Power Distribution & Utilization
Power Distribution & Utilization
Lab Manual
For
Spring 2019
Prepared By: Engr. Ghulam Abid
Student Name: .
Student ID: .
TABLE OF CONTENTS
7
To study bus bar coupling and bus bar transfer without
interruption of the power supply to the consumer.
8
To study different types of lamps and comparing the
illumination level.
9 a).To become familiar with the basic environment of lighting
design software CALCULUX
b).To design a general lighting scheme of an office using
CALCULUX
10
a). To measure the LUX level on the given working plane
b). To design a task & accent lighting for an office (Optional)
11
To study types of tariff and calculate the charges in
Residential/Industrial/commercial bill.
EXPERIMENT #1
OBJECTIVE
To study the major equipment’s of the substation and make a one-line diagram.
APPARATUS
A visit will be arranged to a sub-station.
THEORY
An electrical substation is a subsidiary station of an electricity generation, transmission and
distribution system where voltage is transformed from high to low levels using
transformers. Electric power may flow through several substations between generating
plant and consumer, and may be changed in voltage in several steps.
Feeders
The electrical distribution system begins with a source of electrical energy that must be
distributed to each and every electrical load. The starting point of this system, which feeds
electrical energy into it, is known as a Feeder. The electricity delivered by a feeder is
actually distributed to different loads in the system.
Distributors
A distributor is a conductor from which tapings are taken to the consumers. The current
through a distributor is not constant due to the tapings taken off at various places along its
length. While designing a distributor, voltage drop along its length is the main
consideration as the voltage variation limits are about 6% of the rated voltage at the
consumer terminals.
Switch Gears
The term switchgear, used in association with the electric power system, or grid, refers to
the combination of electrical disconnects, fuses and/or circuit breakers used to isolate
electrical equipment. Switchgear is used both to de-energize equipment to allow work to be
done and to clear faults downstream Panels are the compartments used for switchgear
arrangement.
Switching Devices
A device designed to close, open, or both, one or more electric circuits.
These include
HRC fuses
Magnetic contactor
Circuit Breaker (Molded Case Circuit Breaker)
The large network of conductors between the power station and the consumers can be broadly
divided into two parts, transmission system and distribution system. Each part can be further
sub-divided into two—primary transmission and secondary transmission and primary
distribution and secondary distribution. Figure shows the layout of a typical a.c. power supply
scheme by a single line diagram.
EXERCISE
Design one line diagram from the following layout of pole mounted substation. Also explain
working.
1. Fuse
2. Circuit breaker
3. Isolator
4. Current Transformer
5. Potential Transformer
EXPERIMENT #2
OBJECTIVE
APPARATUS
Distribution Transformer
THEORY
Distribution transformer is used to convert electrical energy of higher voltage (usually 11-22-
33kV) to a lower voltage (220 or 430V) with frequency identical before and after the
transformation. Its main application is mainly within suburban areas, public supply authorities
and industrial customers. With given secondary voltage, distribution transformer is usually the
last in the chain of electrical energy supply to households and industrial enterprises.
Power Transformer
CONSTRUCTION
Magnetic core: material allowing transfer of magnetic field generated by primary winding to
secondary winding by the principle of electromagnetic induction. A transformer’s core and
windings are called its Active Parts. This is because these two are responsible for transformer s
operation.
Tank: serving as a mechanical package to protect active parts, as a holding vessel for
transformer oil used for cooling and insulation.
Transformer Accessories
Breather
Temperature Indicator
PROCEDURE
Practical demonstration.
