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Design analysis and optimization of ground grid mesh of extra high voltage
substation using an intelligent software

Conference Paper · November 2014

DOI: 10.1109/ICITACEE.2014.7065768

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 2014 1st International Conference on Infonnation Technology,Computer and Electrical Engineering (ICITACEE)

Design Analysis and Optimization of Ground Grid

Mesh of Extra High Voltage Substation using an
Intelligent Software

M. Usman Aslam Muh ammad Usman Ch eema Muh ammad Bilal Ch eema Muh ammad Samran
Department of Electrical Engineering, Department of Electrical Engineering, Department of Electrical Engineering, Department of Electrical Engineering,
UET Lah ore(RCET Gujranwala) UET Lah ore(RCET Gujranwala) Bahria University, Islamabad UET Lah ore(KSK Campus)
usman.aslam@uet. ed u. pk usmanch eema3 l6 @h otmail.com bilalch eema@bui.ed u.pk samranaslam@h otmail.com

Abstract- The 500KV substations are important for power towards substation through transmission lines. In case of fault,
system in Pakistan. They cover large area meeting the power the fault current has to be efficiently dissipated to ground
requirement of whole power system. The ground grid system of otherwise it damages the equipment installed in substation and
substation has to be carefully analyzed in order to protect the may jeopardize the whole interconnected system. It is
grid, keep the system functional. A practical 500KV substation is necessary to have low resistance path for the dissipation of
chosen for this purpose i.e. RAWAT Grid Station. The grounding
current. Therefore a low resistance ground grid mesh is
system of substation is studied in detail along with practical data
installed to protect the equipment from damage [5, 6]. In case
collection for the purpose of analysis. It is important to mention
2013 of higher resistance, more voltage drop will occur in mesh
about latest IEEE 81 methods which have been adopted
ultimately resulting in rise of mesh potentials. The design of
during data collection phase. The ETAP software version 12 is
ground mesh should be cost effective as well as efficient. Due
used for modeling and analysis of network. The Ground Grid
System (GGS) module included in latest version of ETAP i.e.
to in-sufficient ground grid mesh, various hazards have
ETAP 12 is used for analysis. Firstly modeling is done in ETAP-
happened across the globe. The issues related to the ground
12, afterwards analysis is performed on actual ground mesh
grid mesh of substations which are in design phase as well as
using IEEE 80-2000 improved methods to evaluate step potential, those already installed and functioning are required to be
ground potential rise, ground resistance, short term temperature addressed. The rise of potential gradients around ground grid
rise of conductors Irods & touch potential. The shortcomings in mesh is a common issue especially in extra high voltage
existing grid mesh are highlighted and remedial actions are substations (EHV).These issues are addressed using various
suggested to rectify the problems. The extension is planned in the methodologies in research presented below. The main
substation regarding installation of new power transformer objective of a proposed study is to overcome the deficiencies
which will result to in rise of overall substation fault level. The related to the ground grid mesh of practical 500KV substation.
increase in fault level is considered in one case study and possible The ground grid mesh data is taken from site by using latest
2013
solution is provided. A new ground mesh is also designed for this IEEE 81 methods. The modeling, analysis and optimization
area which will serve as a model for future substations which will of grid ground mesh is carried out using IEEE 80-2000
be designed in this particular area keeping in view essential
methods with the help of ETAP-12.It is worth mentioning that
parameters. A new ground mesh is also designed for 750KV
through Case studies the effect of increase in area of ground
substation, as it will be part of our national grid in near future as
grid mesh, increase in number of horizontal conductors/
feasibility study is ongoing in NTDC Pakistan for the
vertical conductors & effect of reducing spacing between
establishment of first 750KV substation in this area. The
conductors on various potentials and ground resistance have
variation in ground grid resistance and various safety
parameters with the change in ground grid mesh shape, depth
been highlighted using IEEE80-2000 methods. The problems
and size is explained by the help of results obtained through Case
related to increase in various potentials, temperature above the
studies.
safety criteria limits are highlighted. A possible design solution
is provided using analysis methodologies to address the
Keywords-Ground Potential Rise, Step Voltage, Touch existing problems and ground mesh is designed to
Voltage, Ground Mesh, Electrical Transient Analysis Program, accommodate the extension in substation related to new
Ground Grid System Module, National Transmission and increased power requirements. A new ground gird mesh for
Dispatch Centre Islamabad. 750KV substation has also been designed. AIS substation is
shown in figure 1.
I. INTRODUCTION

