Analysis of transferred earth potentials in grounding systems: a BEM numerical approach

Abstract

[Abstract] In this work we present a numerical formulation for the analysis of a common problem in electrical engineering practice, that is, the existence of transferred earth potentials in a grounding installation [1]. The transfer of potentials between the grounding area to outer points by buried conductors, such as communication or signal circuits, neutral wires, pipes, rails, or metallic fences, may produce serious safety problems [2]. In this paper we summaryze the BE numerical approach and we present a new technique for the transferred potential analysis. Finally, we show some examples by using the geometry of real grounding systems in different cases of transferred potentials.