Ground Grid Systems

Chapter 28
Ground Grid Systems

Since the early days of the electric power industry, the safety of personnel in and around electric power
installations has been a primary concern. With ever increasing fault current levels in todays
interconnected power systems, there is renewed emphasis on safety. The safety of personnel is
compromised by the rise in the ground potential of grounded structures during unbalanced electric power
faults. At such times, humans touching grounded structures can be subjected to voltages. However, the
magnitude and duration of the electric current conducted through the human body should not be sufficient
to cause ventricular fibrillation
Years of research on the effects of electric current on the human body have lead to the development of
standards of permissible values to avoid electrocution. The Ground Grid Systems program utilizes the
following four methods of computation:
FEM - Finite Element Method

IEEE 80-1986
IEEE 80-2000
IEEE 665-1995
Operation Technology, Inc.
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ETAP PowerStation 4.0
Ground Grid Systems
Introduction
The Ground Grid Systems program calculates the following:
The Maximum Allowable Current for specified conductors. Warnings are issued if the specified
conductor is rated lower than the fault current level.
The Step and Touch potentials for any rectangular/triangular/L-shaped/T-shaped configuration of a
ground grid, with or without ground rods (IEEE Std 80 and IEEE Std 665).
The tolerable Step and Mesh potentials and compares them with actual, calculated Step and Mesh
potentials (IEEE Std 80 and IEEE Std 665).
Graphic profiles for the absolute Step and Touch voltages, as well as the tables of the voltages at
various locations (Finite Element Method).
The optimum number of parallel ground conductors and rods for a rectangular/triangular/L-shaped/Tshaped ground grid. The cost of conductors/rods and the safety of personnel in the vicinity of the
substation/generating station during a ground fault, are both considered. Design optimizations are
performed using a relative cost effectiveness method (based on the IEEE Std 80 and IEEE Std 665).
The Ground Resistance and Ground Potential rise (GPR).
Some of the main features of the Ground Grid Systems Analysis Study are summarized below:
Calculate the tolerable Step and Touch potentials

Compare potentials against the actual, calculated Step and Touch potentials
Optimize number of conductors with fixed rods based on cost and safety
Optimize number of conductors & rods based on cost and safety
Calculate the maximum allowable current for specified conductors
Compare allowable currents against fault currents
Calculate Ground System Resistance
Calculate Ground Potential Rise
User-expandable conductor library
Allow a two-layer soil configuration in addition to the surface material
Ground grid configurations showing conductor & rod plots
Display 3-D/contour Touch Voltage plots
Display 3-D/contour Step Voltage plots
Display 3-D/contour Absolute Voltage plots
Calculate Absolute, Step & Touch potentials at any point in the configuration
Conductor/Rod can be oriented in any possible 3-Dimensional direction
Handle irregular configurations of any shape
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Ground Grid Systems
Ground Grid Systems Presentation
28.1 Ground Grid Systems Presentation

The GGS presentation is composed of the Top View, Soil View, and 3D View. The Top View is used to
edit the ground conductors/rods of a ground grid. The Soil View is used to edit the soil properties of the
surface, top, and lower layers of soil. The 3D View is used for the three-dimensional display of the
ground grid. The 3D View also allows the display of the ground grid to rotate, offering views from
various angles. The GGS presentation allows for graphical arrangement of the conductors and rods that
represent the ground grid, and to provide a physical environment to conduct ground grid design studies.
Each GGS presentation is a different and independent ground grid system. This concept is different from
the multi-presentation approach of the One-Line Diagram, where all presentations have the same
elements. There is no limit to the number of GGS presentations that can be created.
28.1.1 Create a New Ground Grid Presentation

To create a GGS presentation, a ground grid must first be added to the One-Line Diagram. Click on the
Ground Grid component located on the AC toolbar, and drop the GGS symbol anywhere on the OneLine Diagram.
Right-click on any location inside the ground grid box, and select Properties to bring up the Grid Editor.
The Grid Editor dialog box is used to specify grid information, grid styles, equipment information, and to
view calculation results. Click on the Grid Presentation button to bring up a GGS presentation.
Double-clicking on the ground grid box located on the One-Line Diagram will bring up the Ground-Grid
Project Information dialog box, used to select an IEEE or FEM - Finite Element Method Study Model.
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Ground Grid Systems
Ground Grid Systems Presentation
After selecting the IEEE or FEM Study Model, the Ground Grid Systems graphical user interface window
will be displayed. Below is a GGS presentation of a ground grid for the FEM Study Model case.
Soil View
3D View
Top View
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Ground Grid Systems
FEM Edit Toolbar
28.2 FEM Editor Toolbar

