The effect of grounding electrode parameters on soil ionization and transient grounding resistance using electromagnetic field approach

Abstract

The soil ionization phenomenon occurs during the dispersion of lightning current into the earth. This phenomenon causes the grounding electrode resistance to be effectively reduced. The extension of the soil ionization depends on the current amplitude along the electrode and the resultant electric field intensity surrounding the electrode. The electrical and physical parameters of the grounding electrode system are found as factors that affect the electric field intensity. In this study the electromagnetic field approach and the soil breakdown theory are taken into account to investigate the effect of the mentioned factors on soil ionization and grounding resistance. Changing the parameters of the grounding electrode system affect the electric field distribution around the electrode. Based on the conditions the grounding electrode resistance was reduced between 12% to 75% by considering the soil ionization effect.