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Design of Earthing Scheme in Off-shore Utility Plant

Article · September 2014

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International Journal of Electronics, Electrical and Mechanical Fundamentals, (Vol. 16, Issue 01), August 2014
www.ijeemf.com (An Indexed, Referred and Impact Factor Journal) ISSN: 2278-3989

Design of Earthing Scheme in Off-

Off-Shore Utility
Plant

Pankaj Kumar1, Pankaj Rai2, Niranjan Kumar3

1
Electrical Engineering Deptt.
BIT Sindri, VBU, Hazaribag, India
pankaj_kumar97@rediffmail.com
2
Associate Professor, Electrical Engineering Deptt.
BIT Sindri, VBU, Hazaribag, India,
pr_bit2001@yahoo.com India
3
Associate Professor, Electrical Engineering Deptt.
NIT Jamshedpur, Jharkhand, India
nknitjsr@gmail.com

Abstract relay are not shown for the sake of simplicity,

The power system in offshore installation consists of a
large electrical distribution network, with multiple gas
turbine-generators directly connected to 11kV
switchgear. Such a configuration introduces high
capacitive charging current (Ico); more than the
preferred high resistance grounding of generator
neutral from 10A, 10sec rating resistor, to safeguard
the generator iron core lamination from damage
during an earth fault. Hence, some utility selects low
resistance grounding to limit the fault current above
Ico, however it does not protect the core. This paper
is an attempt to share the experience learned in
designing neutral earthing scheme for off-shore utility
in view of high capacitive charging current and
outlines impact on stator core damage, its mitigation
and conclusion.
Keywords: GCB (Generator Circuit Breaker),
GTG (Gas Turbine Generator), HRG (High
Resistance Grounding), LRG (Low Resistance
Grounding), NER (Neutral Earthing Resistor),
NET (Neutral Earthing Transformer)
1. Introduction
Synchronous Generators are installed at Utility
Plate form. They are driven by aero-derivative
gas turbine and/or industrial gas turbine & diesel
engines to supply un-interrupted reliable power
to different plate forms to meet process
requirement. A typical single line diagram is
shown in Fig-1. NER with Breaker-C and 67N
although applicable to other generators.
It is imperative for System design engineer to
pay particular attention to applications of
multiple generators connected directly to 11kV
bus-bar without generator transformer (fig-1).
Such a configuration introduces high capacitive
charging current (Ico), more than the preferred
high resistance grounding of generator neutral
through 10A, 10sec NER, to safeguard the
generator core from damage during an earth
fault. Therefore, some utility prefers to select
low resistance grounding to limit the fault
current above Ico and attempt to mitigate the risk
of core damage by reducing earth fault protection
clearing time.
2. Capacitive Charging Current
Generator transformer (GT), approximately
equal to generator rating in MVA, requires
substantial space & weight on utility plate form.
For a compact Utility plate form design, GT is
generally not considered, unless defined as
specification requirement. This result into a
power system where multiple generators feed
directly to 11kV Switchgear, refer a typical
single line diagram in Fig-1. Such a
configuration however, increases the capacitive
charging current (Ico), which needs to be
mitigated through equipment design and