The FEM Editor Toolbar appears when the FEM Study Model is selected, and when in the Ground Grid
Systems Edit mode. This toolbar has the following function keys:
Pointer
Conductor
Rod
FEM Rectangular Shape
FEM T-Shape
FEM L-Shape
FEM Triangular Shape
Pointer
The cursor takes the shape of the element selected from the Edit Toolbar. Click on the Pointer icon to
return the cursor to its original arrow shape, or to move an element placed in the Top View of the GGS
presentation.
Conductor
Click on the Conductor icon to create a new conductor and to place it in the Top View of the GGS. For
more information on conductors see the Conductor/Rod Editor section (for FEM).
Rod
Click on the Rod icon to create a new rod and to place it in the Top View of the GGS. For more
information on rods see the Conductor/Rod Editor section (for FEM).
FEM Rectangular Shape

Click on the FEM Rectangular Shape icon to create a new FEM grid of rectangular shape and to place it
in the Top View of the GGS. For more information on grids see the FEM Group Editor section.
FEM T-Shape
Click on the FEM T-Shape icon to create a new FEM T-shaped grid and to place it in the Top View of the
GGS. For more information on grids see the FEM Group Editor section.
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Ground Grid Systems
FEM Edit Toolbar
FEM L-Shape
Click on the FEM L-Shape icon to create a new FEM L-shaped grid and to place it in the Top View of the
GGS. For more information on grids see the FEM Group Editor section.
FEM Triangular Shape

Click on the FEM Triangular Shape icon to create a new FEM grid of triangular shape and to place it in
the Top View. For more information on grids see the FEM Group Editor section.
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Ground Grid Design
IEEE Edit Toolbar
28.3 IEEE Edit Toolbar

The IEEE Editor Toolbar appears when the IEEE Study Model is selected, and when in the Ground Grid
Systems Edit mode. This toolbar has the following function keys:
Pointer
IEEE Rectangular Shape
IEEE T-Shape
IEEE L-Shape
IEEE Triangular Shape
Pointer
The cursor takes the shape of the element selected from the Edit Toolbar. Click on the Pointer icon to
return the cursor to its original arrow shape, or to move an element placed in the Top View of the GGS
presentation.
IEEE Rectangular Shape

Click on the IEEE Rectangular Shape icon to create a new IEEE grid of rectangular shape and to place it
in the Top View of the GGS. For more information on grids see the IEEE Group Editor section.
IEEE T-Shape
The IEEE T-Shape grid is valid only for the IEEE Std. 80-2000 method. Click on the IEEE T-Shape icon
to create a new IEEE T-shaped grid and to place it in the Top View of the GGS. For more information on
grids see the IEEE Group Editor section.
IEEE L-Shape
The IEEE L-Shape grid is valid only for the IEEE Std 80-2000 method. Click on the IEEE L-Shape icon
to create a new IEEE L-shaped grid and to place it in the Top View of the GGS. For more information on
grids see the IEEE Group Editor section.
IEEE Triangular Shape

The IEEE Triangular Shape grid is valid only for the IEEE Std 80-2000 method. Click on the IEEE
Triangular Shape icon to create a new IEEE grid of triangular shape and to place it in the Top View. For
more information on grids see the IEEE Group Editor section.
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Ground Grid Design
Study Method Toolbar
28.4 Ground Grid Study Method Toolbar

The Ground Grid Study Method Toolbar appears when the GGS Study mode is selected. This toolbar has
the following function keys:
Ground-Grid Calculation
Optimized Conductors
Optimized Conductors and Rods
Summary and Warning
Plot Selection
Report Manager
Stop
Ground-Grid Calculation
Click on the Ground-Grid Calculation button to calculate:
Step and Touch (mesh) Potentials

Ground Resistance
Ground Potential Rise
Tolerable Step and Touch Potential Limits
Potential Profiles (only for the FEM method)
Optimized Conductors
Click on the Optimized Conductors button to calculate the minimum number of conductors (that satisfy
the tolerable limits for the Step and Touch potentials) for a fixed number of ground rods. This
optimization function is for IEEE Std methods only.
Optimized Conductors and Rods

Click on the Optimized Conductors button to calculate the optimum numbers of conductors and ground
rods needed to limit the Step and Touch potentials. This optimization function is for IEEE Std methods
only.
Summary and Warning

Click on this button to open the GRD Analysis Alert View dialog box of Summary and Warning for the
Ground Grid Systems Calculation.
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Ground Grid Design
Plot Selection
This function is valid only for the FEM method. Click on this button to open the Plot Selection dialog
box to select a variety of potential profile plots to review, and click OK to generate the output plots.
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Ground Grid Design
Report Manager
Click on this button to open the Ground Grid Design Report Manager dialog box to select a variety of
pre-formatted output plots to review. Select a plot type and click OK to bring up the output plot. A
detailed explanation of the Ground Grid Design Report Manager is given in section 28.13.
Output Report files can be selected from the Output Report List Box on the Study Case Toolbar shown
below.
Study Case Toolbar
Stop
The Stop Sign button is normally disabled, and becomes enabled when a Ground Grid Systems
Calculation is initiated. Clicking on this button will terminate calculations in progress, and the output
reports will be incomplete.
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Ground Grid Design
Edit A GGS
28.5 Edit A GGS

