Multi-Objective Optimization for Safety in the Grounding of AC Substations

Authors

Keywords:

Grounding, Multi-objective Optimization, Substation grounding system., IEEE80, Pareto Front, Sensitivity Analysis

Abstract

This work proposes a multi-objective optimization problem for the optimal design of grounding systems, considering personnel safety limits and design guidelines defined in the IEEE Standard Std. 80 - IEEE Guide for Safety in AC Substation Grounding. The initial objective functions proposed include the amount of conductor and the number of ground rods in the grounding grid, ensuring that the mesh voltage (Em) and step voltage (Es) do not exceed the tolerable limits for the human body (Etouch and Estep). The multi-objective problem generates the Pareto front and Parallel Coordinates Plot, providing valuable insights for result analysis, sensitivity analysis, and informed decision-making for grounding system designers. The model is validated using the exercises in Annex B of IEEE Std. 80, demonstrating its ability to deliver a comprehensive analysis of results while considering the full range of feasible solutions for an optimal and safe design of AC substation grounding systems.

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Author Biographies

Diego Arias-Cazco, Universidad Tecnológica Centroamericana (UNITEC)

Diego Arias-Cazco he was born in Riobamba, Ecuador, on September 12, 1980. He received a degree in Electromechanical Engineering and a Diploma in Industrial Digital Networks from the Escuela Politécnica del Ejército (ESPE), Ecuador, in 2006 and 2008, respectively. He earned a Master of Science in Engineering, with a specialization in Electrical Engineering, from the Universidad de Chile in 2012. He is a Senior Member of the IEEE and is currently employed at the Electricity Regulation and Control Agency (ARCONEL) in Quito, Ecuador. Additionally, he serves as a part-time professor and researcher at the Universidad Tecnológica Centroamericana (UNITEC) in San Pedro Sula, Honduras, as part of the Master's program in Renewable Energy Management. He also works as a visiting professor at the Universidad Técnica Cotopaxi (UTC) and the Universidad Nacional de Loja (UNL).
His research interests include Electrical Systems Design, Grounding Systems Design, and Multi-objective Optimization.

Luis Cruz-Panchi, Universidad Técnica de Cotopaxi

Luis Cruz-Panchi in 2008, he graduated with a degree in Electromechanical Engineering from the Escuela Politécnica del Ejercito, Ecuador. In 2010, he obtained a Diploma in Industrial Digital Networks, Ecuador. In 2013, he earned a Master’s degree in Energy Management from the Universidad Técnica de Cotopaxi, Ecuador. In 2022, he obtained a Master’s degree in Electricity with a mention in Power Systems from the Universidad Politécnica Salesiana, Ecuador. He currently serves as an undergraduate and graduate professor in the Faculty of Engineering and Applied Sciences at the Universidad Técnica de Cotopaxi.

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Published

2025-06-12

How to Cite

Arias-Cazco, D., & Cruz-Panchi, L. (2025). Multi-Objective Optimization for Safety in the Grounding of AC Substations. IEEE Latin America Transactions, 23(7), 592–599. Retrieved from https://latamt.ieeer9.org/index.php/transactions/article/view/9549

Issue

Vol. 23 No. 7 (2025): Ordinary Issue

Section

Electric Energy