RESULT
EXERCISE:
1. Bushings
3. Breather
a. Transfer Electrical power from one electrical circuit to another Electrical circuit
b. It’s working without changing the frequency
c. Work through on electric induction.
d. When, both circuits take effect of mutual induction
e. Can step up or step down the level of voltage.
f. Its Working without changing the Power.
g. All of the above
a. at no load
b. at 50% full load
c. at 80% full load
d. at full load
a. primary side
b. secondary side
c. low voltage side
d. high voltage side
a. load current
b. load current and voltage
c. load current, voltage and frequency
d. load current, voltage, frequency and power factor
8. For a transformer with number of secondary windings more than the number of primary
windings, the secondary current will be
10. An Auto-transformer (which has only one winding) may be used as a ______?
a. Step-Up Transformer
b. Step-Down Transformer
c. Both Step-Up and Step-Down transformer
d. None of the above
EXPERIMENT #3
OBJECTIVES
• Measuring the effect of the load type and magnitude on the performance of the secondary
voltage.
EQUIPMENTS
THEORY
During load operation we are referring to a load condition which falls into the range of
standard transformer loads, i.e. a current, which is considerably larger than the no-load
current, but also significantly smaller than the short-circuit current. When we speak
about the efficiency of electrical machines we mean the ratio of the active power output
to the active power consumed. Transformers in power engineering excel because of
their high efficiency, which can exceed the 98% value. But even at these excellent levels,
the losses occurring in large units are considerable and make compulsory cooling a
requirement.
Load Performance
EXPERIMENT PROCEDURE
Assemble the circuit in accordance with the foregoing topographic diagram. Set the
primary-side of the three-phase transformer in star connection 380 V (phase voltage 220
V) and the secondary-side with UN = 220 V winding tap in star connection. The resistive
load will be used as the first load. It is connected, like the inductive and capacitive
loads, in star connection. Before starting the measurements the load is set to zero.
Adjust the supply voltage in order to obtain the secondary nominal no-load phase to
neutral voltage U20 = 220 V. Beginning from the R1 value reduce the resistive three-
phase load in steps till the R6 value. For each step measure the load voltage U2 and
current I2 as well as the active power absorbed P1 at primary and P2 at load. Enter the
measured values in the following table and calculate the voltage drop ∆U = U20 - U2 and
the efficiency h = P2/P1.
Measured:
Load
U20 (Vp) U2 (Vs) ∆U (V) Is (A) Pp (W) Ps (W) ɳ (%)
220
R1
220
R2
220
R3
U20 Qs=Ss
Load Sp=IpVp Cos p Qp=SpSin Ss=IsVs Cos s s
(V) Sin s
R1 220
R2 220
R3 220
Now the resistive load is replaced by the inductive load. The above measurements are
repeated in the same fashion for the indicated three-phase inductive loads. Enter the
measured values in the following tables.
INDUCTIVE LOAD
L1 220
L2 220
L3 220
U20 Qs=Ss
Load Sp=IpVp Cos p Qp=SpSin Ss=IsVs Cos s s
(V) Sin s
L1
220
L2
220
L3
220
Review Questions
1. Does the transformer draw any current when its secondary is open? Explain?
EXPERIMENT #4
OBJECTIVES
To study parts of Cables and select appropriate cable size for given load
THEORY
A cable is defined as an assembly of conductors and insulators used for the transfer of
power in densely populated urban areas. Cables are mostly laid under the ground in
order not to disturb the land beauty and to avoid using the land for power transmission
& distribution purposes.
PARTS OF CABLE
A cable is composed of the following parts;
Core
All cables either have a central core (conductor) or a number of cores made of strands of
Copper or Aluminum conductors having highest conductivity. Conductors are stranded
in order to reduce the skin effect.
Insulation
It is provided to insulate the conductors from each other and from the outside
periphery. The common insulating materials are Poly Vinyl Chloride (PVC) and
Polyethylene.
Metallic Sheath
Metallic Sheath protects the cable against the entry of moisture. It is made of lead, some
alloy of lead or Aluminum
Bedding
In order to protect the metallic sheath from injury, bedding is wound over it. It consists
of paper tape compounded with a fibrous material.
Armoring
It consists of one or two layers of galvanized steel wires or two layers of steel tape, to
avoid the mechanical injury. Armoring provides mechanical strength to the cable.
Serving
A layer of fibrous material, used to protect the armoring.
The cable selection procedures set out in this LAB SESSION will give the basic
guidelines to be followed to determine the minimum size of cable required to satisfy a
particular installation condition.