Conductors, rods, and grids of various shapes are the elements available for adding to the Top View of the
Ground Grid Systems presentation. These elements are located on the Edit Toolbar of the GGS module.
28.5.1 Select Elements

Place the cursor on an element located on the Edit toolbar and click the left mouse button. Note that
when a grid shape is selected, regardless of the number of conductors or rods it contains, the shape is
considered to be one element. If a selected shape is deleted or copied, the shape and its contents will also
be deleted or copied. Press the <Ctrl> key and click on multiple elements to either select or de-select
them.
28.5.2 Add Elements

To add a new element to the GGS presentation, select a new element from the Edit Toolbar by clicking on
the appropriate element button. Notice that the shape of the cursor changes to correspond to that of the
selected element.
Place the selected element by clicking the mouse anywhere in the Top View section of the GGS
presentation, and note that the cursor returns to its original shape. Double-click on any element in the
Edit Toolbar to place multiple copies of the same element in the Top View section of the GGS
presentation.
Rules
Elements can be added ONLY in Edit mode
Two conductors/rods cannot be added on top of each other
Elements cannot be added in the Study mode
Only one IEEE shape can be added in the Top View
FEM group shapes can overlap each other
Add Conductors
Click on the Conductor button on the FEM Edit Toolbar, move the cursor to the GGS presentation, and
click to place the element in the Top View. PowerStation creates the new conductor using default values.
Add Rods
Click on the Rod button on the FEM Edit Toolbar, move the cursor to the GGS presentation, and click to
place the element in the Top View. PowerStation creates the new rod using default values.
Add Grid Shapes

Click on the desired Shape button on the FEM Edit Toolbar, move the cursor to the GGS presentation,
and click to place the element in the Top View. PowerStation creates the new grid shape using default
values.
Add Conductors by Ungrouping FEM Shapes

An FEM shape added in the Top View of a GGS presentation can be ungrouped into individual
conductors. To ungroup, move the cursor inside the selected shape, right-click and select Ungroup.
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Ground Grid Design
Edit A GRD
28.5.3 Move / Relocate Elements

When an element is added to a GGS presentation its position coordinates (x, y and z) are updated
automatically in the editor/spreadsheet and in the Help line at the bottom of your screen. The element
may be relocated to new coordinates by changing the coordinate values at the editor/spreadsheet (xs, yes
and zs for conductors/rods, and Lx, Ly, Depth, # of Rods and # of Conductors in X/Y Directions for
various typical grid shapes) or by dragging the element and watching the Help line change to the desired
position.
To drag an element, first select the element to be moved. Place the cursor on top of the selected element,
Click and hold the left mouse button, drag the element to the desired position, and release the left button.
Move Conductors/Rods
Select the element, click and hold the left mouse button, drag the element to the new position and release
the left button.
Move Shapes
Shapes can be graphically moved within the Top View. Select the shape, click and hold the left mouse
button, drag the shape to the new location and release the left button.
28.5.4 Cut (Delete) Elements

Select the element or group of elements and press the Delete key on the keyboard.
28.5.5 Copy Elements

Select an element or group of elements, click the right mouse button, and select Copy.
28.5.6 Paste
Use the Paste command to copy the selected cells from the Dumpster into the GGS presentation.
28.5.7 Size of Elements

When an element is added to a GGS presentation, its size is set by default. The width and height of grid
shapes and the length of conductors can be graphically changed. Select the element and move the cursor
to a corner or edge of the element. Once the cursor changes its form, click and hold the left mouse button
to drag the element to its new size. Release the left mouse button once the desired size has been obtained.
Conductor/rod sizes can be change from the spreadsheet or shape editors. When the Length is altered, X1,
Y1, and Z1 will remain unchanged, and X2, Y2, and Z2 will change accordingly. The cross-sectional area
of a conductor, the outside diameter and/or length of a rod can only be changed from the conductor or rod
Editor.
Rules
Sizing elements can be done in Edit mode ONLY
Elements cannot overlap each other
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Ground Grid Design
Study Case Editor
28.6 Study Case Editor

