Comparison of grounding methods for utility scale PV plants

Abstract

This paper compares the different prescribed grounding methods such as type A, B and pile driven mounting as possible solutions to effectively ground a PV plant. Conventional methods of grounding structures are in many cases better suited for small surface area structures compared to that of the utility scale PV plants being simulated in this study. Using the IEC 623050 standard as basis for creating the grounding structures the grounding methods were implemented within simulation software as to obtain the frequency response of the structures under various conditions. In doing so it is shown that pile driven mounting is not only one of the favoured mounting methods but also more effective than the prescribed methods of the IEC 62305 standard.