Comparison between methods for the calculation of the electrical potential distribution in the surface of grounded grids

The analysis of the potentials generated in the ground by the injection of current caused by the grounded networks, whether SWER or three-phase two-wire system, is essential to study the establishment of the maximum step voltages that emerge in these systems, and, thus, guarantee the safety of everyone who is close to these network structures. Thus, it is necessary to develop a robust calculation methodology which guarantees a good analysis for different grounding configurations, regardless of the level of injected current, the soil resistivity and the thickness of its layers, in order to ensure the best choice in the project of a network grounding that involves direct energizing of the ground. This paper does the comparison between three surface electrical potentials calculation methods using simulations in MATLAB, in order to define which one is the safest method.