The GGS Study Case Editor contains Average Weight, Ambient Temperature, Current Projection Factor,
Fault Current Durations, option to input or compute Fault Current Parameters (i.e., zero-sequence fault
current, current division factor, and X/R ratio), and Plot Parameters (for the Finite Element Method only).
PowerStation allows for the creation and saving of an unlimited number of study cases for each type of
study, allowing the user to easily switch between different GGS study cases. This feature is designed to
organize the study efforts and to save time. To create a new GGS study case, go to the Study Case Menu
on the toolbar and select Create New to bring up the GGS Study Case Editor.
28.6.1 Study Case Page
Study Case ID
A study case can be renamed by simply deleting the old Study Case ID and entering a new one. The
Study case ID can be up to 25 alphanumeric characters. Use of the Navigator button at the bottom of the
Study Case Editor allows the user to go from one study case to another.
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Ground Grid Design
Study Case Editor
Options
In this section, select the average body weight for the person working above the ground grid, and the
ambient temperature. The weight is used to calculate the tolerable Step and Touch potentials.
50 kg
Check this button to select an average body weight of 50 kg.
70 kg
Check this button to select an average body weight of 70 kg.
Ambient Temperature
Enter the ambient temperature in 0C. This parameter is used for checking the size of the ground
conductors.
Reports & Plots

Specify the report/plot parameters.
Report Details
Check this box to report intermediate results for an IEEE Std. Method or voltage profiles for the Finite
Element Method.
Auto Display of Summary & Alert

Check this box to automatically show the result window for Summary & Warning.
Plot Step
Plot Step is valid only for the FEM Study Model. This value is entered in m/ft, and it is used to find the
points (or locations) where Absolute/Step/Touch potentials need to be computed and plotted. Note that
the smaller this number, the more calculations are required, increasing calculation time, but yielding
smoother plots. The recommended value is 1 meter. If higher resolution is needed, decrease this number.
Boundary Extension
Enter the boundary extension in m/ft. This value is used to extend the grid boundaries inside which the
Absolute/Step/Touch potentials need to be computed.
Fault Durations
Allows the user to specify Fault Current durations.
tf
Enter the duration of fault current in seconds to determine decrement factor. The Fault duration (tf), tc,
and Shock duration (ts) are normally assumed to be equal, unless the Fault duration is the sum of
successive shocks.
tc
Enter in seconds the duration of Fault Current for sizing ground conductors.
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Ground Grid Design
Study Case Editor
ts
Enter in seconds the duration of Shock Current to determine permissible levels for the human body.
Grid Current Factors

In this section, the Corrective Projection Factor and the Current Division Factor can be specified.
Cp
Enter the Corrective Projection Factor in percent, accounting for the relative increase of fault currents
during the station lifespan. For a zero future system growth, Cp = 100.
Sf
Enter the Current Division Factor in percent, relating the magnitude of Fault current to that of its portion
flowing between the grounding grid and the surrounding earth.
Update
Check this box to update/replace the number of conductors/rods in the Conductor/Rod Editor, with the
number of conductors/rods calculated by using optimization methods. This box is only valid with the
IEEE methods.
Ground Short-Circuit Current

This section is used to specify the fault current conditions for the GGS.
User Specified
Check this button to input and display values for 3I0 and X/R specified by the user.
Short-Circuit Study
Check this button to use and display the 3I0 and X/R values obtained from a short circuit study performed
on a One-Line Diagram.
3I0
Enter the rms value of the zero-sequence fault current in kA. The Maximum Grid Current is determined
from this rms value, the Decrement Factor, Current Projection Factor, and Current Division Factor.
X/R
Enter the ratio of Inductive Reactance to Resistance. This value is used to calculate the decrement factor.
Remarks 2nd Line

Up to 120 alphanumeric characters can be entered in this remark box. Information entered here will be
printed on the second line of every output report page header. These remarks can provide specific
information regarding each study case. Note that the first line of the header information is global for all
study cases and is entered in the Project Information Editor.
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Ground Grid Design
Ground Short-Circuit Current Editor
28.7 Ground Short-Circuit Current Values

This feature allows the user to link the Ground Grid Systems module with the One-Line Diagram, to
update and use the total 3I0 and the equivalent X/R values obtained directly from the One-Line Diagram
representation of the power system.
Updating Ground-Short Circuit Current

To update and use the 3I0 and X/R values, with values obtained by performing an Unbalanced Fault Short
Circuit Study on a One-Line Diagram, select the Short-Circuit Study radio button located in the Ground
Short Circuit Current section of the GRD dialog box, and follow these steps:
Perform an Unbalanced Fault Short Circuit Study
An Unbalanced Fault Short Circuit Study must be performed on the One-Line Diagram power system
representation. The following conditions must be met:
For the ANSI SC Unbalanced Fault Calculation only the half-cycle values are transferred.
For the IEC SC Unbalanced Fault Calculation only the IEC 909 values are transferred.
Select a Grid to be Updated

