MAHARASHTRA STATE BOARD OF TECHNICAL EDUCATION,

MUMBAI

A MICRO PROJECT REPORT

ON

“Prepare report on Neutral Grounding”

Submitted In Partial Fulfillment of the Requirement for the
Course
Of

Six Semesters

DIPLOMA COURSE
IN
ELECTRICAL ENGINEERING
Submitted by

MAHAJAN VISHAL SUPADU

ENROLLMENT NO - 1715440023

Under the guidance of

PROF. S. R. BARI

DEPARTMENT OF ELECTRICAL ENGINEERING

SSPM’S VASANTRAO MORE POLYTECHNIC, TEHU
2019-20
 SSPM’S
VASANTRAO MORE POLYTECHNIC
TEHU
DEPARTMENT OF ELECTRICAL ENGINEERING

CERTIFICATE
This is to be certified that   MAHAJAN VISHAL SUPADU students of
third year v semester of Electrical Engineering Department, Vasantrao More
Polytechnic Tehu, completed Micro Project entitled

“Prepare report on Neutral Grounding”

Submitted Project Report for the partial fulfillment of the

curriculum of the course ELECTRICAL SUBSTATION
PRACTICES (ESP) (22633) of Six Semester Diploma course
in Electrical Engineering from Maharashtra State Board of Technical
Education, Mumbai.
 Guide HOD Principal
Prof. S. R. Bari Prof. N. A. Patil Prof. D.G. Patil

Proposal
Of
Micro
Project
“Prepare report on Neutral Grounding”

1.0 Rationale

The objectives of this micro-project study the Neutral Grounding.

In the early power systems were mainly Neutral ungrounded due
to the fact that the first ground fault did not require the tripping
of the system. An unscheduled shutdown on the first ground
fault was particularly undesirable for continuous process
industries. These power systems required ground detection
systems, but locating the fault often proved difficult. Although
achieving the initial goal, the ungrounded system provided no
control of transient over-voltages.

A capacitive coupling exists between the system conductors and

ground in a typical distribution system. As a result, this series
resonant L-C circuit can create over-voltages well in excess of
line-to-line voltage when subjected to repetitive re-strikes of one
phase to ground.

2.0 Literature Review

Neutral Grounding
In neutral grounding system, the neutral of the system or rotating
system or transformer is connected to the ground. The neutral
grounding is an important aspect of power system design because
the performance of the system regarding short circuits, stability,
protection, etc., is greatly affected by the condition of the neutral. A
three phase system can be operated in two possible ways

1. With ungrounded neutral

2.With a grounded neutral
Ungrounded Neutral System

In an ungrounded neutral system, the neutral is not connected to

the grounded. In other words, the neutral is isolated from the
ground. Therefore, this system is also known the isolated neutral
system or free neutral system shown in the figure below.

Grounded System

In neutral grounding system, the neutral of the system is connected

to the ground. Because of the problems associated with
ungrounded neutral systems, the neutrals are grounded in most of
the high- voltage systems.
Neutral Grounding Resistors (NGRs) are used to limit the fault
current for safety of equipment and personnel in industrial
systems.

In solid grounding, the system is directly grounded and the fault

current is limited only by the soil resistance. The fault current can
be very high and can damage the transformers, generators, motors,
wiring and other equipment’s in the system. The NGRs are inserted
between neutral and ground in order to increase the net resistance
in the event of an earth fault and limit the current to a safe level.

The fault current value should be limited to a value that can be

safely handled by the machine or transformer. It also needs to be
high enough to be sensed by the earth fault protection relays. If the
NGR resistance value is too high, the fault current will be very low
and will not be able to activate the earth fault protection relay
during earth fault conditions.
3.0 Proposed Methodology

Procedure to do the micro-project:

1. We collect all the information on internet, books and
references’ books.
2. Divide the total work in group members.
3. We are seen the videos of Neutral grounding.
4. We put the all information in Microsoft word
5. Finally, make the report on Neutral Grounding.

