Tower Grounding Layout Using Deep Micropiles and Double Rings
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing grounding systems for overhead power line towers are inefficient in reducing reverse discharge phenomena, occupy significant land surface, are sensitive to climatic changes, and are difficult to install, particularly in challenging terrains, while not effectively mitigating contact and step voltages.
Innovation Solution
A grounding system featuring a double perimeter ring structure with deeper, larger rings and micropiles acting as deep earthing elements, which are electrically connected and anchored to the tower, providing modular and versatile installation adaptable to various terrains and electrical characteristics.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If long counterweights (up to 120 m) are used for grounding, then the high-frequency impedance is reduced, but the land occupation and surface removal increase
Solution Approach 1:
The invention transitions from horizontal grounding conductors to vertical micropiles, changing the dimension of grounding element deployment. This allows achieving effective grounding without extensive land occupation by exploiting the vertical dimension and deeper soil layers with lower resistivity.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the deployment parameters of grounding elements from horizontal extension to vertical penetration. By using micropiles that extend deep into the ground (exploiting deeper soil layers), the system achieves effective grounding with minimal surface footprint.
2Ease of manufacture
If counterweights are buried at shallow depth (no more than 1 m), then installation is simpler, but the system becomes more sensitive to climatic changes and ground resistivity variations
Solution Approach 1:
The invention moves grounding elements from shallow horizontal placement to deep vertical penetration. Micropiles extend into deeper soil layers that are less affected by climatic variations, thereby improving reliability while maintaining installation feasibility through specialized drilling equipment.
3Reliability
If extensive horizontal grounding conductors are used, then grounding coverage is improved, but mechanical stresses and exposure to environmental factors increase
Solution Approach 1:
The invention replaces horizontal grounding conductors exposed to surface environmental factors with vertical micropiles embedded deep in the ground. This dimensional change protects the grounding elements from mechanical stresses and environmental damage while maintaining effective grounding coverage.
4Ease of operation
If traditional grounding systems are used, then installation is straightforward, but adaptability to challenging terrains is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The invention replaces traditional mechanical burial of horizontal conductors with drilling and injection techniques for vertical micropiles. This substitution enables installation in challenging terrains (rocky, sloped, or constrained areas) where horizontal burial would be difficult or impossible, while maintaining operational simplicity through specialized equipment.
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 system effectively reduces reverse discharge risk, minimizes land occupation, and ensures stable electrical performance across varying ground conditions, while being applicable to new and existing towers without compromising mechanical stability.
Implementation Method 1
one or more micropiles that are electrically connected to the second ring-type grounding element, extend vertically or obliquely downwards from said second ring-type grounding element and are configured to act as deep earthing elements
Implementation Method 2
the voltage which stresses the insulators is, therefore, a function proportional not only to the value of the lightning current drained to earth by the tower grounding system, but also to the value of the impulse resistance (or rather the high-frequency impedance) of the grounding system itself
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a grounding system for a tower of an overhead power line, wherein said tower is anchored to the ground by means of one or more anchorage structures (1) at least partially buried. The grounding system is buried and comprises: a first electrically conductive ring-type grounding element (21) which is buried at a first predefined depth, extends horizontally around the anchorage structure (s) (1) of the tower and is electrically connected to the tower; a second electrically conductive ring-type grounding element (22) which is buried at a second predefined depth greater than the first predefined depth, extends horizontally around the anchorage structure (s) (1) of the tower, is larger than the first ring-type grounding element (21) and is electrically connected to the first ring-type grounding element (21) by one or more grounding conductors (24, 26, 28); and one or more micropiles (23, 25, 27, 54) which are electrically connected to the second ring-type grounding element (22), extend vertically or obliquely downwards from said second ring-type grounding element (22) and are configured to act as deep earthing elements.