Evaluation of grounding system for AC substation using sub-ground (SG) software for novice professionals: Interpretation based on IEEE Std. 80-1986

Abstract

Grounding system plays very important role in AC substation station for person and equipment safety. Proper design of grounding system is achievable by following IEEE Std-80 on safety in AC substation grounding but novice professionals find it not easy to use. The advantage of this paper presents evaluation of grounding system for AC substation by case studies presentation thus easing the understanding of IEEE Std-80 and its usage. This was carried out by using homegrown Sub-ground software with capability to identify the safety status of a grounding system design procedures. The grounding system is evaluated with six different cases. Different parameter is changed in each case to observe the result of the grounding system. The result shows that there are several important parameters in designing a grounding system. The parameters are grounding grid size, number of parallel rod, level of fault current, crush rock layer, cross sectional area of ground rod and level of soil resistivity. The tolerable and calculated step and touch voltage as well as the mesh voltage of the grounding system are presented in manner to tutor novice professionals on AC grounding system design. Last but not least the software developed in the laboratory useful for novice professionals training for AC substation grounding system.