GEA simulator: power frequency and transient simulations for practical applications

The computation of ground resistances and impedances is essential to appraise the compliance of grounding systems with safety requirements, and to predict potential electrical solicitations which may affect the reliability of equipment and systems already in operation (in steady-state regime and transient conditions). Analytical and empirical approaches do exist to estimate parameters for simple grounding configurations. However, the study of fast transients, involving complex and extended grounding grids or nonuniform soil, necessitates more sophisticated computational methods for the ground resistances/impedances. The paper illustrates the computational approach implemented by the Grounding Electromagnetic Analysis (GEA) simulator, clarifying its strengths and limitations, while providing a variety of examples of possible applications.