Frequency dependent and transient characteristics of substation grounding systems

In spite of the existence of a number of analytical models aimed for transient analysis of large grounding systems, more detailed analysis of the influence of different parameters on the transient performance of large ground grids subjected to lightning current impulse is not available. This paper presents analysis of the influence of soil conductivity, location of feed point, grid size, depth, conductor separation, ground rods, and shape of the lightning current impulse, on the transient performance of ground grids with sizes ranging from 10 x 10 m2 to 120 x 120 m2 and with 4 to 124 meshes. Maximal transient ground potential rise and frequency dependent impedance are analyzed in time and frequency domain, respectively. Computations are made with computer model based on the electromagnetic field theory approach, taking accurately into account frequency dependent characteristics of large ground grids. Instead of usual simple approximations of the lightning current impulse, recorded channel base currents from triggered lightning are used for the time domain analysis.