The ground mesh of substation is an integral part of overall

substation. The safety of personnel & equipment is dependent
on its proper functionality [1, 2]. The main purpose of ground
mesh is to dissipate dangerously high current which ascends in
substation due to any fault in system. The fault may originate
from within the substation or from outside travelling back

978 -1-4 799-643 2-1/14 /$ 3 1.00 © 20141EEE 339

 case scenario it is observed that mesh voltage is actually touch
voltage.
F. Ground Resistance (Rg)
The ground resistance is defmed as the resistance of overall
ground grid mesh through which the fault current will flow
and will be efficiently dissipated to the earth. It is necessary to
have the ground resistance kept at a low level for proper
dissipation of fault current without having any substantial rise
in grid potentials.
G. Fault Current (II
The value of fault current is defined as maXimum current
which flows along the ground grid mesh .The designing of
ground grid mesh is based on worst condition fault current that
may arise in the substation considering all design constraints.
Fig. 1. Air insulated 500kV substation
H Short term temperature rise
II. GROUNDGRIDTERMINOLOGIES It is defmed as rise in temperature that may occur along
There are various tenninologies which have been ground grid mesh horizontal conductors and vertical rods. It is
developed related to safety indices and potential gradients [1, necessary to properly analyse the temperature rise in order to
2, 7, and 8] .The terms are defined below and also shown in avoid any arcing which may result in hazardous situation
figure 2. across ground grid mesh.
A. Ground Potential Rise ( GPR) 1. Weight of person ( Kg)
GPR is calculated by mUltiplying fault current with ground It is defmed as reference weight of person on the basis of
resistance given in equation 1: which all the calculation related to above mentioned
GPR= I . R (1) parameters are based upon. The calculation can be done for a
g g person having body weight of 50kg or 70kg.
Ig is defined as maximum ground current, Rg is defined as
Ground Resistance.
B. Touch Voltage ( Vt)
The touch voltage is described as difference in potential
between GPR and potential at surface where a living thing is
standing with his/her hands touching the structure which is
connected to a solid ground point. The formula is given in
equation 2.
E touch = ( 1000 + 1.5 . Cs &s-) (2)
-1t s
Cs=1 for analysis,Ps= Resistivity of surface n.m
ts =Fault /Short Circuit duration seconds.
C. Step Voltage ( Vs)
The step voltage is defmed as potential difference felt by a
living thing having a distance of one feet between his/her feet
without having contact of any part of body touching with
solidly grounded structure. The formula is given in equation 3
Estep = (1000 + 6 . C&s-L (3) Fig. 2. Demonstration of Ground Grid Parameters
-1ts

D. Mesh Voltage ( Vm) III. SOIL RESISTIVITY MEASUREMENT

The mesh voltage is described as difference in potential There are various methods developed to calculate soil
between center of ground grid mesh and structure which is parameters however the resistivity of soil is calculated using
solidly grounded connected to remote earthing electrode the methods mentioned below:
buried at a sufficient depth below ground surface. • Four Point Method
E. Earth Surface Potential (ESP) • Wenner Method
Earth surface potential is defined as difference in potential
• Schlumberger Method
between mesh voltage (Vm) and Touch voltage (Vt).In worst

34 0
The resistivity of each layer of soil can be accurately found by • Square Grid
applying any of these three methods [2, 3] however the third

::: [� � [: �Il 1[
method i.e. Schlumberger method is preferred over other two The value of ground grid resistance is calculated using the
f gj en j q" jon 8