The following three main factors influence the selection of a particular cable to satisfy
the circuit requirements:
(a) Current-carrying capacity dependent upon the method of installation and the
presence of external influences, such as thermal insulation, which restrict the operating
temperature of the cable.
(b) Voltage drop dependent upon the impedance of the cable, the magnitude of the load
current and the load power factor.
(c) Short-circuit temperature limit dependent upon energy produced during the short
circuit condition.
TASK:
Determine the size of cable required & voltage drop in the cable.
For a given load, cable size may be found with the help of different tables but we
should keep in mind and follow the rules about voltage drop.
Determining the size of cable for a given load, take into account the following rules.
For a given load except the known value of current, there should be 20% extra scope of
current for additional, future or emergency needs.
voltage drop should not exceed 2.5% of Supply voltage.
Consider the change in temperature, when needed, use temperature factor (Table 3)
Load = 5.8kW = 5800W
Voltage = 230V
Current = I = P/V = 5800 / 230 = 25.2A
20% additional load current = (20/100) x 5.2A = 5A
Now find the voltage drop for per ampere meter for this (7/1.04) cable from (Table 5)
which is 7mV, But in our case, the length of cable is 35 meter. Therefore, the voltage
drop for 35 meter cable would be:
Actual Voltage drop for 35meter = mV x I x L
(7/1000) x 30×35 = 7.35V
And Allowable voltage drop = (2.5 x 230)/100 = 5.75V
Here the actual Voltage drop (7.35V) is greater than that of maximum allowable voltage
drop of 5.75V. Therefore, this is not suitable size of cable for that given load. So we will
select the next size of selected cable (7/1.04) which is 7/1.35 and find the voltage drop
again. According to Table (5) the current rating of 7/1.35 is 40Amperes and the voltage
drop in per ampere meter is 4.1 mV (See table (5)). Therefore, the actual voltage drop for
35 meter cable would be;
Actual Voltage drop for 35meter =
= mV x I x L
(4.1/1000) x 40×35 = 7.35V = 5.74V
This drop is less than that of maximum allowable voltage drop. So this is the most
appropriate and suitable cable size.
EXERCISE:
9. A metallic sheath is provided over the insulation to protect the cable from....................
i. leakage current
ii. moisture
iii. non of these
10. Voltage drop in cable system is less than that of equivalent overhead line because of
................ of conductors in a cable.
i. closer spacing
ii. higher spacing
iii. non of these
EXPERIMENT #5
OBJECTIVES
APPARATUS
THEORY
The ratio of the actual power consumed by equipment (P) to the power supplied to
equipment (S) is called the power factor.
𝐴𝑐𝑡𝑖𝑣𝑒 𝑃𝑜𝑤𝑒𝑟 𝑃
Power Factor = =
𝐴𝑝𝑝𝑎𝑟𝑎𝑛𝑡 𝑃𝑜𝑤𝑒𝑟 𝑆
The low power factor is mainly due to the fact that most of the power loads are
inductive and, therefore, take lagging currents. In order to improve the power factor,
some device taking leading power should be connected in parallel with the load. One of
such devices can be a capacitor. The capacitor draws a leading current and partly or
completely neutralizes the lagging reactive component of load current. This raises the
power factor of the load
Power factor correction reduces the Joule losses of the transformers and the cables
upstream of the installation point; reduction in losses, transmitted power being equal, is
greater the lower the power factor value before applying the power factor correction.
The capacitor provides the necessary leading current which results in reduce line
current flowing in the system.
(i) Most of the a.c. motors are of induction type (1φ and 3φ induction motors) which
have low lagging power factor. These motors work at a power factor which is extremely
small on light load (0·2 to 0·3) and rises to 0·8 or 0·9 at full load.
(ii) Arc lamps, electric discharge lamps and industrial heating furnaces operate at low
lagging power factor.
(iii) The load on the power system is varying being high during morning and evening
and low at other times. During low load period, supply voltage is increased which
increases the magnetization current. This results in the decreased power factor.
