Electric model of current impulse generator applied to ground grids

Summary

The electrical system in its normality is not able to provide enough energy for the generation of current impulses of high magnitude. In this case, it is necessary to resort to energy storage systems that can be discharged with much more energy than is necessary to charge them. In principle, capacitors, inductors, rotary machines, batteries and even explosive materials can be used as energy storage devices. At the same time, capacitors connected in parallel together with inductors and resistors constitute, in their most basic form, an electric current impulse generator. Thus, in this paper we evaluate the response of the simulation of an electric current impulse generator to different types of ground grids (test object). For this purpose, we used two distinct models and a transient analysis software (ATP) to simulate this models adopted in research. Then, we presented the current impulse curve generated in the test object in respect of the impulse generator's charging voltage. Like this, we have found that the forms of current impulse wave is dependent on the electrical characteristics of the simulated test object. In spite of the current simulations have shown some disparity with respect to front time and the peak of the measured current impulses, it was still evident that the signs tend to follow the same pattern of reference signals. It is evident that some parameters should be evaluated as the change in permittivity and resistivity with the frequency of the applied signal, which in this case were considered constant. In general, the work has reached its purpose, which was to simulate an impulse generator applied to ground grids. Thus, the use of an impulse simulator enables to perform a preliminary survey of “RLC” elements of the generator circuit and the value of the charging voltage required to obtain a specific current impulse.

Additional informations

Authors

Da Costa, KOSEOGLU, STOLLER, OVER

Keywords

Impulse generator, ground grid, electric model, current impulse, front time