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Calculation Methods - Ground Grid Systems

The Ground Grid Systems module includes the following methods of computation:

Finite Element Method

ANSI/IEEE Std 80-1986

IEEE Guide for Safety in AC Substation Grounding

ANSI/IEEE Std 80-2000

IEEE Guide for Safety in AC Substation Grounding

ANSI/IEEE Std 665 - 1995

IEEE Guide for Generating Station Grounding

Optimization of Conductors

ANSI/IEEE Std Based Methods

Optimization of Conductors and Rods

ANSI/IEEE Std Based Methods

Finite Element Method

The Finite Element method (FEM) is based on a method of images, and assumes that the grounding system
is an equipotential structure. The uniform or two-layer soil view is also used with the FEM method.

IEEE Std Methods

IEEE Std 80-2000, IEEE Std 80-1986, or IEEE Std 665-1995 is optional for the calculation of Step and
Touch (mesh) Potentials, Ground Resistance, Ground Potential Rise, Tolerable Step and Touch Potential
Limits. IEEE Std 80-1986 or IEEE Std 665-1995 is used only for the Square/Rectangular shapes of ground
grids; IEEE Std 80-2000 can be used for Square/Rectangular, Triangular, L-Shaped, or T-Shaped ground
grids.

When computing step and touch potential in a two-layer soil structure using the IEEE-80 method, ETAP
uses the soil resistivity defined for the layer where the ground grid is located, and the formulas in IEEE-80
for single layer soil model. This is because IEEE-80 does not provide formulas for step and touch potential
calculations for two-layer soil structure.

Optimization of Conductors
ETAP determines the minimum number of conductors that satisfy the tolerable limits for the Step and
Touch potentials for a fixed number of ground rods. The GGS module begins calculations with a grid
consisting of only two conductors on each side, and increases the number of conductors (keeping the mesh
almost square) until a solution is reached. This optimization function applies to IEEE Std methods only.

Optimization of Conductors and Rods

The GGS module performs a cost optimization routine to determine the optimum number of conductors
and ground rods needed to limit the Step and Touch potentials. ETAP begins the optimization routine with
a minimum of two parallel conductors horizontally, two parallel conductors vertically, and four rods. With
each iteration, the number of rods and conductors is increased based on their cost effectiveness in reducing
unwanted potential levels. This optimization function is for IEEE standard methods only.

Fundamental Formulas
Some fundamental formulas are given below.

Reflection Factor, K

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Where r is the resistivity of the earth beneath the surface material in ohm-m; r is the surface layer soil
s
resistivity in ohm-m.

Surface Layer Derating Factor, C

s

For IEEE Std 80-2000

where hs is the thickness of the surface layer in meter.

For IEEE Std 80-1986, IEEE Std 665-1995

C is 1 when K=0.
s

Decrement Factor, Df

Where T is the equivalent system subtransient time constant in seconds.

a

Tolerable Step Potential, E and E

step touch

For body weight of 50 kg

For body weight of 70 kg

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Maximum Grid Current, I

G

Ground Grid Systems

Ground Grid Systems Presentation
Create a New Ground Grid Presentation
Edit a Ground Grid System
Project Toolbar
- FEM Edit Toolbar
- IEEE Edit Toolbar
- Ground Grid Study Method Toolbar
Grid Editor
- Info Page
- Results Page
- Remarks Page
- Comment Page
Study Case Editor
- Update Ground Grid Short-Circuit Current
- Soil Editor
FEM Group Editor
- Conductor/Rod Editor (FEM)
IEEE Group Editor
- Conductors Page
- Rods Page
Calculation Methods
Required Data
Output Reports
Plots Selection
Alert View

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