Proceedings of the Sixth International Conference on Trends in Electronics and Informatics (ICOEI 2022)

IEEE Xplore Part Number: CFP22J32-ART; ISBN: 978-1-6654-8328-5

Design of Earthing Grid using ETAP

S.Nandhini S.Sankara Kumar
M .Willjuice Iruthayarajan
Student, Department of EEE, Assistant Professor,
National Engineering College, Professor, Department of EEE,
Department of EEE,
National Engineering College,
Kovilpatti, T amilnadu, India. National Engineering College,
Kovilpatti, T amilnadu, India. Kovilpatti, T amilnadu, India.
sankarbe2002@yahoo.co.in

Abstract— obtained GPR value and other potentials , the design has to be
modified. If GPR is greater than the recommended value,the
During ground-fault situations, the fault current will flow number of rods or conductors has to be increased. If it is less
2022 6th International Conference on Trends in Electronics and Informatics (ICOEI) | 978-1-6654-8328-5/22/$31.00 ©2022 IEEE | DOI: 10.1109/ICOEI53556.2022.9777168

through the system, in addition to that voltage gradients will be than the recommended value, the design is successful. The
created inside and in the surroundings of substation. It is results obtained using this methodrises the overall cost of the
created among the structures and adjacent earth points and system. The additional cost for land has to be expended to
also in the ground layer. The necessity forground grid study is
meet out the required safety measures.
to provide safety and well-being of anyone exposed to the
potential differences that can exist in a station during a severe 1.1 METHODS OF GRID DESIGN
fault. In this paper, the ground grid is designed in ETAP using
IEEE 80 & 2000/2013 methods. Three grids based on IEEE The methods of earthing grid design are
method are designed, and the results are discussed in this  IEEE standard 80 & 665
paper. In each method, the grids are designed in an optimized
way. The number of conductors and rods used in this design is 1.1.1 IEEE standard 80 & 2000/2013
optimized for grids and cost wise also. Here the ground fault
current can modify by the user or from the bus through short  Empirical method.
circuit analysis also updated. S ome of the factors that are
 Limited shapes only with vertical and horizontal
considered in a ground-grid study are Fault-current magnitude
conductor.
and duration, Geometry of the grounding system, S oil
resistivity, Probability of contact, Body resistance, Standard  Rod arrangements are not flexible.
assumptions on physical conditions of the individual .
 It does not have any graphical plots.
Keywords— ground grid,ETAP,ground fault current
 Example: T-shape, L-shape, Triangle shape,
1. Introduction Rectangle shape.
Umal et.al [1] discussed optimized earthing grid design
In designing and construction of an electric substation, of a 132/ 33kV substation. Ground grid mesh is formed by
one of the most important issues that must be considered is conductors in X and Y directions inside the soil at a depth of
designing of protective system to the earth. Flow of the earth 0.5 m below the substation floor. Kaustubh et.al [2]
current, cause voltage gradients at ground level which can be suggested simple analysis of grounding system performance
different parts of the earth and the reference (ground point). for given data and is able to recommend optimal design of
For designing the ground grid, we have to consider the the grounding system in the given conditions and safety
parameters like step potential, touch potential, mesh constraints.Surya Hardi et.al [3] analysed the designing of
potential, Ground Potential Rise (GPR) and soil analysis. substation economically by considering the length of rod
Based on these potentials, the number of conductors and conductor used. Various grid configurations built in models
rods to be used in the design and the method of designing utilized for designing are rectangular, T-shape and L-shape
(IEEE / FEM) has to be considered. After these models.
requirements, the cost for the grids has to be taken into Kaustubh et.al [4] discussed about the grounding system
account. has to be safe as it is directly concerned with safety of
Ground Potential Rise (GPR) is the transient over voltage persons working within the substation. The key role is to
that is created in the earth due to the current passing through design safe and economical earthing systems for High
it. The difference in potential is formed on the surface of the Vo ltageand Extra High Vo ltage substations.In paper [5], the
earth due to the conductivity level of earth and distance fro m parameters of existing design of grounding grid of substation
the current entry point. are calculated with IEEE standard 80-2013 and some
techniques are discussed for increasing grounding system
In IEEE method, the default grid shape can be used based safety.
on the requirement and cost. For examp le rectangle,
triangle,t-shape etc., In FEM methods , own shape can be For Calculat ing ground fault current, the impedance of
designed based on the grid requirement and cost. Based on the line after fau lt may be considered asZf. For LG fault, one
the soil and ground fault current, the grid design is phase ‘R’ is shorted to ground at the fault point, Remaining
varied.Ground fault current decides the number of healthy phases‘Y’ and ‘B’ are open circuited and has no
conductors and rods to be used in the grid. Based on the current; i.efault current is IR and IY = 0, IB = 0. The voltage at
the fault point F is VR = Zf IR.[6]