At the One-Line Diagram, right-click on the grid of interest, and choose the Update Fault kA option
from the menu. This option is only available when successful Unbalanced Fault Current Calculation
results are obtained, for the ANSI and IEC standards specified. All the buses covered by the grid are
considered by the update function. However, only the results for the bus with the highest total short
circuit current will be used.
The Grd ShortCircuit Current Updating dialog box will be displayed. The new Short-Circuit Current
values will be used only if the user clicks on the Replace button, located on this dialog box.
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Ground Grid Design
28.7.1 GRD Short-Circuit Current Updating

All the fields in this dialog box are for display only.
GRD ID
Displays the ID of the selected grid.
Existing SC kA
Displays the current short-circuit kA value used with the selected grid.
Existing SC kA X/R
Displays the current short-circuit kA X/R value used with the selected grid.
New SC kA
Displays the new Short-Circuit kA value to be updated for the selected grid.
New SC kA X/R
Displays the new short-circuit kA X/R value to be updated for the selected grid. The Range and format
are the same as those for the X/R field in the Induction Motor Editor.
Faulted Bus
Displays the ID of the faulted bus used for the study case.
Fault Type
Displays the type of fault used to calculate the New SC kA value. Currently only Line-Ground faults are
used, but additional fault types will be added in future versions of PowerStation.
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Ground Grid Design
Replace
Click on this button to update the New SC kA and X/R values for the selected grid.
Cancel
Click on this button to close the dialog box and retain the existing SC kA and X/R values.
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Ground Grid Design
Soil Editor
28.8 Soil Editor

Double-click at any location inside the Soil View to bring up the Soil Editor to specify earth/surface
materials, their soil resistivities and depths.
Surface Material
Used to specify the resistivity, depth, and material type for the surface layer.
Resistivity
Enter the Resistivity of the Surface Material in Ohms-m.
Material
Select the type of Surface Material.
Depth
Enter the Surface Material depth in m/ft.
Top Layer
Used to specify the resistivity, depth, and type of material for the Top Layer soil.
Resistivity
Enter the material resistivity of the Top Layer soil in Ohms-m.
Material
Select the type of material of the Top Layer soil.
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Ground Grid Design
Soil Editor
Depth
Enter the depth of the Top Layer soil in m/ft.
Lower Layer
Used to specify the Resistivity and type of material used for Lower Layer soil.
Resistivity
Enter the resistivity of the material of the Lower Layer soil in Ohms-m.
Material
Select the type of material of the Lower Layer soil.
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Ground Grid Design
IEEE Group Editor
28.9 IEEE Group Editor

When an IEEE Study Model is used, double-click on any location inside the selected grid shape in the
Top View of the GGS to bring up the IEEE Group Editor. The Editor is used to specify conductor/rod
parameters for the grid shape.
28.9.1 Conductors Page

Within the Conductor Page, specify the parameters of the conductors and the grid size.
Grid Size
Lx/Lx,long
Enter the long length of the grid in the X direction in m/ft. Show Lx if the rectangular/triangular shape is
selected; show Lx,long if the L-shape or T-shape are selected.
Ly/Ly,long
Enter the long length of the grid in the Y direction in m/ft. Show Ly if the rectangular/triangular shape is
selected; show Ly,long if the L-shape or T-shape are selected.
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Ground Grid Design
IEEE Group Editor
Lx,short
Enter the short length of the grid in the X direction in m/ft. Lx,short appears only if the L-shape or T-shape
are selected.
Ly,short
Enter the short length of the grid in the Y direction in m/ft. Ly,short shows only if the L-shape or T-shape
are selected.
# of Conductors
X Direction
Enter the number of the conductors in the X direction
Y Direction
Enter the number of the conductors in the Y direction
Conductors
Depth
Enter the depth of the conductor grip in m/ft.
Type
Select the type of the conductor material.
Size
Select the conductor size in AWG/kcmil or mm2.
Cost
Enter the cost of the conductor in $/m or $/ft.
Material Constants
This information is displayed on the Conductors Page to reflect the selected conductor type (the
conductor constants are from an internal conductor library/file GRDLib.mdb which can be modified using
Microsoft Access). It includes Material Conductivity (%), Thermal Coefficient of Resistivity at 20 0C
(1/0C), K0 Factor (0C), Fusing Temperature (0C), Resistivity of the Ground Conductor at 20 0C in cm,
and the Thermal Capacity Factor in J/cm3/0C.
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Ground Grid Design
IEEE Group Editor
28.9.2 Rods Page

