Academic literature on the topic 'Neutral Earthing Resistor'

Electrical resistors for power lines are used worldwide as Neutral Earthing Resistors for short-circuit current reduction in power grids, and also as Filtering Resistors in combination with capacitors and inductances. The manufacturers of such resistors must certificate that they withstand the mechanical and thermal stresses imposed by the external loads, in accordance with IEC 62001 standard. Although this certification can be achieved by means of testing the resistor under working conditions, this process is both expensive and time-consuming. In this paper it is proposed a methodology for simulating the thermal and mechanical behavior of an electrical resistor, based on Multiphysics Finite Element Analysis. The methodology has been applied for the analysis of a filtering resistor for the Ethiopia-Kenia Power Systems Interconnection. Keywords: Earthing and Filtering Resistor, Multiphysics Finite Element Analysis, IEC 62001 short-circuit behavior.

This paper focuses on the evaluation of the electric shock hazard accompanying earth faults in a non-effectively earthed medium-voltage (MV) electrical power network. This hazard depends on the duration and value of the fault current. While the fault current depends on several factors, the most important is the neutral point earthing method. The value of the fault current affects the earthing-electrode voltage value, being the basis for the assessment of electric shock hazard in MV/LV substations. The earthing-electrode voltage is also influenced by the resistance of the substation earthing, which in practice is random. Therefore, an original statistical evaluation method for assessing the electric shock hazard has been developed and presented in this paper. It is based on a statistical model of the MV/LV substation earthing resistance, worked out on the basis of experiments and measurements in real electrical power networks. This method can be used for the determination of statistical distributions of earthing-conductor voltages in real electrical power networks, and on this basis, the MV/LV substations with rates of electric shock hazard that are too high can be indicated. This also makes it possible to determine the longest permissible fault current interruption times or the highest permissible earthing resistances for specific substations. This method is also applicable when selecting the neutral point earthing method. The developed method was used in all of the above proposed areas by performing calculations on a model of a real 15 kV network with the neutral point earthed by a resistor. This analysis proves the practicability of the method both at the stage of designing power networks, and when a change in the neutral point earthing method in existing networks is being considered. Particularly valuable is also the statistical model of an earthing electrode resistance, developed on the basis of measurements in 2408 MV/LV substations, which may also be applicable in the future studies.

Third harmonic (TH) current from salient-pole synchronous generator that return to its neutral via cable capacitance or other neutral grounding points in the network can cause the neutral earthing resistor (NER) to experience high temperature. Generator neutral earthing reactance (NERX) can be used to mitigate the TH current flowing in the neutral under normal condition. This paper aims to study the suitable design of NERX to be implemented in Universiti Teknologi PETRONAS (UTP) distribution system to reduce the TH current at the generator neutral. The model of UTP distribution system is developed using MATLAB Simulink in order to simulate the flow of TH current. NERX is then designed and implemented to the system to mitigate the magnitude of TH current. Various values of NERX are applied to the system as the neutral current and fault current are recorded and graphed. The application of 0.175 H NERX increased the TH neutral current in island mode and normal operation to 33.18 %. However, the NERX causes the TH fault current to reduce to 44.33 % under fault. For parallel mode, 78.27 % of TH neutral current and also 42.91 % of TH fault current are reduced under normal operation and fault respectively.

