Optimization of an Adaptive Grounding System Based on Soil Resistivity and Electrode Configuration at a 3 m³s Flood Pump Station

Lilin Elvira Ruliawati; Lusia Rakhmawati

doi:10.51278/ajse.v5i1.2656

Authors

Lilin Elvira Ruliawati State University of Surabaya
Lusia Rakhmawati State University of Surabaya, Indonesia

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.51278/ajse.v5i1.2656

Abstract

The grounding system is a critical component in the electrical installation of flood pump stations, providing a low-impedance path for leakage currents, fault currents, and overvoltages to the earth. This study aims to optimize the grounding system based on soil resistivity characteristics and electrode configurations at the Jagir Kalimir Flood Pump Station with a pump capacity of 3 m³/s. Initial field measurements recorded a grounding resistance of 13.31 Ω, which does not meet the safe limit specified by PUIL 2011 (≤ 5 Ω) and IEEE Std 80. This condition was accompanied by serious field disturbances, including electromagnetic induction on the distribution panel, electrical arcing/panel explosion, and repeated tripping of protective devices in the LVMDP and control panels. Optimization was carried out by installing two rod electrodes each 2.5 m in length, buried vertically to a depth of 2.5 m, with an inter-electrode spacing of 2.5 m, connected to the Main Distribution Panel (MDP) at a distance of 20 m. Parameters measured included grounding resistance, leakage current, voltage stability, and trip frequency in the LVMDP and control panels. Data were collected through direct field measurements using an earth resistance tester, clamp meter, and multimeter. Results indicate a reduction in grounding resistance from 13.31 Ω to 1.11 Ω, representing a 91.67% decrease. This reduction effectively eliminated electromagnetic induction indications, lowered leakage current, eliminated arcing/panel explosion, improved voltage stability, and reduced trip frequency. This study contributes an adaptive grounding optimization approach that considers local soil characteristics and parallel electrode configurations as a practical solution for flood pump installations.

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