-f- 1}1i I
methods, as testing procedure is easy using this method and
<1 D

stratification type,whether the soil is horizontally or vertically
stratified can easily be judged by this method.
A. IEEE Methods
The 80-2000 methods comprises of four methods on the basis
of which ground resistance Rg is calculated [3].These methods
are given below as:
• Laurent Newman Method
• Sevrak Method
• Schwarz Method
• Thapar - Gerez Method
It is worth mentioning that in Schwarz and Thapar- Gerez
methods, the basic essence of first two enlisted methods is
included, therefore for the purpose of ground resistance
calculation Schwarz and Thapar- Gerez methods are adopted.
I) Schwarz Method
Schwarz created set of three equations for the
determination of ground resistance along with a single major
equation for merging the three equations into one [3, 4].The
central equation for the calculation of Ground mesh resistance
is calculated by formula given in equation 4:
Km
R l = Ra. Rb - Rm. + Rb - 2 ,Rm
Ra
The Ra & Rb is the combined resistance of all horizontal
and vertical conductors respectively whereas Rm is mutual
resistance between horizontal and vertical conductors given in
I 1+
, '" ] .52
La �" L'"
(8)
1" ., P
A.;:
B. IEEE 81 20/3 Methods
A standard for measurement has been provided by IEEE for
practical measurement of ground resistance, resistivity &
potentials [2, 3]. These are called IEEE 81 methods which
were published in January 2013.These methods incorporate
the latest improved version of above mentioned measuring
methods. The changes have been incorporated in measuring
methods after considerable deliberation and work carried out
by a committee formed by IEEE council to remove the flaws
present in them. The shortcomings which were related to
measuring methods (weaknesses present in mentioned
measuring methods), equipment errors (the way error in
measurement instruments have to be addressed), hwnan
measuring mistakes (wrong procedure adopted by humans in
measuring important parameters) are all taken into account
and addressed in IEEE 81 methods.
IEEE 81-1983 methods were used for the measurement of
ground resistance before adoption of IEEE 81 standard for
calculation of soil resistivity and potentials. In current project,
all measurements are taken using IEEE 81 methods and then
(4)
modeling of data is carried out using the intelligent software
i.e. ETAP-12 to evaluate the results.
IV. OVERVIEW OFPRACTICALDATA
The practical data is taken from Rawat substation. The ground

La. [ In ( ---;
2. La);- + Kl..,fALa - K2
equation 5,6 &7 respectively. grid system is already laid and functioning therefore existing
1
Ra = p :;:;: .
] ( 5) data is collected to analyze whether all important parameters
are within the described limits [5,6].
� .Lb E<1.Lb (_ r=
Rb = p/2 . 'IT. • moo, lb. [ Int--) + ----:;::;:- " nl" - 1 )2] (6)
b �, ...
La KU.s. The access to the data was granted for the purpose of
Rm = p/2Tt, La. [ In(Lb') + ..,fA - K2 ] (7)
research work. The important research work will lead to
where A=Area of grid, La = Total length of grid
improvement in existing ground grid mesh and provide them
conductors in meters, Lb = Total length of Grid Rods in
as a reference mesh model for 500KV & 750KV substation.
meters, p= Resistivity Kl & K2 = Coefficients determined by
The data collected during multiple visits given as:
set of equations considering the depth of soil, 2a=Diameter of
Conductors in meters , a =(a.2h) 1/2 ,2b = Diameter of Rods in • Voltage Level =500K V
meters,nr=Number of rods installed underground .
• Fault Current Level = 40 KA
2) Thapar-Gerez Method
In this method for ground grid resistance evaluation, a • Dimension of Ground Grid = 1 44 x 100 m2 (meter
series of computer algorithms/programs are employed based square)
upon which a ground grid mesh is designed. These algorithms/
• Ground grid mesh Length in Horizontal-direction =
programs incorporate various grid shapes which are selected
& then the conductors & rods are accommodated in grid mesh. 144 (meters)
The various types of grid shapes are given below as: • Ground grid mesh Length in Vertical-direction = 100
• Rectangular Grid (meters)
• Conductors used in Horizontal direction=1 4
• L-Shaped grid
• Conductors used in Vertical direction =10
• T-Shaped Grid
• Triangular Grid • Area of Conductor= I 85mm2 (millimeter square)

34 1
  Type of Conductors=Copper annealed Soft Drawn
 Conductors Temperature = 50C◦
 Vertical Rods installed =50
 Vertical Rod Diameter =1.2 cm (centimeter)
 Type of Rods=Copper clad steel Rod
 Duration of Fault tc, tf & ts =1s (seconds)
 Ambient Temperature = -5 C◦ to 50C◦
 Rod Temperature=50 C◦
module (GGS) is used in ETAP for modeling and analysis of
whole system of ground grid mesh.
The GGS module has the provision of performing the
analysis using IEEE 80-2000 methods. The potential
gradients developed during the design phase are calculated
and highlighted based on analysis results. The remedial
action actions for the rectification are suggested in next Case
study (Case Study-2).
The table I shows the input ground grid parameter upon which
modeling is done and figure 3 shows the modeling of mesh.
Table I. CASE- I INPUT GROUND GRID PARAMETERS

