Computer analysis of transient performance of grounding electrodes based on FDTD/FI method

It is important to study the transient performance of grounding systems for lightning surges in order to realize electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) of sensitive electronics, such as information devices and appliances in substations and/or residential houses as well as to prevent damage of electrical apparatus. Recently numerical analysis in time domain employing the Finite Difference Time Domain (FDTD) method and the Finite Integral (FI) method plays a significant role in surge analysis. The reasons are these time domain analyzing methods are more robust than the method of moment (MoM) and a tremendous increase of computer power. In this paper, firstly, FDTD and FI method are briefly outlined and then analysis results regarding transient performance of grounding electrodes, which are first examples that FDTD and FI method applied to, are illustrated with the experimental results.