Within the Rods Page, specify the parameters of the Rods.
Rods
# of Rods
Enter the number of rods.
Diameter
Enter the diameter of the rod in inch/cm.
Length
Enter the length of the rod in m/ft
Arrangement
Select the arrangement of the rods throughout the grid area.
Type
Select the type of rod material.
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Ground Grid Design
IEEE Group Editor
Cost
Enter the cost of the rod in $/rod.
Material Constants
This information is displayed on the Rods Page to reflect the selected rod type (the conductor constants
are from an internal conductor library/file GRDLib.mdb which can be modified using Microsoft Access).
It includes Material Conductivity (%), Thermal Coefficient of Resistivity at 20 0C (1/0C), K0 Factor (0C),
Fusing Temperature (0C), Resistivity of the Ground Conductor at 20 0C in cm, and the Thermal
Capacity Factor in J/cm3/0C.
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Ground Grid Design
FEM Group Editor
28.10 FEM Group Editor

When an FEM Study Model is used, double-click on any location inside the selected grid shape in the
Top View of the GGS to bring up the FEM Group Editor. The Editor is used to specify conductor/rod
parameters and grid size for the shape.
28.10.1 Group Conductors Page
Grid Size
Lx/Lx,long
Enter the long length of the grid in the X direction in m/ft. Show Lx if the rectangular/triangular shape is
selected; show Lx,long if the L-shape or T-shape are selected.
Ly/Ly,long
Enter the long length of the grid in the Y direction in m/ft. Show Ly if the rectangular/triangular shape is
selected; show Ly,long if the L-shape or T-shape are selected.
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Ground Grid Design
FEM Group Editor
Lx,short
Enter the short length of the grid in the X direction in m/ft. Lx,short appears only if the L-shape or T-shape
are selected.
Ly,short
Enter the short length of the grid in the Y direction in m/ft. Ly,short appears only if the L-shape or T-shape
are selected.
# of Conductors
X Direction
Enter the number of conductors in the X direction.
Y Direction
Enter the number of conductors in the Y direction.
Conductors
Depth
Enter the depth of conductor grip in m/ft.
Size
Select the conductor size in AWG/kcmil or mm2.
Type
Select the type of conductor material.
Insulation
Select the type of conductor insulation (Bare or Insulated). If Insulated is selected, this grid group will
not be reconsidered for calculation/plotting.
Cost
Enter the cost of the conductor in $/m or $/ft.
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Ground Grid Design
Conductor/Rod Editor (FEM)
28.11 Conductor/Rod Editor (FEM)

The Conductor/Rod Editor is used with the FEM study model only. To edit the data for a conductor/rod,
a conductor/rod must be selected from the FEM Edit Toolbar and placed in the Top View of the GGS.
Double-click on a conductor/rod in the Top View to bring up the Conductor/Rod Spreadsheet Editor.
The Material Constants of the conductor/rod are displayed in the top section of the spreadsheet according
to the material type. Each conductor/rod record (row) is a unique set of data. Each conductor/rod record
must have a unique identifier: ConID. Duplicate records with the same data are overwritten.
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Ground Grid Design
Conductor/Rod Editor (FEM)
Label
Symbol representing a conductor/rod.
Length
Length of the conductor/rod in m/ft. If the length is altered, X2, Y2 and Z2 are changed accordingly. If X1,
Y1, Z1, X2, Y2, and Z2 values are entered, the length is changed accordingly.
X1
X coordinate of One End of the conductor/rod in m/ft
Y1
Y coordinate of One End of the conductor/rod in m/ft
Z1
Z coordinate of One End of the conductor/rod in m/ft
X2
X coordinate of the Other End of the conductor/rod in m/ft
Y2
Y coordinate of the Other End of the conductor/rod in m/ft
Diameter
Rod diameter in cm or inches, used only in the Rod Editor.
Type
Type of conductor/rod material.
Size
Conductor cross-sectional area in AWG/kcmil or mm2, used only in the Conductor Editor.
Insulation
Conductor insulation type, used only in the Conductor Editor.
Cost
Cost in $/m or $/ft for a conductor, cost in $/rod for a rod.
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Ground Grid Design
Calculation Methods
28.12 Calculation Methods

The Ground Grid Systems Program 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 802000
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
28.12.1 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. It gives accurate results for small (around 50 m by 50 m) and
medium (around 250 m by 250 m) size grounding networks at low frequencies. The uniform or twolayer soil view is also used with the FEM method.
28.12.2 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.
28.12.3 Optimization of Conductors

For a fixed number of ground rods, the program determines the minimum number of conductors that
satisfy the tolerable limits for the Step and Touch potentials. The GGS program 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 is for IEEE Std methods
only.
28.12.4 Optimization of Conductors and Rods

The GGS program performs a cost optimization routine to determine the optimum number of conductors
and ground rods needed to limit the Step and Touch potentials. The program begins the optimization
routine with a minimum of two parallel conductors horizontally, two parallel conductors vertically, and 4
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 Std methods
only.
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Ground Grid Design
Calculation Methods
28.12.5 Fundamental Formulas

Some fundamental formulas are given below.
Reflection Factor, K
K=
s
+ s
Where is the resistivity of the earth beneath the surface material in ohm-m; s is the surface layer soil
resistivity in ohm-m.
Surface Layer Derating Factor, Cs

For IEEE Std 80-2000
Cs = 1
0.09(1 / s )
2hs + 0.09
Where hs is the thickness of the surface layer in meter.