Normally, the power factor of the whole load on a large generating station is in the
region of 0.8 to 0.9. However, sometimes it is lower and in such cases it is generally
desirable to take special steps to improve the power factor. This can be achieved by the
following equipment
1. Static capacitors. 2. Synchronous condenser. 3. Phase advancers.
PROCEDURE
Connect the resistive and inductive load to the line module and switch on the power
supply and adjust supply voltage 230 phase voltage. Read the power meter reading for
voltage and power factor. Increase the resistive load and read the same reading. Now
increase the inductive load and read the reading. Now connect line capacitor near to
load and note the reading.
OBERVATIONS
Review Questions.
CONCLUSION
EXPERIMENT #6
OBJECTIVES:
Operating a switching station with two bus bars and different voltages
EQUIPMENTS
SINGLE-POLE DIAGRAM
EXPERIMENT PROCEDURE
Assemble the circuit in accordance with the foregoing topographic diagram. Special
care must be taken to ensure that the individual phases are connected correctly in order
to avoid later short-circuits. In order to fully utilise the possibilities of the double busbar
system, the busbars should be supplied from two different voltages: the voltage at the
beginning of the overhead line model (busbar 1) and the voltage at the end of the line
model (busbar 2).
Set primary-side of the three-phase transformer in delta connection 380V and set the
secondary-side to star UN-15%.
Insert all plugs connecting the capacitances to the line model.
Initially switch on the main switch in order to supply the three-phase transformer and
the line model.
The switching sequence of the two power circuit breakers (K1, K2) and of the two
disconnectors (Q1,Q2), in order to connect the busbars, is:
1. Initially activate the disconnector
2. Then activate the power circuit breaker.
E.g. Busbar 1: Disconnector Q1 on - Power circuit breaker K1 on.
S.No V1 I1 V2 I2
1
Now if we connect the three-phase balanced ohmic load to outgoing power circuit
breaker and set the load resistance value to R4, R5: the load must be supplied
alternatively from busbar 1 or from busbar 2 as desired. Initially switch on the main
switch in order to supply the three-phase transformer and the line model.
First of all a connection is to be established between busbar 1 and the load.
Switching sequence:
1. Initially activate the disconnectors Q1 and Q3.
2. Then activate the power circuit breaker K1: the bus bar 1 is alive.
3. Now activate the power circuit breaker K3: the busbar 1 feeds the load.
4. Finally activate in sequence the disconnector Q2 and the power circuit breaker
K2: the busbar 2 is alive also.
S.No V1 I1 V2 I2 I
1
2
The switching sequence in order to transfer the load from the busbar 1 to busbar 2 is:
1. Initially switch off the power circuit breaker K3.
The load is isolated: this phenomenon normally do not occur in practice with regard to
network operation.
2. Then switch off the disconnector Q3.
3. Now switch on the disconnector Q4.
4. Finally switch on again the power circuit breaker K3.
S.No V1 I1 V2 I2 I
1
2
Review Questions
a. Copper
b. Aluminium
c. Silver
d. Both (a) and (b)
2. What is / are the types of substations suitable for voltage 66 kV and above?
a. Conventional outdoor
b. SF6 gas insulated metal enclosed substation
c. Hybrid substation
d. All of these
a. Detection
b. Interruption
c. Both detection and interruption
d. None of above
a. Indoor
b. Outdoor
c. Underground
d. All of Above
a. Constant Voltage
b. Variable voltage
c. Both of above
d. Constant current
EXPERIMENT #7
BUSBAR COUPLING
OBJECTIVES
EQUIPMENTS
SINGLE-POLE DIAGRAM
EXPERIMENT PROCEDURE
Assemble the circuit in accordance with the foregoing topographic diagram. Special
care must be taken to ensure that the individual phases are connected correctly in order
to avoid later short-circuits.
In order to fully utilise the possibilities of the double busbar system, the busbars should
be supplied from two different voltages: the voltage at the beginning of the overhead
line model (busbar 1) and the voltage at the end of the line model (busbar 2).