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 Proceedings of the Sixth International Conference on Trends in Electronics and Informatics (ICOEI 2022)
IEEE Xplore Part Number: CFP22J32-ART; ISBN: 978-1-6654-8328-5

2. GROUND GRID DESIGN - IEEE METHOD Table 1 – Soil resistivity

2.1 GROUND GRID DESIGN PROCEDURE [7], [8]
 Soil resistivity measurement and analysis.
 Grid design (Conductors and rods).
 Ground fault current calculation.
 Calculations and result analysis. 2.2 GROUND GRID – 1(IEEE METHOD):
In grid 1, we are using IEEE 80 & 2000/2013 method
[11].The shape of the grid is rectangle.Here we are using
2.1.1 GROUND SOIL ANALYSIS
three conductors in X direction and six conductors in Y
 Measurements: Wenner four – pin method[9] direction.We are using four numbers of rods.Here, in both
layer we are using mo ist soil which is having 100 oh m – m
 Probe distance and soil resistivity [10] resistance.After designing this specification in the grid, the
 Calculate resistivity at each probe distance ground grid study is simulated.The results of analysis are
showed in Figure 2.3, 2.4 and 2.5.Ground grid 1 summary
 Calculate top, lower layer resistivity, and top with potential information and fault currents are shown in
layer depth Figure 2.6. Cost analysis and total number of conductors,
rods and length of conductors, rods are mentioned in figure
 Calculate top, lower layer resistivity, and top 2.8. Figure 2.7 shows the grid 1 information with different
layer depth simulation.Based on the soil the resistance is varied and the
GPR is also varied and Rg is also varied.

Figure 2.1 - Wenner four – pin method

Figure 2.2 – Soil Analysis(IEEE-80 & 2000/2013)

It consists of four probes
fixed in a straight line at equi-distant points from each other. A constant Figure 2.3 – Grid 1 configuration for normal
magnitude of current is passed through the outer two probes and the simulation
potentialdrop V across the center two probes is measured [12] & [13].

2.1.2 GROUND GRID DESIGN

 Area should be as large as possible
 Properly arranged conductors and rods
 Use Bare and/or insulated conductors
 Length of rods is important
 Measure ground current Line - Ground fault
from connected bus [14]
 Measure ground current Line - Ground fault
from connected line.

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 Proceedings of the Sixth International Conference on Trends in Electronics and Informatics (ICOEI 2022)
IEEE Xplore Part Number: CFP22J32-ART; ISBN: 978-1-6654-8328-5

Figure 2.6 - Ground grid 1 summary

Figure2.4 – Grid 1 configuration foroptimized number of

conductors

Figure 2.7 – Ground grid 1 systems with different

simulation

2.2.1 GRID -1 CONFIGURATION AND COST

ANALYSIS

Figure 2.5 – Grid 1 Optimized conductors and rods Figure 2.8 – Grid 1 configuration and cost analysis