For IEEE Std 80-1986, IEEE Std 665-1995
Cs =
1
0.96
Kn
1 + 2
2
n =1 1 + (2nh / 0.08)
s
Cs is 1 when K=0.
Decrement Factor, Df
Df = 1+
Ta
2t / T
1 e f a
tf
Where Ta is the equivalent system subtransient time constant in seconds.
Tolerable Step Potential, Estep and Etouch

For body weight of 50 kg
Estep 50 = (1000 + 6Cs s )
0.116
ts
28-30
Ground Grid Design
Calculation Methods
Etouch50 = (1000 + 1.5Cs s )
0.116
ts
For body weight of 70 kg

Estep 70 = (1000 + 6Cs s )
0.157
ts
Etouch 70 = (1000 + 1.5Cs s )
0.157
ts
Maximum Grid Current, IG
I G = S f C p D f (3I 0 )
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Ground Grid Design
Required Data
28.13 Required Data

To run a Ground Grid Systems study, the following related data is necessary: Soil Parameters, Grid Data,
and System Data. A summary of these data for different types of calculation methods is given in this
section.
System Data
System Frequency
Average Weight of Worker
Ambient Temperature
Short Circuit Current
Short Circuit Current Division Factor
Short Circuit Current Projector Factor
Durations of Fault
System X/R Ratio
Plot Step (for FEM model only)
Boundary Extension (for FEM model only)
Soil Parameters
Surface Material Resistivity

Surface Material Depth
Upper Layer Soil Resistivity
Upper Layer Soil Depth
Lower Layer Soil Resistivity
Ground Conductor Library
Material Conductivity
Thermal Coefficient of Resistivity
K0 Factor
Fusing Temperature
Ground Conductor Resistivity
Thermal Capacity Factor
Grid Data (IEEE Std.s Only)
Shape
Material Type
Conductor Cross Section
Grid Depth
Maximum Length of the Grid in the X Direction
Maximum Length of the Grid in the Y Direction
Minimum Length of the Grid in the X Direction (for IEEE Std 80-2000 L-Shaped or T-Shaped Grids
Only)
Minimum Length of the Grid in the Y Direction (for IEEE Std 80-2000 L-Shaped or T-Shaped Grid
Only)
Number of Conductors in the X Direction
Number of Conductors in the Y Direction
Cost
28-32
Ground Grid Design
Required Data
Rod Data (IEEE Std.s Only)
Material Type
Number of Rods
Average Length
Diameter
Arrangement
Cost
Conductor Data (FEM model only)
Material Type
Insulation
Cross Section
X, Y and Z Coordinates of One End of Conductor
X, Y and Z Coordinates of Other End of Conductor
Cost
Rod Data (FEM model only)
Material Type
Insulation
Diameter
X, Y and Z Coordinates of One End of Rod
X, Y and Z Coordinates of Other End of Rod
Cost
Optional FEM Model Grid Group Data
Shape
Material Type
Conductor Cross Section
Grid Depth
Maximum Length of the Grid in the X Direction
Maximum Length of the Grid in the Y Direction
Minimum Length of the Grid in the X Direction (for L-Shaped or T-Shaped Grids)
Minimum Length of the Grid in the Y Direction (for L-Shaped or T-Shaped Grids)
Number of Conductors in the X Direction
Number of Conductors in the Y Direction
Cost
28-33
Ground Grid Systems
Output Reports
28.14 Output Report

Output reports for the Ground Grid Systems studies are available in different levels and are arranged in
two formats: Crystal Output Report and Pop-Up Window display.
28.14.1 Ground Grid Systems Report Manager

Click on the Report Manager button on the Ground Grid Study Method Toolbar to open the Ground Grid
Systems Report Manager dialog box. The Ground Grid Systems Report Manager consists of four pages
and provides different formats for the Crystal Reports.
Complete Page
Selects a report format that provides the complete output report.
Input Page
Provides the format for different input data.
28-34
Ground Grid Systems
Output Reports
Result Page
Provides the format for different calculation results.
Summary Page
Provides the summary from the calculation results.
28.14.2 Ground Grid Systems Crystal Report

After running the Ground Grid Systems study, click on the Report Manager button located on the Study
Case Toolbar, or select the Crystal Report format from the Ground Grid Systems Toolbar, to open and
view the Crystal output report. The Ground Grid Systems study Crystal Report contains the following
major sections:
28-35
Ground Grid Systems
Output Reports
Cover Page
This is the first page of the Ground Grid Systems study Crystal Report. It includes information from the
number of conductors and rods, to unit system, project file name, and the output file name and its
location.
Input Data
This section reports the input data related to the System, Soil, Grid, and Conductor Library.
System Input Data

