Earthing
Earthing
Earthing
Abstract: Utilities in the United States and Canada have done extensive analysis of the ground grid design for substations in order to limit the safety parameters such as GPR, Step and Touch potentials to the acceptable safety limits. However, few have analyzed the potential hazard and designed grounding systems for Pad-Mount Transformers. This paper analyzes and develops the design for several different transformer voltages and kVA sizes through 5000kVA.
GROUNDING TERMINOLOGY
Ground
A conducting connection, whether intentional or accidental, by which an electric circuit or equipment is connected to the earth or to some conducting body of relatively large extent that serves in place of the earth. Ground Potential Rise (GPR) The maximum electrical potential that a grounding grid may attain relative to a distant grounding point assumed to be at the potential of remote earth. This voltage, GPR, is equal to the maximum grid current times the grid resistance.
GROUNDING TERMINOLOGY
Grounding Grid
A system of horizontal ground electrodes that consists of a number of interconnected, bare conductors buried in the earth, providing a common ground for electrical devices or metallic structures, usually in one specific location.
Touch
Voltage
The potential difference between the ground potential rise (GPR) and the surface potential at the point where a person is standing while at the same time having a hand in contact with a grounded structure. [Also the potential difference between two different surfaces being touched with two hands.]
GROUNDING TERMINOLOGY
Step Voltage The difference in surface potential experienced by a person bridging a distance of 1 m with the feet without contacting any grounded object. Transferred Voltage A special case of the touch voltage where a voltage is transferred into or out of the substation from or to a remote point external to the substation site.
GROUNDING TERMINOLOGY
Remote Earth
A point on earth located at an effectively infinite distance from the location being analyzed. The remote earth potential is the reference voltage for ground potential rise and other voltages developed during fault conditions.
HUMAN TOLERANCES
Tolerable current through body 1 mA- threshold of sensation 6 mA- unpleasant can t let go current 25 mA- painful, hard to let-go of energized object, breathing difficult, death in minutes
100 mA- critical injury, ventricular fibrillation, heart stops, inability to breath, death in seconds
HUMAN TOLERANCES
HUMAN TOLERANCES
Tolerable current through body (calculation)
Dalziel s equation- 99.5% of 50 kg (110 lbs) people can survive with a body current of: 116 mA for 1 sec 164 mA for sec 367 mA for 0.10 sec For a person weighing 110 lbs, the equation is IB = 0.116 / (TS)
LIABILITY CONCERNS
Some concerns for liability for touch and step potential as contained in IEEE Std 80-2000 for substations However, Pad-Mounts are commonly located where they have greater access by general public Points to consider 1. Size(weight) of individuals 2. Type of shoes if any 3. Weather conditions
Grounding of Large Pad Mount Transformers are equal or more important than Substation Grounding due to the greater potential exposure to the general public Pad Mount Transformers are now available in sizes up through 5000kVA The present standards on Pad-Mount grounding applications in both USA and Canada are not adequate in every situation especially for large kVA units the secondary voltage is 4.16kV/2.4kV or higher
SAMPLE CALCULATIONS
The Ground Potential Rise (GPR), Maximum allowable touch (E touch) and Step (Estep) potential calculations were performed using IEEE Std 80 -2000. Potential contour and grounding analysis for Pad Mount transformers ranging from 500kVA to 5000kVA with 4.16/2.4kV and 12.47/7.2kVsecondaries were performed using EDSA Advanced Ground Mat Program These Calculations were compared with the maximum allowable values calculated from the IEEE Std 80-2000 equations
SAMPLE CALCULATIONS
Assumptions: Pad-mount transformers rated 750kVA and larger were assumed to have 5.75 percent impedance. Top soil resistivity of 2,000 Ohm-m was used. This is typical for sand, gravel and dry soil. Lower soil resistivity of 1,000 Ohm-m was used. The weight of the person is 50 kilograms (110 lbs.) Thickness of the surface material is 0.5 ft. Fault duration is 0.5 seconds Current Distribution Factor equals to 1
RESULTS
RESULTS
RESULTS
REFERENCES
IEEE Guide for safety in AC substation grounding (IEEE Std 80-2002) IEEE Recommended practice for grounding of industrial and commercial power systems (IEEE Std 142-1991) Transmission and distribution electrical engineering, Bayliss & Hardy Transmission and distribution reference book Canadian Standard (Rule 36-302)for Pad Mounted Grounding RUS Std UM48-2, 3Phase Pad-Mounted Grounding
Questions ?
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