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International Journal of Electronics, Electrical and Mechanical Fundamentals, (Vol. 16, Issue 01), August 2014
www.ijeemf.com (An Indexed, Referred and Impact Factor Journal)
protection. At 11kV voltage level, there are
equipment like generators, motors, transformers
and feeders along with a large network of 11kV
cable length, spread to different plate forms,
introducing significant capacitive charging
current, which could be of the order of 20A to
200A [1]. Thus, low resistance grounding is an
option, considered for further analysis.
2.1 Winding Pitch of Generator
The winding pitch of generator could be 2/3rd or
5/6th; however both contribute to 3rd harmonic
voltage, displaced by 3600 (electrical
degrees).
Fig-1 – Typical Single line diagram
Multiple generators may operate with unequal
loading during parallel operation; also contribute
to increase in harmonics, when connected with
low resistance grounding at generator neutral.
The third harmonic & fundamental phase
voltages are co-phasal, however their effect is
felt in the zero sequence circuit, in the form of a
circulating current at the third harmonic
frequency. The magnitude of this current is
determined by the third harmonic driving voltage
and the third harmonic impedance of the zero
sequence circuit. The third harmonic current can
circulate only if a closed zero sequence path is
available for the generator third harmonic
voltage to drive it, refer fig-4 for example. The
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ISSN: 2278-3989
magnitude of generated third harmonic voltage
[2] is
U3=1.44+4.22 (Ia/In) – 2.72 (If/Ifn)
Where U3 (%) – is the measured third
harmonic voltage,
Ia (Amp)-Armature current
In (Amp) – Rated armature current,
If – is calculated field current
Ifn – is the calculated field current at rated output
power
In off-shore installation, space and weight of
equipment are important for plate form design,
unlike the onshore plant where horizontal
placement of sub-system is not a concern.
Industry always prefers a proven designed
generator. Reducing the winding pitch to 2/3rd
reduces 3rd harmonic, however rotor pole surface
loss is increased by 6 times approx. and
generator output reduced by 15%. Therefore for
same output, generator size needs to be
increased, which requires more space & weight
at plate form, having impact on the overall plate
form design. For a typical 32MVA generator
with 5/6th winding pitch, the 3rd harmonic
content is as follows:-
Phase to neutral Voltage is 2.97% and
Phase to phase voltage is 0.06%.
Hence, for proven standard generator, the
manufacturer offers an optimum designed
generator with 5/6th winding pitch.
2.2 Generator Core Lamination Damage
Curve
Manufacturer’s damage curve of generator stator
should always be referred for the magnitude and
duration of allowable earth fault current, so that
laminated iron core is prevented from damage
during fault.
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International Journal of Electronics, Electrical and Mechanical Fundamentals, (Vol. 16, Issue 01), August 2014
www.ijeemf.com (An Indexed, Referred and Impact Factor Journal)
Fig-2 – Generator iron core damage curve
Core damage is considered more severe than
winding damage [7]. Fig. 2 is a typical set of
damage curves for generator, showing three
regions where there are negligible, little, and
serious core burning area.
12A, 10sec – Negligible/ damage to generator
iron core
65A-200A for time duration selected according
to the curve for little / slight damage to generator
iron core
Thus, earth fault current could be limited to
200A, subject to earth fault protection clearance
time is reduced to 150ms, to enable core to
withstand higher fault current, in little burning
area. For 75A fault current, the earth fault
protection clearance time could be set for
1000ms (1sec).
2.3 Neutral Earthing Resistor
Due to high capacitive charging current and
stringent specification requirement for 11kV
NER like IP54 protection, the size of NER
becomes quite large. Higher the degree of
protection, higher is the size of NER for
maintaining balance between heat generation and
dissipation. Thus NERs needs more space, hence
difficult to accommodate in compact utility plate
form design. Usually, short time rating of NER is
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10sec. with temperature rise of 7600C [5]. In
view of high temperature, it is essential to place
NER in safe area, not in hazardous area.
For Industrial generator, NER can be placed in
Main terminal box of generator. However, in
case of ExnA generator, NER cannot be placed
in Main terminal box or Line side cubicle of
generator, otherwise Exn certification cannot
achieved due to temperature class limit – T4 i.e.,
2000C. Thus, it is imperative to judiciously select
both continuous & short-time rating and degree
of protection of NER.
3. Selection of Grounding Methods
The selection of grounding method should
provide safety, reliability, and continuity of
service desired for the oil & gas distribution
system. IEEE Standard [7] lists several reasons
for limiting the ground fault current by resistance
grounding:
1. To reduce burning and melting effects in
faulted electrical equipment, such as
switchgear, transformers, cables, and
rotating machines.
2. To reduce mechanical stresses in circuits
and apparatus carrying fault currents.
3. To reduce electrical-shock hazard to
personnel caused by stray ground fault
currents in the ground return path.
4. To reduce the arc blast or flash hazard to
personnel who may have accidentally
caused or who happen to be in close
proximity to the ground fault.
5. To reduce the momentary line voltage dip
occasioned by the occurrence and clearing
of a ground fault.
6. To secure control of transient over-voltages
while at the same time avoiding the
shutdown of a faulty circuit on the
occurrence of the first ground fault (high
resistance grounding).
For directly connected parallel operating
generators, the system neutral grounding scheme
should be selected carefully because of high
capacitive charging current of 60A at 11kV.
Selection of system grounding scheme should
ensure that no circulating 3rd harmonic current
be allowed in the neutral circuits of the
generators when they are operated in parallel.
Generally, high resistance grounding (HRG) is
preferred for generators to minimize generator
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www.ijeemf.com (An Indexed, Referred and Impact Factor Journal) ISSN: 2278-3989

