A Simulator for Potential Distribution Analysis

This paper proposes a reduced-scale simulator that can replace numerical analytic methods for the estimation of potential distribution caused by ground faults in various grounding systems. The simulator consists of a hemispherical electrolytic tank, a three-dimensional potential probe, a grounding electrode, and a data acquisition module. The potential distribution is measured using a potentiometer with a position-tracing function when a test current flows to the grounding electrode. Using the simulator, we could clearly analyze the potential distribution for a reduced- scale model by one-eightieth of the buried depth and length of the grounding rod and grounding grid. Once both the shape of the grounding electrode and the fault current are known, the actual potential distribution can be estimated.