Effects of Ground Resistivity and Tower Structural Design on Transmission Line Symmetrical Components

Abstract

Electric power transmission towers are line support that exists in different structural configurations depending on the design. Parameters in consideration for the design include proposed voltage and current ratings to be carried by the tower, weight of aluminum conductor and the weight of concrete foundation on which the tower would be erected. It is often reported that ground resistivity of the ground on which an electric power transmission tower is erected has significant effects on earth faults and transmission losses on the line. This paper presents an investigation of the effects of ground resistivity and tower structural design on transmission line symmetrical components. Symmetrical component parameters’ evaluation of the transmission lines approach is considered the best option. Ten differently structured transmission towers were selected for the case study. The effects of installing these ten towers on each of the available ground resistivity types were examined. A modern computer software was developed in carrying out this investigation. The results are presented and discussed. It was observed that at each location of a tower, ground resistivity plays a vital role in measuring the performance of tower in an electric power supply stability and reliability