CYMGRD 7.

0 – Training Exercise

CYMGRD 7.0
Training Exercise

November 18, 2015

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CYMGRD 7.0 – Training Exercise

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CYMGRD 6.5 – Training Exercise

TABLE OF CONTENTS

TRAINING EXERCISE .............................................................................. 3

1.1 SUBSTATION LAYOUT AND PARAMETERS ............................................. 3

1.2 METHODOLOGY .................................................................................... 4

1.3 STEP - 1 SOIL ANALYSIS ...................................................................... 4

1.4 STEP - 2 SAFETY CRITERIA TOLERABLE TOUCH & STEP V .................. 9

1.5 STEP - 3 GROUNDING INSTALLATION DATA AND ANALYSIS ................ 9

1.5.1 Bus Data ........................................................................................ 9

1.5.2 Electrode Sizing ........................................................................... 10
1.5.3 Grid Installation Data ................................................................. 11

1.6 STEP - 5 DANGER POINT EVALUATION AND CONTOUR PLOTS .............. 14

1.7 STEP - 6 REMEDIAL ACTION............................................................... 18

1.7.1 Installing Additional Conductors ................................................ 18

1.7.2 Surface Layer Resistivity ............................................................. 18

1.8 DISTINCT AND RETURN ELECTRODES ................................................. 19

1.8.1 Distinct Electrodes ...................................................................... 19

1.8.2 Return Electrodes ........................................................................ 23

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CYMGRD 7.0 – Training Exercise

Training Exercise

In this exercise a step-by-step sample studies are detailed: A primary electrode only model,
below, and a Primary, Return and Distinct electrodes model.

The descriptions of the two examples show how the most commonly used functions of the
application are actually utilized.

1.1 Substation Layout and Parameters

In this example, the grounding grid is square and symmetrical (meshes of equal area). It is
76.2 meters long and 76.2 meters wide. All conductors are buried at a depth of 0.5 meters. 9
conductors lie parallel to the X-axis and 9 parallel to the Y-axis. The diameter of all the conductors
is 19.1 millimeters.

Finally, 25 grounding rods are connected to the grounding grid in 5 Rows of 5 Rods each. The
rods are 10.9 meters long with diameter 2.858 centimeters (1-1/8 inches). There are no auxiliary
grounds in the vicinity and the fence of the station is to be disregarded, for now.

The grounding installation is in parallel with a resistance of 25 ohms, simulating the presence
of overhead sky wire and counterpoise resistance. The total fault current is 6000 Amperes, but
since the equivalent impedance of the sky wires is not infinite (9999 ohms), not all of that current
will contribute to the station potential rise.

The station surface is to be backfilled with crushed rock of 2500 Ohm-meter resistivity at a
thickness of 0.2 meters. Safety design considerations focus concerns on an exposure duration of
500 ms and a weight of 70 Kilograms for the potential shock victim.
0
Ambient Temperature 20 C

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CYMGRD 6.5 – Training Exercise

1.2 Methodology
The first step is to interpret the soil resistivity measurements and arrive at a soil model for the
subsequent analysis. It is at this point that CYMGRD is used to calculate a two-layer soil model
from the measurements.

The second step is done automatically by CYMGRD as part of the soil model calculations.
The maximum permissible touch and step voltages for the soil model is determined according to
the IEEE Std 80-2000 and in accordance with the station surface treatment conditions and safety
requirements.

The third step is to enter the dimensions of the grounding assemblies and perform station
potential rise analysis as well as to determine the station resistance.

The fourth step is to carry out a danger point evaluation.

The fifth step is applying any remedial actions necessary.

1.3 Step - 1 Soil Analysis

Activate CYMGRD and define a new Study Title and Project Title.

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CYMGRD 7.0 – Training Exercise

Enter the soil measurements for Soil Type 2 Data in the appropriate ‘Data Entry’ view tab.

You will notice that as soon as the measurements are entered, they are reflected as dots on
the ‘Soil Model’ chart in the ‘Workbook’ view.

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CYMGRD 6.5 – Training Exercise

Continue by opening the ‘Soil Parameters’ dialog box by selecting the ‘Parameters’ item in the
‘Soil’ menu, to define Soil Model and the safety analysis settings.

Click the lightning bolt symbol on the main toolbar to perform the analysis. The best fit curve
will be generated and the reports will be shown in the ‘Soil Analysis’ tab of the ‘Reports’ view.

This is the second step of the process.

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The output report consists of the Input Data, Upper and Lower Layer resistivity, Thickness of
the upper Layer, RMS Error of measurements and Tabulated Values of calculated and measured
values and the % error of each.

Despite the fact that the results show a considerable RMS error of around 14 percent, the user
can accept the soil model as is without discarding any measurements. But, should the user decide
to reject some of the measurements in order to improve (i.e. reduce) the RMS error.

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CYMGRD 6.5 – Training Exercise

The first measurement is a good choice due to its high percentage error and the rather small
distance between electrodes which could affect the results. The RMS error is now 2.54 % which is
acceptable and would be the soil model that will be used throughout this exercise.