Geomagnetic induced current (GIC) occurs as a direct consequence of abnormal space weather which starts from the sun and may flow into a power system network through neutral grounding connections. The flow of GIC through grounded neutral power transformer has been a major concern to researchers since it can potentially affect power system equipment. Most of the previous research was focused on high and mid latitude countries only. However, it has been proven that the GIC is not only limited to high and mid latitudes, but also extends to power systems at lower geographic latitudes. This paper aims to investigate the impacts of GIC on selected 275 kV subpower system networks in Peninsular Malaysia, which is among the low latitude countries. Its impact in terms of magnitude and duration is also assessed together with the use of neutral earthing resistor (NER) as a potential blocking component to reduce the impact of GIC on the Malaysian power system network. Results demonstrated that when GIC exists in the power system, power transformers undergo half-cycle saturation that may lead to a reactive power loss and power system voltage instability. In this case, the power transformer can only withstand a maximum GIC value of 7 A, and beyond this value, if prolonged, may lead to voltage instability. It turned out that GIC magnitude had more impact compared to duration. However, long duration with high magnitude of GIC is the most hazardous to power transformers and could potentially cause major faults in the power system network. As part of mitigation, NER with a value of 315.10 Ω can be used to limit the GIC current flow and thus provide protection to the power system network. Clearly, the issue of GIC undoubtedly affects the reliability, security and sustainability of power system operation, especially networks with highly critical load and capacity and, therefore, thorough studies are required to assess and mitigate this issue.

Neutral point earthing of mid-voltage grids is implemented variously around the world, depending on the practice of individual countries with the emphasis on the technical regulations in force. Croatia is in the process of transition from star-point earthing through resistors to resonant earthing. Questions on the choice of arc suppression coil technology and the consequences for the operation of relay protection in transformer stations arise in relation to that. It is necessary to view all technical-economic aspects in order to reach an appropriate solution, while at the same time acknowledging the reliable operations of star-point earthing devices, and ensuring a satisfactory quality of electric energy supply.

 This thesis investigates the nature and magnitude of switching transient overvoltages that can be expected in inductively grounded underground coal mines. Computer models of power system equipment have been developed to analyse single-phase fault isolations; motor starts (including prestriking) and motor turn offs. The computer models that were developed have been validated against field recordings. The "Alternative Transients Program" (ATP) software was used to conduct the computer simulation studies. 

The underground substations used in Central Queensland coal mines are grounded through a Neutral Earthing Reactor (NER). The primary purpose of a NER is to limit earth fault currents. However, when a single -phase -to -ground fault occurs, energy is stored in the NER. Consequent to the isolation of such a fault, the energy stored in the NER is released. The release of this energy manifests itself as a transient overvoltage. This thesis investigates the effect of the rating of the NER and the value of the electric current at the instant of earth fault isolation on transient overvoltages. 

Two alternate earthing schemes were investigated in an attempt to reduce the severity of the transient overvoltages consequent to the isolation of earth faults. The first alternative that was investigated was the addition of a Resistor -Capacitor Snubber in parallel with a NER. Computer simulations indicate that the proper choice of Snubber parameters is very effective in reducing transient overvoltages following the isolation of earth faults. Consequently, a decision was made to manufacture a R -C Snubber and conduct field tests on the same. A summary of the field tests results has been included in the thesis. 

The other alternate grounding scheme that was investigated was the substitution of a Neutral Earthing Reactor with a Neutral Earthing Resistor. Computer simulations indicate that transient overvoltages following the isolation of earth faults are virtually eliminated if a Neutral Earthing Resistor is used. 

Consequent to this research work, the use of R -C Snubbers has become a recommended practice at various coal mine sites in Australia which use NER grounded, container type substations. The R -C Snubber is the preferred alternative at such installations as it is very compact and also eliminates the heating/reliability problems associated with resistance grounding. 

Vacuum contactors are used throughout the Central Queensland mines to frequently turn motors on and off. One of the most significant characteristics of vacuum contactors is their ability to interrupt high frequency currents. The consequence of this is that a considerable number of high frequency prestriking transients can be generated whenever a motor is turned on. These high frequency transients can lead to the premature aging of insulation. This thesis presents a computer model that was developed to simulate prestriking transients using the TACS (Transient Analysis of Control Systems) programming feature of the ATP software. Further investigation of prestriking transients was considered to be beyond the scope of the present research project. However, the unique TACS based prestriking model of a vacuum contactor that has been developed will be a useful tool for conducting further research.