Numerical Calculations of the Grounding Systems of High Voltage Substations, Overhead Line Towers, and Wind Turbine Towers

This paper presents the results of numerical calculations of the grounding resistances and step and touch voltages of the high voltage substations, overhead line towers, and wind turbine towers. Calculations are done using the implemented program and considering homogeneous soil. The accuracy of calculated results is verified by analyzing different grounding systems of high voltage substations and overhead line towers and by comparing results with those calculated using commercial FEM-based software ETAP. The configurations of grounding systems of wind turbine towers applicable in high resistivity terrain are presented. Important details for the design of the wind turbine tower grounding systems are also discussed.