Earth Mat Design for 132/33Kv Substation in Rivers State Using ETAP

Abstract

Earthing is an important aspect of every substation construction. Earth Mat is preferable to large substations because of space saving on the ground level due to substantial reduction of earth pits which leads to ease of coordination. Earth Mat minimizes the danger of high step or touch voltages in critical operating areas or places that are frequently used by people. Thus properly designed earthing system capable of dissipating large currents safely to earth is required, regardless of the fault type. This paper presents the design of earthing systems for the 132/33Kv substation in Rivers state of Nigeria and the review of substation practices with special reference to safety and development criteria for safe design. A real time case study has been considered and the design was done using ETAP (Electrical Transients Analyzer Program). Simulation using ETAP eradicates the error that is inherent in manual operational method that is mostly used in various substations.