 Reactance over resistance ratio X/R ratio= 50 Grid Size

Number
of
(m)

Conductor
Weight of Person =50 or 70 kg Type of
Depth of
Conductor
Size of
Conductor
No
of
Type
of
Rod
Dia.
Rod
Length
Length X,Y
X,Y direction Conductor (m) (sq.mm) Rod Rods (cm) (m)
 Type of soil surface layer = Gravel is used direction

X Y X Y
 Resistivity of soil surface layer = 9976 Ω.m
Copper Copper

 Height of soil surface layer = 0.2 m (meters) 144 100 14 10

annealed
soft
0.3 185 50
clad
steel
1.2 2
drawn Rod

 Type of soil top layer = Moist soil

 Resistivity of soil top layer = 130 Ω.m
 Height of soil top layer = 2 m (meters)
 Type of soil bottom layer =Semi Moist soil
 Resistivity of soil bottom layer = 200 Ω.m
 Height of soil bottom layer = infinity
 Magnitude of fault relative to current passing
between remote earth and ground grid (Sf)=60 Fig. 3. Case–I Modeling of Grid Mesh using ETAP-12

 Relative Increase of Fault Current during substation The results of analysis using IEEE 80-2000 methods are
life span (Cp) =100 shown in figure 4.
V. IEEE 80-2000 METHODS CASE STUDIES
The data of 500KV substation ground grid mesh is modeled in
GGS Module of intelligent software [7, 8].
A. Ground Grid System Module
The latest version of Ground Grid Systems is incorporated in
ETAP-12. It empowers engineers to precisely design, examine
and qualify the protection scheme for ground grid mesh
installed in high and extra high voltage substations. The
provision of cutting-edge 3-D technology incorporates along
with one-line diagrams enabling researchers to visualize the
designed ground systems and impeccably employ short circuit
effects. The design methods provide the flexibility for ground
grid mesh design using IEEE 80-2000 methods. Ground
potential rise (GPR), Ground system resistance (Rg),
Comparison of potentials to tolerable limits, Step, touch &
absolute potentials inside & outside grid are calculated in
GGS module.
B. Case Study-1
In Case Study-1, the data collected during design phase is
Fig. 4. Results of Case I Analysis
first modeled in ETAP-12 software. The Ground Grid System

342
 It can be seen form the results that Touch potential, GPR,
short term temperature rise of conductors/rods exceeds the
defined limits. In conclusion, the ground grid mesh is not
functioning properly and a potential hazard may happen.
C. Case Study-II
In Case study– II, the shortcomings of Case-I are rectified
by firstly modifying important parameters and afterwards re-
modeling using IEEE 80-2000 methods for analysis and
obtaining results.
The table II shows the input ground grid parameter upon
which modeling is done and figure 5 shows the ground grid
mesh in x-y direction.

Table II. CASE-II INPUT GROUND GRID PARAMETERS

Number
Grid Size
of
(m)
Conductor

Depth Size Of No Type Rod Rod

Type of Dia
of Conductor Of Length
of
Conductor
Conductor
(m)
sq.mm Rod Rod cm (m) Fig. 6. Results of CASE II Analysis
Length X,Y
X,Y direction
direction The results show that values which were exceeding the
prescribed limits are within the defined range after
X Y X Y
incorporation of necessary changes [9].

Copper Coppe
D. Case Study-III
r
144 100 20 16
annealed
soft
0.3 185 54 clad
steel
1.5
2
2 The third Case Study is designed considering the
drawn Rod extension in substation. The extension is planned in the
substation regarding replacement of old power with new
large capacity power transformer. The fault current will
increase of substation will increase from 40KA to 45KA.The
existing ground grid will be insufficient to fulfill new
requirements. Therefore changes in ground grid mesh are
required.
100m
Y- The table III shows the input ground grid parameter upon
Direction
which modeling is done.

Table III. CASE- III INPUT GROUND GRID PARAMETERS

Number
Grid Size
X-Direction 144m (m)
of
Conductor

Fig. 5. Case–II Ground Grid Mesh in X-Y direction

Depth of Size of No Type Rod Rod
Type of Conductor Conduct- of of Dia Length
Length Conductor (m) or Rod Rods cm (m)
X,Y (sq.mm)
X,Y
direction
direction
The results of the Case-II analysis using IEEE 80-2000
methods are shown in figure 6.
X Y X Y

Copper Copper
annealed clad
144 100 22 19 0.3 185 65 1.61 2
soft steel
drawn Rod

The data collected related to soil characteristics is modeled

using ETAP-12 shown in figure 7.