4.0 Action Plan

Name of
Sir Planned Planned Responsible
Details of Activity
No Start Date Finish Date team
member
1 Collect the 16/01/2019 19/01/2019
information in Vishal
textbook
2 Also search the 20/01/2019 22/01/2019
information
Laxmi
internet, and
references books.
3 We are seen the 23/01/2019 23/01/2019
Vishal
videos of neutral
grounding.
4 Put the all 24/01/2019 25/01/2019
Laxmi
information on
Microsoft word

5.0 Resource Required

Sr. Resources Name Quantit Remark
No y
1 Internet Google 1 Available
2 Book Control of 1 Available
Electrical Machine
3 References Fundamental of 1 Available
book smart grid
Technology
4 Microsoft Word 1 Available
office
 Micro
Project
Report

1.0 Brief Description

In this micro project make a report on a neutral grounding. In

power system, grounding or earthing means connecting frame of
electrical equipment (non-current carrying part) or some electrical
part of the system (e.g. neutral point in a star-connected system,
one conductor of the secondary of a transformer etc.) to earth i.e.
soil. This connection to earth may be through a conductor or some
other circuit element (e.g. are resistor, a circuit breaker etc.)
depending up on the situation, grounding or earthing offers two
principal advantages. First, it provides protection to the power
system. For example, if the neutral point of a star-connected system
is grounded through a circuit breaker and phase to earth fault
occurs on any one line, a large fault current will flow through the
circuit breaker. The circuit breaker will open to isolate the faulty
line. This protects the power system from the harmful effects of the
fault. Secondly, earthing of electrical equipment ensures the safety
of the persons handling the equipment. For example, if insulation
fails, there will be a direct contact of the live conductor with the
metallic part (i.e. frame) of the equipment. Any person in contact
with the metallic part of this equipment will be subjected to a
dangerous electrical shock which can be fatal. In this chapter, we
shall discuss the importance of grounding or earthing in the line of
power system with special emphasis on neutral grounding.

2.0 Aim of Micro-project

Prepare a report on neutral grounding.

3.0 Course Outcome Integrated

 Neutral grounding protect equipment

 It provides improved service reliability.

4.0 Actual Procedure Followed.

Procedure to do the micro-project:

 1. We collect all the information on internet, books and
references’ books.
2. Divide the total work in group members.
3. We are seen the videos of neutral grounding.
4. We put the all information in Microsoft word
5. Finally, make the report on neutral grounding.

5.0 Actual Resources Used.

Sr. Resources Name Quantit Remark

No y
1 Internet Google 1 Available
2 Book Control of 1 Available
Electrical Machine
3 References Fundamental of 1 Available
book smart grid
Technology
4 Microsoft Word 1 Available
office

6.0 Outputs of Micro-Project.

GROUNDING
‘In power system, grounding or earthing means connecting
frame of electrical equipment (non-current carrying part) or some
electrical part of the system (e.g. neutral point in a star-connected
 system, one conductor of the secondary of a transformer etc.) to
earth i.e. soil. This connection to earth may be through a conductor
or some other circuit element (e.g. are resistor, a circuit breaker
etc.) depending up on the situation, grounding or earthing offers
two principal advantages. First, it provides protection to the power
system. For example, if the neutral point of a star-connected system
is grounded through a circuit breaker and phase to earth fault
occurs on any one line, a large fault current will flow through the
circuit breaker. The circuit breaker will open to isolate the faulty
line. This protects the power system from the harmful effects of the
fault. Secondly, earthing of electrical equipment ensures the safety
of the persons handling the equipment. For example, if insulation
fails, there will be a direct contact of the live conductor with the
metallic part (i.e. frame) of the equipment. Any person in contact
with the metallic part of this equipment will be subjected to a
dangerous electrical shock which can be fatal. In this chapter, we
shall discuss the importance of grounding or earthing in the line of
power system with special emphasis on neutral grounding.

