Frequency and Time Domain Analysis of Influence of the Grounding Electrode Conductivity on Induced Current Distribution

Abstract

The paper deals with an assessment of the influence of finite conductivity to the current induced along the horizontal grounding electrode. Analysis is performed in frequency and time domain, respectively. Current distribution along the grounding electrode buried in a lossy half-space is determined via analytical solution of the corresponding Pocklington equation in the frequency domain. The corresponding time domain response is obtained by means of Inverse Fast Fourier Transform (IFFT). The electrode is excited via an equivalent current source. Presence of the earth-air interface is taken into account via the simplified reflection coefficient arising from the Modified Image Theory (MIT). The electrode current is calculated for the case of perfectly conducting (PEC) electrode and for the electrodes made of copper and aluminum. Comparison of results shows no significant discrepancy between these electrodes, justifying the use of a PEC electrode approximation.