Where Does Grounded Electricity Actually Go? by Real Engineering discusses the grounding system in power plants, substations, and transmission lines. The grounding system is designed to ensure that the touch potential and step potential, which are the voltages that can be felt by a person who comes into contact with a grounded object, do not exceed a safe level. This is done by burying a large number of electrodes in the ground, which create a low-resistance path for the electricity to flow. In some cases, the grounding system may also include electrodes that are submerged in the ocean.
The video also explains the difference between AC and DC currents. AC currents generally follow a path that matches the transmission line, while DC currents can flow through the entire Earth. This is because DC currents do not create a magnetic field, which is what causes AC currents to follow a path.
The video discusses some of the challenges of designing a grounding system. One challenge is that the grounding system must be able to handle large currents, such as those that occur during a lightning strike. Another challenge is that the grounding system must be able to withstand the corrosive effects of the soil.
- Grounding system in power plants, substations, and transmission lines ensures that touch potential and step potential do not exceed safe level.
- Grounding system is made up of electrodes buried in the ground.
- AC currents follow path of transmission line, while DC currents can flow through entire Earth.
- Grounding system must be able to handle large currents and withstand corrosive effects of soil.
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