core damage by using NER of 10A, 10sec cannot be achieved due to temperature class
however, low resistance grounding (LRG) is also limitation (T4=2000C), while NER temperature
used in off-shore installation where Ico is high. can be up to 7600C [6]. In that scenario, 3 no
Due to 60A capacitive charging current, HRG is NER along with 2 no NET are to be placed in
not recommended. safe area. Generator neutral is earthed through
Low resistance grounding (LRG) through NER - 10A, 10sec NER with breaker for NER switch-
Higher fault current is good for sensitive & in/off (fig-3). During normal operation, only one
selective relaying, limiting transient over- NET with loading resistor has to be kept in
voltages to moderate values, and a potential cost service while Generator NERs are kept switched-
savings over other grounding methods. However, off.
the main drawback is the possibility of
significant burning of the generator stator core
(Refer Fig-2). In addition, because of IP54 and
generator core guarantee for 60A fault current,
this scheme is found not suitable as illustrated
above (Refer 2.2). There are a certain issues,
which needs a particular attention-
1. While using low resistance grounding it is
recommended to have single NET/NER in
service at a time, to reduce 3rd harmonic
circulating current flow. So, with bus-
coupler in closed condition (refer fig-1),
only one NET should be in service and Fig-3 – Earthing scheme with LRG & HRG
others in switch-off condition. When bus-
coupler is off, then both NET should be in
service. In addition, there should not be
parallel grounding of generators. Parallel
grounding means generators shown in fig-1
are having their NERs in service.
2. Even though there is no parallel grounding,
there will still be capacitive leakage currents
at 11kV voltage level due to generators and
large network of 11kV cable length to
motors, service transformers and feeders,
spread to various plate forms. This current Fig-4 Earthing scheme with NET & loading
will flow through the generator neutral resistor at 11kV
earthing resistor. Thus, for a ground fault in
the stator winding occurring together with Under bus-coupler closed condition, second NET
low resistance grounding, the stator core should be off (fig-1 & fig-4). Prior to
will be severely damaged (fig-2). synchronization or under complete load throw
In view of above, Hybrid grounding is a better scenario of a generator, the corresponding NER
option, combining best features of both low should be put into service (refer fig-3) as GCB is
resistance and high resistance grounding opened to check the over-voltage condition due
methods [2]. This requires 3 no NER (HRG) to fault.
with degree of protection defined to IP23 & 2 no Neutral earthing transformer is connected in
Neutral Earthing Transformer (LRG), which star/broken delta (fig-4). The primary winding is
means more space & weight, however is solidly earthed and secondary in broken delta
insignificant and can be accommodated at Utility having loading resistor with Over-Voltage relay
plate form. For Industrial generator, NER can be (59N) [8]. The loading resistor is designed to
installed within main terminal box of the limit the zero-sequence current in secondary to
generator. For ExnA generator [9], NER cannot limit the earth fault current to 75A. Earthing
be placed within Main terminal box or Line side transformer/loading resistor is designed to
cubicle of generator otherwise Exn certification

