Transient lightning response to grounding grids buried in horizontal multilayered earth model considering time domain quasi-static complex image method and soil ionization effect

Abstract

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to propose a fast, accurate and efficient algorithm for assessment of transient behavior of grounding grids buried in horizontal multilayered earth model considering soil ionization effect. Design/methodology/approach The purpose of this paper is to develop a numerical simulation method to calculate the lightning impulse response of the grounding grid buried in a horizontal multilayered earth model. The mathematical model about the hybrid method based on PI basic function belonging to time domain is proposed in the paper; the mode can precisely calculate the lightning current distribution and lightning impulse response to grounding grids buried in horizontal multilayered soil model considering soil ionization effect. To increase computing efficiency, quasi-static complex image method (QSCIM) and its time-domain Green’s function closed form are introduced in the model. Findings The hybrid model is rather stable, with the respect to the number of elements used and with excellent convergence rate. In addition, because this mathematical model belongs to the time domain algorithm, it is very powerful for the simulation of soil ionization caused by high amplitude lightning current. Research limitations/implications To increase computing efficiency, QSCIM and its time domain Green's function closed form are introduced in the model. Practical implications The mathematical model about the hybrid method based on PI basic function can precisely calculate the lightning current distribution and lightning impulse response to grounding grids buried in horizontal multilayered soil model considering the soil ionization effect. Social implications Considering the soil ionization effect, the simulation calculation of lightning impulse response of substation grounding grid buried in the actual horizontal multilayered earth can effectively support the scientific and efficient design of lightning protection performance of substation grounding grid. Originality/value The hybrid model in time domain is originally developed by the authors and used to precisely calculate the lightning current distribution and lightning impulse response to grounding grids buried in horizontal multilayered soil model considering soil ionization effect. It is simple and very efficient and can easily be extended to arbitrary grounding configurations.