Computation, Measurement and Mitigation of Neutral-to-Earth Potentials on Electrical Distribution Systems

Abstract

This paper presents computer generated profiles of primary-neutral-to-earth potentials of electrical distribution systems which incorporate a variety of techniques used to mitigate neutral-to-earth potential ("stray voltage") at dairy farm facilities. Techniques available to the power supplier and power user include an Electronic Grounding System which provides voltage reduction factors of as much as 200 to 1. A new method of measuring these voltages using a computer data acquisition system which monitors every cycle of the power-frequency voltages on eight totally independent channels for extended periods is described.