Evaluating Grounding Grid Safety in Renewable Energy Facilities Based on IEEE Std 80-2013 Using Spatial Voltage Distribution Modeling: A Case Study of Terbanggi Ilir Biogas Power Plant, Central Lampung
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.47355/jaset.v6i1.117Keywords:
Grounding grid, Finite Element Method, IEEE Std 80, Touch potential, Step potential, Biogas power plantAbstract
Grounding grids in renewable energy facilities, such as biogas power plants, are critical for personnel safety and equipment protection during ground faults. This study evaluates the safety performance of the grounding grid at Terbanggi Ilir Biogas Power Plant in Central Lampung to validate its compliance with safety standards. Using the Finite Element Method (FEM) within Python Numerical Computation, 3D and 2D spatial voltage distribution profiles of the plant's asymmetric grounding grid—comprising 71 horizontal conductor (70 mm2) and 9 vertical rods (24 m) embedded in a two-layer soil model with a 0.2 m gravel surface layer—were simulated under a 25 kA fault current. The grid achieved a low resistance of 0.967 ohm, limiting the ground potential rise to 11.966 kV. The maximum calculated touch potential of 3.629 kV and step potential of 1.775 kV were both safely below the tolerable limits of 4.305kV and 16.555kV respectively, determined by IEEE Std 80 guidelines. The study concludes that the custom-tailored grid layout effectively mitigates electrical hazards, demonstrating that spatial voltage distribution modeling is vital for verifying earthing grid integrity in biogas power plant facilities.
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