Whole of Life Cost Analysis FOR Components OF High Voltage Grounding Systems

Abstract

High voltage (HV) electrical installations require appropriately designed grounding systems to provide the necessary levels of safety and operational security. Grounding system installers and HV asset owners face continual pressure to lower cost, and the projectbased nature of construction work leads to a focus primarily on component cost rather than whole of life cost. However, where this pressure leads to the use of inferior components or installation methods, the safety outcomes will be impaired, and the whole of life cost may even be higher. This paper will explore the cost of various component groups in grounding systems of HV substations and lines, and present these in the context of both the asset and grounding system installation cost; and in proportion to the life-long cost of owning and managing the grounding system for a 30-year asset life. The costs from failure of components will also be explored.