Simulation and Experimentation of a Grounding Network Detection Scheme Based on a Low-Frequency Electromagnetic...

Area of Science:

• Electrical Engineering
• Materials Science
• Non-destructive Testing

Background:

• Grounding networks are critical in substations, with corrosion impacting their ground resistance.
• Electromagnetic methods are primarily used for detecting breakages, not corrosion, in earthing networks.
• Existing research on electromagnetic corrosion detection in grounding systems is limited.

Purpose of the Study:

• To propose and validate a novel low-frequency electromagnetic method for detecting corrosion in grounding networks.
• To measure the resistance between individual nodes of the grounding network to assess corrosion.
• To establish a foundation for developing specialized electromagnetic testing instruments for grounding networks.

Main Methods:

• Utilized a low-frequency electromagnetic method to measure resistance between network nodes.
• Transmitted a predetermined frequency excitation signal to the grounding network segment.
• Measured the induced magnetic field strength above the conductor and processed data using a LABVIEW-based interface.
• Determined conductor resistance by analyzing induced electric potential, current, excitation strength, and voltage.

Main Results:

• The proposed method successfully measured the resistance of the grounding network conductors.
• Electromagnetic data processing and analysis yielded favorable results under tested conditions.
• The technique demonstrated the potential for accurate corrosion assessment in earthing systems.

Conclusions:

• The developed low-frequency electromagnetic method is effective for detecting corrosion in grounding networks.
• This research provides a viable approach for assessing the integrity of earthing systems.
• The findings support the development of new electromagnetic testing instruments for substation grounding.