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International Journal of Electronics, Electrical and Mechanical Fundamentals, (Vol. 16, Issue 01), August 2014
www.ijeemf.com (An Indexed, Referred and Impact Factor Journal)
withstanding the earth fault current for 10 sec
(min).
Fault Scenario-1 & Mitigation
During an earth fault in 11kV switchgear or any
of the outgoing feeders (fig-1), the loading
resistor across the NET broken delta restricts the
fault current to 75A and allows over-voltage
protection 59N to detect the over-voltage to trip
the faulty circuit. In addition, the loading resistor
provides damping to over-voltage due to Ferro-
resonance condition [3] [4] [5].
Fault Scenario-2 & Mitigation
During an earth fault in generator or evacuation
system, Generator Relay Panel (having
directional Earth Fault relay operation (67N) &
Instantaneous ground overcurrent protection
(50G), Generator Differential Protection (87G)
and Over-voltage Protection (59N) - Part of
numerical Generator Protection-GRP) initiates
tripping of GCB and Excitation & Field
Breaker, closing of GTG shut-off valve to cut-
off gas supply to gas turbine and simultaneous
closing of generator NER within 150ms through
lock out relay (86), so as to avoid build-up of
stress on insulation of generator and associated
system. Under the above fault scenario, there
are over voltages due to following-
1. Sudden load throw
2. Ferro-resonance conditions during fault [3]
[4] [5].
Thus, fault is mitigated through employing
Hybrid earthing scheme. Grounding scheme in
offshore installation should be finalized
judiciously during basic engineering design or
Front End Engineering Design (FEED).
Capacitive leakage current needs to be calculated
[10] based on layout and similar off-shore plant
database, to be validated later during detailed
engineering. Earth Fault protection clearing time
should always be derived from generator core
damage curve. Degree of protection should be
correctly defined; otherwise NER size would be
large, which requires more space at Utility plate
form.
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ISSN: 2278-3989
4. Conclusions
Capacitive leakage current should be judiciously
calculated during basic engineering design. Earth
Fault Protection clearing time should always be
derived from generator manufacturer supplied
core damage curve. It is essential to carefully
select both continuous & short-time rating and
degree of protection of NER; otherwise has
impact on NER size, which can lead to a layout
problem on plate form. Therefore, while
selecting earthing scheme, layout of the utility
plant in which generator & electrical system
including NER and NET with loading resistor
are placed, must be considered. NER and NET
with loading resistor should always be installed
in Safe area (Non-hazardous area). During
normal operation, one NET at 11kV bus is in
service with bus-coupler closed and all generator
NERs are isolated. To avoid coordination
problems, it may be imperative to remove
supplementary protection and NER (HRG),
when the generator is operated in connection
with 11kV switchgear (i.e., normal mode) with
LRG in service. Such a hybrid arrangement
offers the best features of both high resistance
grounding and low resistance grounding into the
power system.
References
[1] Handbook of Electrical Engineering: For
Practitioners in the Oil, Gas and
Petrochemical Industry - by Alan L.
Sheldrake
[2] Earth fault protection for synchronous
Machines, International Application Treaty
under PCT, published on 13 May 2004
[3] Grounding and ground fault protection of
multiple generator installations on medium
voltage industrial and commercial power
systems Part 1-4, An IEEE/IAS WG Report
[4] System Grounding and Ground-Fault
Protection in the Petrochemical Industry: A
need for a Better Understanding, John P.
Nelson, Fellow, IEEE Transaction on
Industry on Industry Applications, Vol. 38,
No. 6, November / December 2002
[5] State-of-the Art Medium Voltage Generator
Grounding and Ground Fault Protection of
Multiple Generator Installations, David
Shipp, Eaton Electrical, Warrendale,
Pennsylvania
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[6] IEEE 32- IEEE Standard Requirements,

Terminology, and Test Procedures for
Neutral Grounding Devices
[7] IEEE 142 - IEEE Recommended Practice for
Grounding of Industrial and Commercial
Power Systems
[8] IEEE 242-IEEE Recommended Practice for
Protection and Coordination of Industrial and
Commercial Power Systems
[9] IEC60079:15:2010 - Explosive atmospheres -
Part 15: Equipment protection by type of
protection "n"
[10] Industrial Power System, By Shoaib Khan,
CRC Press, Taylor & Francis Group

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