 Concept of Grounding
  The process of connecting the metallic frame (i.e. non-current
carrying part) of electrical equipment or some electrical part of the
system (e.g. neutral point in a star- connected system, one
conductor of the secondary of a transformer etc.) to earth (i.e. soil)
is called grounding or earthing. It is strange but true that
grounding of electrical systems is less understood aspect of power
system. Nevertheless, it is a very important subject. If grounding is
done systematically in the line of the power system, we can
effectively prevent accidents and damage to the equipment of the
power system and at the same time continuity of supply can be
maintained. Grounding or earthing may be classified as :(i)
Equipment grounding (ii) System grounding. Equipment grounding
deals with earthing the non-current-carrying metal parts of the
electrical equipment. On the other hand, system grounding means
earthing some part of the electrical system e.g. earthing of neutral
point of star-connected system in generating stations and
substations.

 Neutral Grounding
 
 The process of connecting neutral point of 3-phase system to
earth (i.e. soil) either directly or through some circuit element is
called neutral grounding. Neutral grounding provides protection to
personal and equipment. It is because during earth fault, the
current path is completed through the earthed neutral and the
protective devices (e.g. a fuse etc.) operate to isolate the faulty
conductor from the rest of the system. This point is illustrated in
Fig.

Fig. shows a 3-phase, star-connected system with neutral

earthed. Suppose a single line to ground fault occurs in line R at

point F. This will cause the current to flow through ground path as
shown in Fig.1. Note that current flows from R phase to earth, then
to neutral point N and back to R-phase. Since the impedance of the
current path is low, a large current flows through this path. This
large current will blow the fuse in R-phase and isolate the faulty
line R. This will protect the system from the harmful effects of the
fault. One important feature of grounded neutral is that the
potential difference between the live conductor and ground will not
exceed the phase voltage of the system i.e. it will remain nearly
constant.
 

3. Methods of Neutral Grounding

   The methods commonly used for grounding the neutral point of a
3-phase system are: 

(i) Solid or effective grounding

(ii) Resistance grounding
(iii) Reactance grounding
(iv)Peterson-coil grounding
 
The choice of the method of grounding depends upon many factors
including the size of the system, system voltage and the scheme of
protection to be used.
 

 Solid Grounding

When
the neutral point of a 3-phase system (e.g. 3- phase generator, 3-
phase transformer etc.) is directly connected to earth (i.e. soil)
through a wire of negligible resistance and reactance, it is called
solid grounding or effective grounding. Fig. shows the solid
grounding of the neutral point. Since the neutral point is directly
connected to earth through a wire, the neutral point is held at earth
potential under all conditions. Therefore, under fault conditions, the
voltage of any conductor to earth will not exceed the normal phase
voltage of the system.

 Advantages
 The solid grounding of neutral point has the following advantages:

(i) The neutral is effectively held at earth potential.

(ii) When earth fault occurs on any phase, the resultant capacitive
current IC is in phase opposition to the fault current IF. The
two currents completely cancel each other. Therefore, no arcing
ground or over-voltage conditions can occur. Consider a line to
ground fault in line B as shown in Fig. The capacitive currents
flowing in the healthy phases R and Y are IR and IY
respectively. The resultant capacitive current IC is the phasor
sum of IR and IY. In addition to these capacitive currents, the
power source also supplies the fault current IF. This fault
current will go from fault point to earth, then to neutral point N
and back to the fault point through the faulty phase. The path
of IC is capacitive and that of IF is *inductive. The two currents
are in phase opposition and completely cancel each other.
Therefore, no arcing ground phenomenon or over-voltage
conditions can occur
(iii) When there is an earth fault on any phase of the system, the
phase to earth voltage of the faulty phase becomes zero.
However, the phase to earth voltages of the remaining two
healthy phases remain at normal phase voltage because the
potential of the neutral is fixed at earth potential. This permits
to insulate the equipment for phase voltage. Therefore, there is
a saving in the cost of equipment.

(iv) It becomes easier to protect the system from earth faults which
frequently occur on the system. When there is an earth fault on
any phase of the system, large fault current flows between the
fault point and the grounded neutral. This permits the easy
operation of earth fault relay.
 
