Optimum grounding grid design by using an evolutionary algorithm

A new application is proposed for getting the optimum design of grounding grids. The basic design quantities of the grounding grids are the ground resistance (Rg), the ground potential rise (GPR), touch and step voltages. These mentioned quantities depend on the grid parameters, which are its side lengths, radius of grid conductors and length of vertical rods. The dependence of the design quantities of the geometric parameters is given by field computation based on equivalent charges by using a combination of charge simulation and image methods.The effect of the location profile that the earth surface potential through it is calculated, and also the vertical rods length, and its position is studied. Numerical example is introduced to explain the performance of this method and its ability to give valuable information about the grid configuration that satisfies optimization.