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 Proceedings of the Sixth International Conference on Trends in Electronics and Informatics (ICOEI 2022)
IEEE Xplore Part Number: CFP22J32-ART; ISBN: 978-1-6654-8328-5

Touch Step GPR Grou Optim Optim

Potenti Poten nd al No. al No.
al tial Resist of of
ance Condu Condu
Rg ctors in ctors in
X- Y-
Directi Directi
on on
Normal 261.5 201.6 2741 1.366 - -
Simulation
For 295.7 185.8 2786 1.389 3 6
optimized
numbe r of
conductors
Optimized 690.5 356.6 3052.5 1.521 3 6
conductors
and rods

Table 2.1 – Grid 1 configuration analysis

The configuration analysis for Grid 1 is presented in Table
2.1. Various parameters like Touch Potential, Step Potential
etc., are co mpared for normal Simu lation, fo r
optimized number of conductors and for optimized
conductors and rods. The optimized nu mber of earth rods
are 4. Even though the touch potential and step potential Figure 2.9 – Grid 2 configuration
values for optimized conductors and rods are greater when for normal simulation
compared to normal configuration, the values are within the
tolerable values. Also, the overall cost of the earthing grid is
Rs.7,200.

2.3 GROUND GRID – 2(IEEE METHOD):

In grid 2, we are using IEEE 80 & 2000/ 2013
method.The shape of the grid is T – shape.Here we are using
four conductors in X direction and four conductors in Y
direction.We are using four number of rods.Here in both
layer we are using mo ist soil which is having 100 oh m – m
resistance.After designing this specification in the grid run
the ground grid study.The results of analysis are showed in
Figure 2.9, 2.10 and 2.11.Ground grid 2 summary with
potential informat ion and fault currents are shown in Figure
2.12. Cost analysis and total number of conductors, rods and
length of conductors, rods are mentioned in figure 2.14.
Figure 2.13 shows the grid 2 information with different
simulation.Based on the soil the resistance is varied and the
GPR is also varied and Rg is also varied.

Figure 2.10 – Grid 2 configuration for

optimized number of conductors

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 Proceedings of the Sixth International Conference on Trends in Electronics and Informatics (ICOEI 2022)
IEEE Xplore Part Number: CFP22J32-ART; ISBN: 978-1-6654-8328-5

2.3.1 GRID – 2 CONFIGURATION AND COS T

ANALYSIS

Figure 2.14 – Grid 2 configuration and cost analysis

Touch Step GPR Grou Optim Optim

Potenti Poten nd al No. al No.
al tial Resist of of
ance Condu Condu
Rg ctors in ctors in
Figure 2.11 – Grid 2 Optimized conductors and rods X- Y-
Directi Dire cti
on on
Normal 361.6 243.1 2253.3 1.123 - -
Simulation
For 564.8 253.7 2425.8 1.209 4 4
optimized
number of
conductors
Optimized 656.6 282.5 2472.5 1.232 4 4
conductors
and rods

Table 2.2 – Grid 2 configuration analysis

The configuration analysis for Grid 2 is shown in in Tab le

2.2. Various parameters like Touch Potential, Step Potential
etc., are co mpared for normal Simu lation, fo r
optimized number of conductors and for optimized
conductors and rods. The optimized nu mbers of earth rods
are 4. Even though the touch potential and step potential
values for optimized conductors and rods are greater when
Figure 2.12 – Ground grid 2 summary compared to normal configuration, the values are within the
tolerable values. Also, the overall cost of the earthing grid is
Rs.3,947.

