Time domain modeling of lightning transients in grounding systems considering frequency dependence and soil ionization

This paper presents a new model for analyzing transient grounding system behavior during a direct lightning strike. The modeling that we propose allows us to consider a simple grounding conductor buried horizontally or vertically, a grounding grid, wind turbine grounding system and grounding circuits for wind farms while including the aerial parts (towers and blades). This modeling is developed directly in the time domain taking into account the frequency dependence of the impedance and admittance of the wired conductors and of the electrical parameters of the soil (rho, epsilon) and also considering the ionization of the soil. This formalism is based on transmission line equations, rational approximation by vector fitting and the Finite Difference Time Domain numerical method. The proposed formalism is verified considering both simulations and experimental results from available published researches. The Ground Potential Rise GPR in the grounding circuits of wind farms are discussed during the first stroke and also during the subsequent stroke whose frequency range generates more propagation of electrical waves along conductors. This formalism makes it possible to contribute to all knowledge/research of grounding systems.