Optimal design of unequal conductor spacing in grounding grid by modern computational intelligent techniques

Abstract

With uniform grid spacing current distribution among grid conductors is non-uniform; conductors towards the periphery carry more current and conductors towards the centre carry less current. Non-uniform grid spacing increases leakage current in the centre conductors while decreases in the fringe conductors bringing about uniform distribution of leakage current. This paper presents optimal design of unequal grid spacing in grounding grid design by two modern computational intelligent techniques: Particle Swarm Optimization technique and Bat Algorithm technique. Compression ratio is the method adapted in creating unequal grid conductor spacing, in which compression ratio C is varied from 0.1 to 1 to result in numerous unequal grid configurations. Modern intelligent techniques such as PSO and BAT algorithm are implemented to find the optimal value of compression ratio C so as to achieve one best unequal grid configuration among numerous feasible unequal grid configurations. Mat Lab software is developed for both PSO and BAT algorithm which are extremely adaptable to examine the unequal grid spacing. Optimal value of compression ratio C is obtained for different number of grid conductors along the x-axis and y-axis and unequal grid spacing is analysed through distinct graphs.