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CYMGRD 7.0 – Training Exercise

1.4 Step - 2 Safety Criteria Tolerable Touch & Step V

The second step is done automatically by CYMGRD as part of the soil model calculations.
The maximum permissible touch and step voltages for the soil model is determined according to
the IEEE Std 80-2000 and in accordance with the station surface treatment conditions and safety
requirements.

1.5 Step - 3 Grounding Installation Data and Analysis

1.5.1 Bus Data

The Bus Data is the first set of information we need to enter.

Bus Id B1
Short Circuit Current 6000 Amps
Fault Duration 0.5 Seconds
Remote Contribution 100 %
LG X/R Ratio 15
Transmission and Distribution Tower Data Program Default
We can enter all pertinent general type data in the dialog box shown below, which is accessed
from ‘Parameters’ item under the ‘Grid’ menu. Since there is no return electrode, the return
current is 0.

The Parallel impedance of the Sky Wires is considered to be 25Ω.

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CYMGRD 6.5 – Training Exercise

1.5.2 Electrode Sizing

Once the Short Circuit and Fault Duration are specified the program will suggest the minimum
size of conductors that can withstand the fault current for the specified duration.

This is automatically reported as soon as the desired conductors and rods are selected from
the library.

Note that what is critical is the conductor Diameter. If a conductor is not listed in our
library then specifying the diameter is sufficient to calculate the ground resistance of the
conductor.

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CYMGRD 7.0 – Training Exercise

1.5.3 Grid Installation Data

All conductors are buried at a depth of 0.5 meters. Nine conductors lie parallel to the X-axis
and nine are parallel to the Y-axis. For analysis purposes, the conductors parallel to the X-
axis are subdivided into 8 elements and the conductors parallel to the Y-axis into 8
elements.

In general we assume that an element is between connection joints of the conductors:

In Symmetrical Grids you can assume the following:

• The number of conductors parallel to X N

• Elements per Conductor would be N-1

Note you can subdivide the conductor into any number of elements but the above
guideline is a good way to start.

Conductors parallel to
Y-axis.

Conductors parallel to
X-axis.

The geometrical data can now be entered. Since the conductor assembly is a symmetrical
arrangement (i.e. it can be defined as equally spaced and equidistant both X and Y directions), we
will use the ‘Symmetrical Conductors’ tab in the ‘Data Entry’ view to supply the data. As soon as
the data is entered the station layout will be displayed on screen.

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CYMGRD 6.5 – Training Exercise

The grounding grid is square and symmetrical (meshes of equal area). It is 76.2 meters
long and 76.2 meters wide. All conductors are buried at a depth of 0.5 meters. 9
conductors lie parallel to the X-axis and 9 parallel to the Y-axis. The diameter of all the
conductors is 19.1 millimeters.

We will now add the ground rods to the conductor assemblies. We can enter the grid and the
rods in any order, but it is better to enter the grid layout first and then the ground rods. Similarly
the symmetrical ground rod layout allows us to use the ‘Symmetrical Rod’ tab for entering the
data. The rods are now shown superimposed on the grid conductors.

The rod depth is defined as the distance from the surface of the earth to the top of the rods
and is always entered as a positive value.

25 grounding rods are connected to the grounding grid in 5 Rows of 5 Rods each. The
rods are 10.9 meters long with diameter 2.858 centimeters (1-1/8 inches). There are no
auxiliary grounds in the vicinity and the fence of the station is to be disregarded.

Complete Grid Layout with Conductors and Rods

For illustration purposes the 3D representation of the Ground Grid and Electrodes is shown on
the following page.

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CYMGRD 7.0 – Training Exercise

Perform a grid analysis by selecting the Grid Analysis engine and clicking on the lightning bolt
icon.

The results are shown in the ‘Report’ view under the ‘Grid Analysis’ tab. The station
Ground-resistance is found to be Rg = 0.717249 Ω and a GPR of 4346.74 Volts.

This information alone is not sufficient to provide adequate information on the Safety of
the Grid.

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CYMGRD 6.5 – Training Exercise

1.6 Step - 5 Danger point evaluation and contour plots

To plot a contour of grid voltages (touch or surface), choose the corresponding engine as
shown below, and then click on the lightning bolt icon.

The following dialog box is displayed. You can select the desired area to plot and the accuracy
of the contour. The default coordinates are the extents of the Substation grid.

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CYMGRD 7.0 – Training Exercise

Touch voltages contours will be generated for the entire grid area. They can be shown in both
3-D and 2-D in the images that follow.

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CYMGRD 6.5 – Training Exercise

The Potential Contour Plot Report will also report the Touch Potential Threshold Color
Coding and Maximum Touch Potential (X, Y) coordinates on the Grid.

These Maximum Touch Potential points are also marked on the Substation Contour Plot with
an (x).

