Grounding Current Dispersion of HVDC Grounding System Under Dynamic Seasonal Frozen Soil

Abstract

When a high voltage direct current (HVDC) system works at single line operation mode, a big current will flow into the earth through the grounding system directly. Then the large current can cause damage to surrounding equipment and the environment. Therefore, it is significant to study the current dispersion characteristics of HVDC grounding system. Firstly, a ±800 kV HVDC model operated at single line mode is built. The grounding current can be seen as the equivalent current source injecting to the grounding system. Secondly, the current dispersion characteristics of horizontal, cross and ring electrodes are investigated. It proves that the ring grounding electrode shows better current dispersion characteristic. And the double-ring grounding electrode whose ratio of inner and outer rings is controlled at 0.7 to 0.75 can get a better current dispersion characteristic. In addition, a dynamic seasonal frozen soil resistivity changing model is built to study the effects of season on the grounding electrodes. The frozen soil would not only increase the ESP, the resistance to ground, and step voltage, but also reduce the current density and electrical field. When the frozen soil is melting, the current dispersion characteristics are the best. The results provide meaningful reference for the design of the grounding system in extremely cold regions.

Using a mixed layered soil model to optimize the layout of coastal direct current (DC) grounding electrodes

“…Literature [9][10][11] studied the effect of saturated soil resistivity on the temperature rise of the HVDC grounding electrode. Literature [12] researched the current dispersion characteristics of DC grounding systems.…”