Set primary-side of the three-phase transformer in delta connection 380 V and set the
secondary-side to star UN-15%.
Insert all plugs connecting the capacitances to the line model. Connect the three-phase
balanced ohmic load to outgoing power circuit breaker and set the load resistance value
to R5: the load must be supplied alternatively from busbar 1 or from busbar 2 as
desired.
Initially switch on the main switch in order to supply the three-phase transformer and
the line model. First of all a connection is to be established between busbar 1 and the
load.
Switching sequence:
1. Initially activate the disconnectors Q1 and Q3.
2. Then activate the power circuit breaker K1: the bus bar 1 is alive.
3. Now activate the power circuit breaker K3: the busbar 1 feeds the load.
4. Finally activate in sequence the disconnector Q2 and the power circuit breaker
K2: the busbar 2 is alive also.
The switching sequence in order to transfer the load from the busbar 1 to busbar 2
without isolating the load is:
2. Then switch on the coupling power circuit breaker K4: thus the two busbar have
5. Finally switch off again the coupling power circuit breaker K4 and then switch off the
coupling disconnectors Q11 and Q21: thus the two busbars are again separated.
1. Describe the function of main and transfer busbar system with neat and clean
diagram.
2. Explain Switching Operation for Transferring a Feeder to Transfer Bus from Main
Bus without Interruption of Power
EXPERIMENT #8
LUMINESCENCE
OBJECTIVE
Verifying the Inverse Square Law and compare the difference in output luminescence of
incandescent, fluorescent and compact fluorescent lamps.
APPARATUS
A wooden board
Connecting wires
Fluorescent Light
Incandescent Light
LUX Meter
A compact fluorescent lamp (CFL), also known as a compact fluorescent light bulb (or
less commonly as a compact fluorescent tube [CFT]), is a type of fluorescent lamp.
Many CFLs are designed to replace an incandescent lamp and can fit in the existing
light fixtures formerly used for incandescent. Compared to general service incandescent
lamps giving the same amount of visible light, CFLs use less power and have a longer
rated life, but generally have a higher purchase price.
1. Luminous Flux
3. Illumination (E)
4. Candela (cd)
5. Draw the circuit diagram of a fluorescent lamp showing fluorescent tube, ballast &
starter
a. Wavelength.
b. Luminous intensity.
c. Luminous flux.
d. Frequency.
a. radians / meter.
b. radians.
c. steredians.
d. degree.
3. What will be the number of lamps, each having 300 lumens, required to obtain an
average illuminance of 50 lux on a 4m × 3m rectangular room?
a. 2
b. 4
c. 5
d. 6
4. A 200 candle power lamp is hung 4 m above the centre of circular area of 5 m
diameter. The illumination at centre of the area is.
a. 13.5 lux.
b. 12.5 lux.
c. 17.5 lux.
d. 18.5 lux.
EXPERIMENT #9 (a)
OBJECTIVE
To become familiar with the basic environment of lighting design software Calculux
THEORY
This Lab session will introduce the main feature of lighting design software and with
the environment of Calculux. Calculux Indoor is a software tool which helps lighting
designers in selecting and evaluating lighting systems for offices and industrial
applications.
The logical steps used for project specification save you time and effort, while the report
facility gives you the opportunity to keep permanent records of the results.
Before you start 'My First Project' first you should check the default settings of
Calculux.
Environment
Select Environment from the Options menu.
Select the Directories tab.
Check the directory settings of the Project files, Phillum files and Vignette files.
Select the Database tab.
Check the directory settings of the Database files.
Click OK to return to the Main View.
The Environment Options only have to be set after installing Calculux
In the Project Luminaire Information box, select in which way the luminaire luminous
intensity information is to be shown
In the General box, select which additional information is to be displayed and in which
language the report is to be created.
In the Show box, select the elements to be displayed by default in the calculation
presentation and report
Select Luminaires, Luminaire Code, Luminaire Legend, Drawings,Fill Color
Legend, Room, Connected Field, Connected Grid
In the Iso Contour Method box, select which Iso Contour Method will be used by
default for the calculation presentation.
