Conductive Gel Grounding Electrode for Rocky Soil
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing grounding grids face inefficiencies in discharging lightning currents due to high electrical resistivity and poor conductivity in rocky environments, where the limited contact surface area of metalloid blocks hinders rapid neutralization of electric charges.
Innovation Solution
A method and system for forming grounding electrodes using a conductive solution comprising amylocellulose, high conductivity carbon powder, and gel materials, which permeates into the ground to form a conductive gel that wraps around metal conductors, increasing the contact area and facilitating rapid discharge of lightning currents.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If metalloid blocks of definite shape are used as grounding electrodes, then the grounding grid structure is simple and easy to manufacture, but the contact surface area with rocks is small, causing poor lightning current discharging effect
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the physical state of the grounding electrode material from solid blocks to a gel form. The conductive solution containing carbon powder transforms into conductive gel after being poured into the hole, fundamentally altering the contact interface with rocks from discrete block surfaces to continuous gel-rock contact, thereby resolving the contradiction between structural simplicity and discharging effectiveness
Solution Approach 2:
The grounding electrode is formed as a composite system combining conductive gel (containing carbon powder, water, and gel materials) with the surrounding rock medium. This composite structure creates extensive interfacial contact areas between the conductive gel and rock surfaces, enabling effective lightning current discharge while maintaining ease of installation through simple pouring
2Ease of operation
If metalloid blocks are buried in rocky areas, then installation is straightforward, but the high electrical resistivity of rocks combined with limited contact area prevents rapid neutralization of electric charges
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies hydraulic principles by using a fluid conductive solution that can flow and permeate into the rock pores and fissures. The solution is poured into the prepared hole and naturally distributes itself throughout the surrounding rock structure, maximizing contact area without complex installation procedures, thus achieving both ease of operation and rapid charge neutralization
Solution Approach 2:
The conductive gel formulation allows penetration into the porous structure of rocks. The gel materials and carbon powder suspension can infiltrate rock pores and crevices, creating extensive internal contact surfaces that dramatically increase the effective contact area between the grounding electrode and the rock medium, enabling fast charge dissipation while maintaining simple installation
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The method enhances the discharging effect of lightning currents by increasing the contact area between the conductive gel and the ground, allowing for quicker neutralization of electric charges and reducing grounding resistance in rocky areas.
Implementation Method 1
when the conductive solution is poured into the grooves, the conductive solution would permeate into the nearby ground along these gaps
Implementation Method 2
Thanks to the gel material contained in the conductive solution, the conductive solution would slowly solidify to form gel during a certain time of period
Implementation Method 3
the conductive gel which permeates into the gaps in the ground... allowing for quicker neutralization of electric charges
Data Source
AI summary
A method and system for forming ground electrodes are provided, the method includes: metal conductors are laid in grooves that are dug out on a ground surface; conductive solution is prepared, with the conductive solution consisting of 0.1%-0.5% of amylocellulose, 15%-24.9% of high conductivity carbon powders, 15%-24.9% of gel material, and 60%-70% of water, by weight percentage; and the conductive solution is poured into the grooves, wherein the conductive solution forms conductive gel after solidifying, which wraps up a part of the metal conductor contained in the groove. The system for forming grounding electrodes includes: an excavating equipment, a setup equipment, a solution preparation equipment and a pouring and molding equipment. The method and system for forming ground electrodes can make the discharging effect of lightning currents better.