Grounding system of High Voltage substation - need, Factors influencing Design & Practices of Utilities

The main objective of grounding system of substation is to provide a low resistance path for the discharge of heavy fault current. This further helps by providing safety to working personnel and costly installed equipments and machinery in the substation. It is essential to curb the flow of heavy fault current which may result in rise of potential in the substation area and with respect to remote ground. Also it is necessary to control the ground potential rise, and touch and step voltages within the permissible limit^[1–3]. This paper deals with the grounding of High Voltage Substation. It discusses about importance of Grounding. It not only discusses about fundamentals concepts required for grounding at substation but also about the factors that are to be considered while designing substations. It also explores the current practices of Utilities.