Select Relative
In the Sizing box, select the default sizing of the calculation presentation result views,
select
Zoomed Relative to Grid:
Factor 1.000
By setting the above scaling, the size of the defined objects in the calculation
presentation result overviews will be based on the size of the grid and the field. The size
is determined by the 'Zoom Factor'.
Click OK to return to the Main View.
EXPERIMENT #9 (b)
OBJECTIVES
Design a general lighting scheme of an office using CALCULUX. This will be your first
task of this Lab.
First Task
The details are as under:
Room Specifications
Room dimensions
Width 3.50 m Length 5.60 m Height 2.70 m
Working Plane Height 0.80 m
Reflections
Ceiling 0.50 Walls 0.30 Floors 0.10
Luminaire Specifications
Luminaire type TBS600/135 C7-60
Lamp type TL5 35W
Second Task
Let suppose there is a window in the back wall of the room, two luminaries of
the Room Block arrangement have to be moved.
Add a table in the center of the room & write text on table TABLE
OBSERVATION
INSTRUCTION
All the observation reports should be maintained in a separate file, do not staple the
report with the workbook.
OBJECTIVE
The purpose of this lab is to measure the LUX level on the given working plane. This
will be your first task of this Lab.
Room dimensions
Width 7.32 m Length 7.62 m Height 3.66 m
Reflections
Ceiling 0.50 Walls 0.30 Floor 0.10
Illuminance level
To be measured
Luminaire Specifications
Luminaire type Lamp Type Color
FBS331/218 M6 2xPL-L18W 840
TBS300/236 M1 2XTL-D36W 840
Project Maintenance Factor 0.80
Luminaires Location
Red Lamps (12 in Number)
Spacing
X- Spacing = 1.2m
Y- Spacing = 1.6m
Position
X=1.20 Y=1.60 Z=3.66
OBSERVATION
Attach the self-generated Report with each task of the Project.
In each report following details should be there
1) Title Page
2) Table of Contents
3) Top project overview
4) Summary
5) Luminaries Details
6) Calculation Results
a) Filled ISO Contour
INSTRUCTION
All the observation reports should be maintained in a separate file, do not staple with
the workbook.
OBJECTIVE
Design a task and accent lighting for an office.
Room Specifications
Room dimensions
Width 3.50 m
Length 5.60 m
Height 2.70 m
Reflections
Ceiling 0.50
Walls 0.30
Floor 0.10
Luminaries Used
TBS600/135 C7-60
MASTERLINE PLUS 20W 24D [13672]
OBSERVATION
Attach the self-generated Report with each task of the Project.
In each report following details should be there
1) Title Page
2) Table of Contents
3) Top project overview
4) Summary
5) Luminaries Details
6) Calculation Results
a) Filled ISO Contour
INSTRUCTION
All the observation reports should be maintained in a separate file, do not staple with
the workbook.
EXPERIMENT #11
OBJECTIVE
You are given an Industrial or commercial Bill
Calculate the total energy cost of the utility bill.
Explain the terms used in the bill
Perform Exercise in the end of the Lab Session
THEORY
The rates of utility companies are based upon the following guidelines:
1. The amount of energy consumed [kWh]
2. The demand rate at which energy is consumed [kW]
3. The power factor of the load.
The amount of energy consumed is measured by Energy meter and the demand of the
system during the demand interval is measured by Demand meter.
DEMAND MEASUREMENT
Demand varies by customer and month. To record demand, a special meter
tracks the flow of electricity to a facility over a period of time, usually 30-minute
intervals.
Over the course of a month, the 30-minute interval with the highest demand
recorded and reflected on a monthly bill.
Minimum Charges means a charge to recover the costs for providing customer service
to consumers even if no energy is consumed during the month.
Fixed Charges means the part of sale rate in a two-part tariff to be recovered on the
basis of Billing Demand in kilowatt on monthly basis.
