode
are connected together, an applied transient voltage
will result in the entire electronic equipment system
rising and falling at the same potential.
No overvoltage will be induced into the electronic
equipment circuits.

 National Electric Code (NEC) USA, and European

standard HD 631S1-1991E, IEEE Std. 80:2000, IEEE
Std. 142:2007 all advocate for integration of
earthing systems within a substation.
Other local standards have recommended separation
of earthing systems, some by 3m (New South Wales
Technical ref. EES005) some by 4m (Saudi Arabian
Distribution Code). Why the differences in distance?

Integration contd.
A serious hazard that may result from an integrated
earthing system is the transfer of potential between
the substation ground grid area and outside locations
during a ground fault.
This transferred potential may be transmitted by
communication circuits, conduit, pipes, metallic
fences, low-voltage neutral wires, etc.
Potentials may also be transferred by coupling.

Proposed Study
Response of Separated Grounding Systems Under Low
Frequency and Transient Conditions
To be studied under,
Different soil conditions
Different equipment conditions,
Power system substation
Communication tower

Study contd.
Methodology of study
Simulation using ATP-EMTP software
CDEGS software/resistivity measurement
Experiment using scale model
A formal proposal is in writing process and would be
presented to my supervisory committee soon.

Semester progress

Figure 2 Conference paper presentation MSTC

2012

Thank you