Learn about the concept of grounding in storage applications

When we carry out the grounding project for a ground-based photovoltaic plant, for example, a grounding mesh is designed – made of copper or copper-plated steel cable – which is a network of buried conductors that will interconnect the various elements that make up a solar plant. THE grounding a photovoltaic system It has several functions, such as promoting the safety of people, equipment, buildings, protection against atmospheric discharges, controlling the formation of electric arcs, among others.

But when we talk about energy storage applications, whether from any source, such as solar, wind or biomass, for example, is there any kind of special concept regarding grounding? Electrical engineer Paulo Freire, a specialist in grounding and SPDA (Atmospheric Discharge Protection System) for large power plants, participated in the podcast Papo Solar and commented that there is no specific requirement for this case.

“Basically, energy storage systems are battery banks. These banks will be sheltered in some way, either in buildings or on a base made up of a steel structure with a roof, for example. So, they have to be grounded, and there is no requirement. The storage system will not produce anything different from what we normally do in projects,” explained Freire.

ABNT standards

During the podcast, Paulo Freire also commented that he should publish, in the coming weeks, an article with suggestions for revision in the NBR 16690, which establishes the design requirements for electrical installations of photovoltaic arrays, including provisions on conductors, electrical protection devices, switching devices, grounding and equipotential bonding of the photovoltaic array.

“I am making several suggestions, specifically regarding grounding. We have a lot of work ahead of us,” said Freire, also adding that he is the rapporteur for some new standards, such as NBR 7117 – Measurement of soil resistivity and stratification, which is about to be published. “I am still rapporteur for the NBR 5422 – Electric power transmission line projects, which is in the final stages of preparation. In addition, I am working on grounding standards for renewable energy sources, mainly wind and solar, which we expect to publish next year,” he emphasized.

Freire also highlighted the importance of professionals in the field being familiar with ABNT standards in order to stand out in the solar energy market. “Our goal is to have a project that fully complies with the applicable ABNT standards. It is challenging, as there are many standards that are extensive and are constantly being updated. Therefore, this requires professionals to always be up to date,” he emphasized.