This section reports the input data related to the system including the System Frequency, Average Weight
of Worker, Ambient Temperature, Short Circuit Current, Short Circuit Current Division Factor, Short
Circuit Current Projector Factor, Durations of Fault, System X/R Ratio, Plot Step (for FEM model only),
and Boundary Extension (for FEM model only).
28-36
Ground Grid Systems
Output Reports
Soil Input Data

This section reports the input data related to Soil including the Surface Material Resistivity, Surface
Material Depth, Upper Layer Soil Resistivity, Upper Layer Soil Depth, and Lower Layer Soil Resistivity.
Conductor Library
This section reports Conductor Library information. It shows the Material Conductivity, Thermal
Coefficient of Resistivity, K0 Factor, Fusing Temperature, Ground Conductor Resistivity, and Thermal
Capacity Factor.
Grid Data (for IEEE Stds)

This section reports the input data related to the grid including the Shape, Material Type, Conductor Cross
Section, Grid Depth, Maximum Length of the Grid in the X Direction, Maximum Length of the Grid in the
Y Direction, Minimum Length of the Grid in the X Direction (Only for IEEE Std 80-2000 L-Shaped or TShaped Grid).
Rod Data (for IEEE Stds)

This section reports the input data related to the grid including the Material Type, Number of Rods,
Average Length, Diameter, Arrangement, and Cost.
28-37
Ground Grid Systems
Output Reports
Conductor Data (for FEM model)

This section reports the conductor input data for the FEM model including Material Type, Insulation, Cross
Section, X, Y and Z Coordinates of One End of Conductor, X, Y and Z Coordinates of Other End of
Conductor, and Cost.
Rod Data (for FEM model)

This section reports the rod input data for the FEM model including the Material Type, Insulation,
Diameter, X, Y and Z Coordinates of One End of Conductor, X, Y and Z Coordinates of Other End of
Conductor, and Cost.
Cost Data
Lists the cost data of conductors/rods.
Result
This section reports the results related to Intermediate Constants, Potential Profiles, S ummary, and
Warning.
28-38
Ground Grid Systems
Output Reports
Report of Intermediate Constants for IEEE Std.s

In this section the intermediate results Kim, Kis, Km, Ks, Kii, K1, K2 are reported, if the Report Details box
in the Study Case Editor dialog box is checked.
Summary for IEEE Stds

In this section, the Ground Resistance Rg, GPR, Step and Touch potentials, Reflection Factor K, Derating
Factor Df, Maximum Grid Current and Warning information are reported.
28-39
Ground Grid Systems
Output Reports
Report of Potential Profiles for the FEM Model

In this section, the three Potential Profiles are reported if the Report Details box in the Study Case Editor
is checked.
28-40
Ground Grid Systems
Output Reports
Summary for the FEM Model

In this section, the Ground Resistance Rg, GPR, Step and Touch Potentials, Reflection Factor K, Derating
Factor Df, Maximum Grid Current and Warning information are reported.
28.14.3 Summary and Warning

After running the Ground Grid Systems study, click on the Summary and Warning button located on the
Ground Grid System Toolbar, to open the GRD Analysis Alert View dialog box. If the Auto Display of
Summary and Warning box located on the Study Case Editor dialog box is checked, this view will open
automatically after the Ground Grid Systems calculations are executed.
28-41
Ground Grid Systems
Plot Selection
28.15 Plot Selection

Plots are used only with the FEM method, and are available for Absolute/Step/Touch Voltages. To select
a plot, open up the Plot Selection dialog box by clicking on the Plot Selection button located on the
Ground Grid Systems Toolbar.
Plot Selection
The following 3-D Potential profiles are available for analysis of GGS study case results:
Absolute Voltage
Select to plot an Absolute Potential profile.
Touch Voltage
Select to plot a Touch Potential profile.
Step Voltage
Select to plot a Step Potential profile.
Plot Type
The following plot types are available for analysis of GGS study case results:
3-D
Plot a 3-D Potential profile for the Absolute/Touch/Step voltage.
Contour
Plot a Contour Potential profile for the Absolute/Touch/Step voltage.
Display Over Limit Voltage

Show areas with potentials exceeding the tolerable limits for 3-D Touch/Step Potential profiles. This
function is disabled when the Contour plot type is selected. A set of sample plots is shown below.
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Ground Grid Systems
Plot Selection
28-43
Ground Grid Systems
Plot Selection
28-44
Ground Grid Systems
Plot Selection
28-45

Ground Grid Systems

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Chapter 28