 Applications
 Solid grounding is usually employed where the circuit impedance
is sufficiently high so as to keep the earth fault current within safe
limits. This system of grounding is used for voltages up to 33 kV
with total power capacity not exceeding 5000 kVA.
 
Ii) Resistance Grounding
  
In order to limit the magnitude of earth fault current, it is a
common practice to connect the neutral point of a 3-phase system
to earth through a resistor. This is called resistance grounding.
When the neutral point of a 3-phase system (e.g. 3-phase generator,
3- phase transformer etc.) is connected to earth (i.e. soil) through a
resistor, it is called resistance grounding. Fig. shows the grounding
of neutral point through a resistor R. The value of R should neither
be very low nor very high. If the value of earthing resistance R is
very low, the earth fault current will be large and the system
becomes similar to the solid grounding system.
 
On the other hand, if the earthing resistance R is very high, the
system conditions become similar to ungrounded neutral system.
The value of R is so chosen such that the earth fault

Current is limited to safe value but still sufficient to permit the

operation of earth fault protection system. In practice, that value of
R is selected that limits the earth fault current to 2 times the
normal full load current of the earthed generator or transformer.

 Advantages
The following are the advantages of resistance earthing:
i) The earth fault current is small due to the presence of
earthing resistance. Therefore, interference with
communication circuits is reduced.
ii) It improves the stability of the system.

 Applications
 It is used on a system operating at voltages between 2.2 kV and 33
kV with power source capacity more than 5000 kVA.
 
(iii) Reactance Grounding

In this system, a reactance is inserted between the neutral and

ground as shown in Fig. The purpose of reactance is to limit the
earth fault current. By changing the earthling reactance, the earth
fault current can to change to obtain the conditions similar to that
of solid grounding. This method is not used these days because of
the following
 
i) In this system, the fault current required to operate the protective
device is higher than that of resistance grounding for the same
fault conditions.
 
ii) High transient voltages appear under fault conditions.
 

(IV) Arc Suspension Grounding (Or Resonant Grounding)

 We have seen that capacitive currents are responsible for
producing arcing grounds. These capacitive currents flow because
capacitance exists between each line and earth. If inductance L of
appropriate value is connected in parallel with the capacitance of
the system, the fault current IF flowing through L will be in phase
opposition to the capacitive current IC of the system. If L is so
adjusted that IL= Ice then resultant current in the fault will be zero.
This condition is known as resonant grounding. When the value of
L of arc suppression coil is such that the fault current IF exactly
balances the capacitive current Ic, it is called resonant grounding
Value of L for resonant grounding. For resonant grounding, the
system behaves as an ungrounded neutral system. Therefore, full
line voltage appears across capacitors CR and CY
Exp. (i) gives the value of inductance L of the arc suppression coil
for resonant grounding.
1. Neutral Grounding resistor.
Minimum Order Quantity 1 Unit Onwards
Usage/Application System Grounding of
Transformer and DG Sets
Material SS 304, SS 410, SS 406,SS
430, Cast Iron, Fe- Cr-Al 406
Brand National Resistors
Tolerance +/-10%
Frequency 50-60 Hz
Power Up To MW
Voltage 415 V-33KV

 Resistance value pre-determined to operate fault-clearing

relays and to prevent damages.

 The system is designed as per to current and time ratings and

compatible with the protection switchgear.

 The resistance value is precise and determined and remains

constant throughout life.

 Made from tough steel grids of a high-quality iron-chrome-

aluminum.

 Non-corroding and offer good stability.

 Mica and ceramic insulators.

 The resistor in fully protected and ventilated steel enclosures.

NGR / NER are used to ground the neutral of Transformer /

Generator to limit prospective ground fault current to a
predetermined safe value. The NGR avoids transient over voltage
and gives system stability under fault conditions.