A profile along the main diagonal of the grid (i.e. from the lower left to the upper right corner)
will be now be analyzed using a step value of 0.22 meters (the minimum step value). Select
‘Profile Plot’ from engine selection box on the main toolbar. Select the start and end coordinates
of the profile using the mouse which will then open the ‘Profile Parameters’ dialog box.

You can use this dialog box to refine the final coordinates for the analysis, and then click “Ok”

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CYMGRD 7.0 – Training Exercise

The surface touch and step potentials are shown once the analysis in complete. The results
show that Touch Potentials exceed the threshold which is in line with the results of the contour
plot in the previous section.

By analyzing the Potential Contour Color Coding on the Grid and

hovering the mouse above specific locations indicate that there are danger
Zones of the Grid towards the edges of the grid.

The Grid is therefore deemed not safe and remedial action is required.

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CYMGRD 6.5 – Training Exercise

1.7 Step - 6 Remedial Action

Try the following two Corrective Measures and Check if the Substation is clear from any
Danger Zones.

1.7.1 Installing Additional Conductors

Install the following four additional asymmetrical conductors

Re-Run the Grid analysis followed by the Contour Plot and evaluate if the safety criteria
is met and why?

Yes No
Why

1.7.2 Surface Layer Resistivity

• Disable the four conductors installed previously by simply un-checking them.

• In the Soil Parameters enter a surface layer of 5000 Ω-m instead of 2500 Ω-m.

Re-Run the Soil analysis followed by the Contour Plot and evaluate if the safety criteria
is met and why?

Yes No
Why
We will after evaluating both options select the first option by adding the
additional Ground Conductors.
Note: Change the Surface Layer Resistivity Back to 2500 Ω-m

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CYMGRD 7.0 – Training Exercise

1.8 Distinct and Return Electrodes

If a ground fault occurs within the substation, and that another electrode at a certain distance
from the grid absorbs the current injected to the grid, this electrode becomes a Return electrode.
Also, if adjacent building foundations are present, but are not energized, they will need to be
modeled as a distinct electrode.

1.8.1 Distinct Electrodes

Let assume that there is an underground pipe that has some parts of it above ground near the
vicinity of the substation.

The objective is to determine if the has to be grounded by connecting it the Substation ground
grid.

Outer Radius R2 12.5 cm

Inner Radius R1 10.0 cm

This can be modeled as Hollow Conductors of inner radius R1

and outer radius R2. The Equivalent Radius and Diameter of the
solid conductor would be as follows.

Req = R22 − R12 Deq = 2 Req

Coordinates of the Pipe

We can model this pipe as an Asymmetrical Distinct Conductor having a Diameter of 150
mm.

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CYMGRD 6.5 – Training Exercise

Run the Grid analysis and notice that the Output Results will now report the distinct electrode
potential which is at 1990.39 V.

This is much higher than the tolerable touch voltage of the substation of 918.5 V. Therefore
the pipe has to be connected to the Grid by the following Primary conductors.

Note: Remember to change the Distinct Electrode into a Primary Conductor since it is
now connected to the Grid.

Run the Grid analysis again and plot the resulting contour plot by modifying the plot settings
with the right click of the mouse over the contour plot.

• Right Click Mouse Button → Settings

• Chart → Title Change to “Contour Plot with Pipe Connected to Grid”

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• Chart → Graph → Background Change both “Color” and “Color 2” to white.

• Chart → Graph → Contours Change Style to “Lines with Labels”.

• Click on the Apply Button

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The resulting Contour plot is shown below

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1.8.2 Return Electrodes

Let us now evaluate the effects of having a new energized installation next to the grid and
assuming that the total fault current return path is through this installation.

Therefore in the Grid Parameters you have to enter a Return Electrode Current of -6000
Amps to account for the effect of this new installation.

Return Symmetrical Square Grid

Return Asymmetrical Rod at the Lower Left Corner

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CYMGRD 6.5 – Training Exercise

Run the Grid analysis again and plot the resulting contour plot by modifying the plot settings
with the right click of the mouse over the contour plot.

• Right Click Mouse Button → Settings

• Chart → Title Change to “Plot with Return Electrode Effects”

• Chart → Graph → Background Change both “Color” and “Color 2” to white.

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CYMGRD 7.0 – Training Exercise

• Chart → Graph → Contours Change Style to “Lines with Labels” and the number of
“Levels” to 100.

• Click on the Apply Button

The resulting Contour plot is shown below notice how the presence of the return electrode has
altered the potential profile of the main substation and has created danger areas within the
rectangular area show below.

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CYMGRD 6.5 – Training Exercise

Therefore the energized structure has to be connected to the Grid with the following
two Primary conductors.

Note: Remember to change the Return Distinct Electrode Grid and Ground Rod into a
Primary Conductor since it is now connected to the Grid.

Run the Grid analysis again and plot the resulting contour plot by modifying the plot settings as
per the previous sections.

The Analysis is complete for this Training Exercise.

However you need to notice that the new grid requires further
investigation as there are some danger zones which can easily
be corrected by adding additional conductors or rods as
covered by this training session

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