2.3 GROUND GRID – 3(IEEE METHOD):

In grid 3 we are using IEEE 80 & 2000/2013 [15]
method. The shape of the grid is triangular.Here we are using
three conductors in X direction and three conductors in Y
direction.We are using three number of rods.Here in both
layer we are using mo ist soil which is having 100 oh m – m
resistance.
After designing this specification in the grid run the
ground grid study.The results of analysis are showed in
Figure 2.15, 2.16 and 2.17.Ground grid 3 summary with
potential informat ion and fault currents are shown in Figure
Figure 2.13 – Ground grid 2 systems with different 2.18.Cost analysis and total number of conductors, rods and
simulation length of conductors, rods are mentioned in figure

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 Proceedings of the Sixth International Conference on Trends in Electronics and Informatics (ICOEI 2022)
IEEE Xplore Part Number: CFP22J32-ART; ISBN: 978-1-6654-8328-5

2.20.Figure 2.19 shows the grid 3 information with different

simulation.Based on the soil the resistance is varied and the
GPR is also varied and Rg is varied.

Figure 2.17 – Grid 3 Optimized conductors and rods

Figure 2.15 – Grid 3 configurationfor
normal simulation

Figure 2.18 – Ground grid 3 summary

Figure 2.16 – Grid 2 configuration for

optimized number of conductors

Figure 2.19 – Ground grid 3 systems with different

simulation

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 Proceedings of the Sixth International Conference on Trends in Electronics and Informatics (ICOEI 2022)
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2.3.1 GRID – 3 CONFIGURATIONS AND COST

ANALYSIS 2.3.2ONE LINE DIAGRAM FOR 11KV FEEDER

Figure 2.20 – Grid 3 configuration and cost analysis

Touc Step GPR Grou Opti Optimal
h Poten nd mal No. of Figure 2.21 – One line diagram
Poten tial Resist No. of Conducto
tial ance Cond rs in Y-
Rg uctors Direction
in X- 2.3.3GROUND FAULT CALCULATION
Direct
ion For ground fault calculation two methods are there
Normal 494.8 382.7 2826.7 1.409 - -
Simulation  User defined
For 679.1 386.4 2963.1 1.477 5 5
optimized  Short circuit study
numbe r of
conductors In user defined ground fault calculation the short circuit
Optimized 720.2 339.5 3034.5 1.512 3 3 value is given by the user and based on that we have to
conductors calculate the fault calculation.In short circuit study method
and rods
we have run short circuit analysis for the grid and the fault
current is updated by the grid itself [16].
Table 2.3 – Grid 3 configuration analysis

The configuration analysis for Grid 3 is shown in in Tab le 3. CONCLUSION

2.3. Various parameters like Touch Potential, Step Potential
etc., are co mpared for normal Simu lation, fo r Since we are using IEEE method the grid shapes are
optimized number of conductors and for optimized default only.As per IEEE 80 & 2000/2013 we are having
conductors and rods. The optimized nu mbers of earth rods triangular, rectangle, T – shape and L – shape grids.Main
are 8. Even though the touch potential and step potential objective in IEEE method is to obtain minimu m cost while
values for optimized conductors and rods are greater when maintaining safety step and touch potential levels.Main
constraints are to meet step and touch voltage limits.In this
compared to normal configuration, the values are within the
project we are studied about rectangle, triangular and T –
tolerable values. Also, the overall cost of the earthing grid is
shape grid and the results are showed in pictures.Here main
Rs.3,507.
disadvantage is we cannot design our own shaped grid and
we cannot modify any rods because it is not flexible.To
overcome this disadvantage,FEM method can be used for
flexible grid designs.

REFERENCES
[1] “OPTIMIZATION DESIGN OF GROUND GRID MESH OF 132/33KV
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[2] INST ITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY, NIRMA UNIVERSIT Y,
AHMEDABAD – 382 481, 08-10 DECEMBER, 2011 “Optimal
Design and Development of Software for Design of Substation
Grounding System” by Kaustubh A. Vyas, and J.G. Jamnani.

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 Proceedings of the Sixth International Conference on Trends in Electronics and Informatics (ICOEI 2022)
IEEE Xplore Part Number: CFP22J32-ART; ISBN: 978-1-6654-8328-5

[3] “Economic Design of Substation Grounding Grid using ETAP Software:

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