2. Neutral Grounding resistor.

Technical specification:
 Range: 230 V to 66 kV / 8000A

Degree of protection: IP00 to IP65

Service: Indoor / Outdoor / Suitable for Highly polluting and

corrosive atmosphere

Enclosure Finishing: Epoxy powder coat painted / Galvanized /

Stainless steel (AISI 304 / 316)

Mounting type: Floor / Steel Structure Mounted

Duration: 5/10/15/30/60 Sec or Continuous

Frequency: 50 / 60 Hz

Standard followed: IEEE - 32

Termination: Through outdoor porcelain bushing/ cable box

Types of elements used: Stamped plates / Wire wound / Frame

wound / Cast Iron / Edge wound

Resistive elements: Stainless steel (Cr – Ni) / Cr – Al alloy (AISI 416)

Optional accessories: CT / Monitoring Relay / Protection Relay /

Space heaters / Vacuum contactor / Disconnector
(Motorized/Manual) for Isolation or Changeover/ Zig zag
Transformers

Generator Protection: Single or multiple Generators with Interlock /

High resistance Grounding / Through Neutral Grounding
Transformers / Disconnector or vacuum contactor Up to 11 kV

3. Neutral Grounding Resistors

Product Specification
Brand Industries Syndicate
Body Material Mild Steel
Corrosion Resistance Yes
Power Source Electirc
Phase Required 3
Freqency 50 Hz
Product detail:
 
 Rated Voltage : For neutral grounding or earthling resistor
rated voltage means line- to neutral voltage i.e. System Voltage
divided by root 3 i.e. 1.732
 Rated Current: Means Initial current that will flow through
resistor when it is cold. Normally Full load current value is same
as Rated current
 Time Rating : It is length of time for which NGR must tolerate
rated voltage
 Short Time Rating : Normally it is 10 sec. or 30 sec. or 60 sec.
depending on design parameters of protection system
 Continuous Rating : It is normally 10 % of full load current for
healthy system neutral grounding resistor to be designed for
continuous rating of 5 % to 10 % of full load current

 Temperature Rise Allowed: Normally Temperature rise is

restricted to 375 deg.c. above ambient temperature as per BS-587

 Cabling or termination : Suitable arrangement and clearance

is provided for termination of cable, flats or bus duct as per
requirement with removable gland plate

 Construction: NGR include resistor assembly, plus required

insulators, internal connections and hardware etc

 Material of Resistance Element: We offer resistor elements

made from any stainless steel or Cu-Ni or Ni-Cr or any other
resistance material as per requirement. Normally formed stainless
steel element are best and economical for NGRS
 
4. Wire-wound Resistor For Electrical Industry Neutral
Grounding Resistors

Usage/Application Electrical Industry

Material Wire-wound Resistor
Brand National Resistors
Resistance 50 ohm
Technology Metal Alloy
Frequency 50 Hz

Rated Voltage: For neutral grounding or earthling resistor rated

voltage means line- to neutral voltage i.e. System Voltage divided by
root 3 i.e. 1.732
 Rated Current: Means Initial current that will flow through
resistor when it is cold. Normally Full load current value is same as
Rated current
 Time Rating: It is length of time for which NGR must tolerate
rated voltage
 Short Time Rating: Normally it is 10 sec. or 30 sec. or 60 sec.
depending on design parameters of protection system
 Continuous Rating: It is normally 10 % of full load current for
healthy system neutral grounding resistor to be designed for
continuous rating of 5 % to 10 % of full load current
 Temperature Rise Allowed: Normally Temperature rise is
restricted to 375 deck. Above ambient temperature as per BS-587
 Cabling or termination: Suitable arrangement and clearance is
provided for termination of cable, flats or bus duct as per
requirement with removable gland plate
 Construction: NGR include resistor assembly, plus required
insulators, internal connections and hardware etc.
 Material of Resistance Element : We offer resistor elements made
from any stainless steel or Cu-Ni or Ni-Cr or any other resistance
material as per requirement. Normally formed stainless steel
element is best and economical for NGR
7.0 Skill developed / Learning outcomes of this micro-
projects.

This project is expected to develop the following skills for the

industry identified the competency: Maintain different electrical
equipment following safe practices.
1) Select the Proper neutral grounding
2) Measure electrical quantities
3) Follow safe practices