Variable Charge means the sale rate per kilowatt-hour (kWh) as a single rate or part of
a two-part tariff applicable to the actual kWh consumed by the consumer during a
billing period.
Maximum Demand where applicable , means the maximum of the demand obtained in
any month measured over successive periods each of 30 minutes duration.
Sanctioned Load where applicable means the installed load in kilowatt as applied for
by the consumer and allowed/authorized by the Company for usage by the consumer.
Power Factor shall be to the ratio of kWh to KVAh recorded during the month or the
ratio of kWh to the square root of sum of square of kWh and kVARh.
Formulae to be used:
1. Energy Charges (Rs) = No. of Units x energy charges (Rs/kWh)
4. Additional Surcharge
Additional Surcharge (Rs) = No. of Units x Additional surcharge (Rs/kWh)
5. Income Tax
Applicable on Taxable Amount
6. Sales Tax
Sales Tax = some percent of Taxable amount (See Tarrifs)
EXERCISE
Attach Bill Here
CALCULATIONS
1. Power Factor
2. Tariff
3. Load Factor
4. Demand Factor
5. Maximum Demand
EXPERIMENT #12
EARTHING
OBJECTIVE
To study Earthing Resistance and Soil resistivity.
APPARATUS
Earth Resistance Tester
Hammer
Measuring Tape
THEORY
Earthing provides protection to personnel and equipment by ensuring operation of
protective control gear and isolation of the faulted circuit in the following cases.
Insulation puncture or failure
Breakdown of insulation between primary & secondary windings of a
transformer.
Lighting stroke
Ensuring low earth resistance is important in earthing process. In case where protection
against the faulted list is provided by mean of fuse or a circuit breaker, the total
Resistance of the earth path must be low enough to enable the operation of the
protective device. The earth electrode resistance depends upon the electrical resistivity
of the soil in which the electrode is installed, which in turn is determined by the
following factors:
1. Nature of soil
2. Extent of moisture
3. Presence of suitable salts dissolved in moisture
PLATE ELECTRODES
Plate electrodes consist of copper, cast iron or steel plate.
The minimum thickness of plate is recommended as
For cast iron - 12mm
For GI or steel - 6.3mm
For Copper - 3.15mm
And size not less than 600mm x 600mm.
In this case, the approximate resistance to ground in a uniform soil can be expressed by:
where
R= Resistance in Ω
l = length of pipe in cm
d = internal diameter of pipe in cm
RESISTIVITY OF SOIL
It has been found that the resistivity of the soil can be reduces by a chemical treatment
with the following salts.
Normal Salt (NaCl) and a mixture of salt & soft coke.
MgSO4
CuSO4
CaCl2
Na2CO3
Usually the mixture of NaNo3 + sea salt + coal is used in the ratio of 1:3:5
SOIL RESISTIVITY:
Soil resistivity is the key factor that determines what the resistance of a grounding
electrode will be, and to what depth it must be driven to obtain low ground resistance.
The resistivity of the soil varies widely throughout the world and changes seasonally.
Soil resistivity is determined largely by its content of electrolytes, which consist of
moisture, minerals and dissolved salts. A dry soil has high resistivity if it contains no
soluble salts (Figuer 1).
𝜌 = 2𝜋𝑎𝑅𝑔
For Example
After inspection, the area investigated has been narrowed down to a plot of ground
approximately 75 square feet (7 m2). Assume that you need to determine the resistivity
at a depth of 15 feet (450 cm). The distance A between the electrodes must then be
equivalent to the depth at which average resistivity is to be determined (15 ft, or 450
cm). Using the more simplified Wenner formula(𝜌 = 2𝜋𝑎𝑅𝑔 ), the electrode depth
must then be 1/20th of the electrode spacing or 8-7/8” (22.5 cm).
Exercise
Create report on methods of carrying out earthing resistance and soil resistivity.
9. For an EHV equipment for maintenance first it should be isolated and connected to
ground because:
a) to provide low impedance
b) to discharge the charging capacitance to ground
c) protection for operating personnel
d) both (b) and (c)