Modeling & Analysis Techniques for Solar PV Grounding Systems

Solar photovoltaics (PV) power plants are playing a greater role in the generation of power in North America, and several factors expect this increased growth in the coming years. As PV generation is modular, some facilities range from 5 -20 MW and interconnect with a utility’s distribution circuit. Larger facilities can provide 300 MW or more, are often designed with their own collector substation, and interconnect with transmission level voltages. This discussion, given by David Lewis, PE, Grounding and Power Systems at EasyPower, steps through several modeling methods to accurately assess the grounding system performance with regard to IEEE Std 80 personnel safety criteria. Transferred voltages, lumped impedances, regional analysis, and other analysis concerns will be addressed.

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