Boundary element formulation for the analysis of transferred potentials in electrical installations

In this work we present a BEM numerical formulation for the analysis of a common problem in electrical engineering practice, that is, the existence of transferred earth potentials in a grounding installation [IEEE Guide for safety in AC substation grounding (2000)]. The transfer of potentials between the grounding area to outside points by buried conductors, such as communication or signal circuits, neutral wires, pipes, rails, or metallic fences, may produce serious safety problems [Comput Methods Appl Mech Eng, 174 (1999) p. 73]. Thus, in this paper we summarize the BE numerical approach and we present a new technique for the transferred potential analysis. Finally, we show some examples by using the geometry of real grounding systems. (C) 2004 Civil-Comp Ltd and Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.