343
 Table IV. CASE -IV INPUT GROUND GRID PARAMETERS

Number
Grid Size
of
(m)
Conductor
Depth of Size of No Type Rod Rod
Length X,Y Type of Conductor Conductor of of Dia. Length
X,Y direction Conductor (m) (sq.mm) Rod Rods (cm) (m)
direction
X Y X Y
Copper Copper
annealed clad
120 83 22 12 0.7 185 42 1.6 2
soft steel
drawn Rod

Fig. 7. Case –III Modeling of Soil The results of the analysis using IEEE 80-2000 method are
shown in figure 9.
The results of the analysis using IEEE 80-2000 method are
shown in figure 8.

Fig. 9. Results of Case IV Analysis

Fig. 8. Results of CASE III Analysis A fully optimized ground grid mesh is designed using
fewer conductors, rods spread over less area. Therefore
The results show that the parameters which were exceeding
providing substantial cost savings in term of land & material
the prescribed limits are within the range after incorporation used for installation of equipment.
of necessary changes.
F. Case Study-V
E. Case Study-IV
A feasibility study is in progress by NTDC for
The ground grid mesh of Rawat substation was designed
establishment of 750KV substation in this area. Therefore a
in 1997. New methods for evaluation of ground mesh were
new ground mesh for 750KV substation is designed using the
not available. Based on the available methods, designing of
data obtained considering existing soil characteristics and
mesh was done. other important parameters.
An optimized ground grid mesh is presented in this Case The table V shows the input ground grid parameter based
study based on new modern analysis methodologies and upon which modeling is done:
techniques. The designing of optimized ground grid mesh for
this area is carried out considering the soil of the area and Table V. CASE V INPUT GROUND GRID PARAMETERS
other important characteristics [10, 11].
Number
The table IV shows the input ground grid parameter upon Grid Size
(m)
Of
Conductor
which modeling is done. Length X,Y Type of
Depth of
Conductor
Size of
Conductor
No
of
Type
of
Rod
Dia.
Rod
Length
X,Y direction Conductor (m) (sq.mm) Rod Rods (cm) (m)
direction

X Y X Y

Copper Copper
annealed clad
150 130 30 22 0.8 240 75 2.1 2.5
soft steel
drawn Rod

344

The results of the analysis using IEEE 80-2000 method are
shown in figure 10.
Help
Fig. 10. Results of Case V Analysis
VI. DISCUSSION
The analysis is performed to evaluate performance indices
related to ground grid mesh.The results of various Case
studies have been presented and based upon these results
following new aspects can be inferred:
A. Effect of increase in Area on potentials
The step potential, touch potential, mesh potential,
absolute potentiallGPR and ground impedance decreases by
increase in ground grid mesh area. It can be verified from the
Case studies above. This is possible where cost of land is
economical but in populated areas where land is expensive
the solution of decreasing the impedance may not be feasible.
B. Effect of Reducing spacing between Conductors
The mesh potential fall substantially by reducing spacing
between conductors however step potential may increase.
The effect of decrease in mesh potential is more than increase
in step potential.
C. Effect of Increasing the Conductors
The touch potential decreases significantly by installation
of more horizontal conductors. It can be verified from the
Case studies above.
D. Effect of Increasing the Vertical Rods
The mesh potential, ground impedance and short term
temperature rise of conductor's rods decreases significantly
by installation of more vertical rods. It can be verified from
the Case studies above.
345
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VII. CONCLUSIONS
The main theme of our project was to highlight the possible
problems present in ground grid mesh of 500KV substation. In
this regard, a comprehensive data was collected from
substation using latest IEEE 81 Methods, based upon which
complete modeling was carried out. The results were obtained
and compared with IEEE standard limits. A possible solution
was provided for the rectification of deficiencies in ground
grid mesh. The solution was based on series of amendments
which are required to be made in ground grid mesh to ensure
all the safety parameters are within the prescribed limits.
The effects of ground grid mesh conductors, vertical rods,
area of mesh and conductor spacing on various potentials have
also been highlighted/verified through Case studies.
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
Note
Th e Content presented in th e paper is part of Research work carried
out by Muh ammad Usman Ch eema f or th esis project in connection
with partial f ulfillment of MSc in Electrical Power Engineering f rom
UET Lahore Pakistan.
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