|
|||||
|
|
Geophysical Techniques to Delineate Saturated Alluvial Zones for the Siting of HVDC Power Transmission Return Electrodes |
|
| Abstract: | As high-voltage, direct-current (HVDC) electrical power transmission technology advances, the siting and design of the grounded return electrodes become critical factors. Electrode sites should be chosen where surrounding geologic conditions will not unfavorably channel large earth currents and harmfully affect nearby populations. An optimum site allows direct contact between the electrode and a large volume of a stable, low-resistivity material. A saturated alluvial zone between dry surface soils and an underlying crystalline bedrock is an ideal material for containing the current flow from the electrode. A hydrogeologic investigation was conducted to delineate the saturated zone in several alluvial valleys in the southwestern desert region. Regional ground water flow directions, water quality, and seasonal fluctuations of the water table elevations were determined. The structural shape and topography of the crystalline basement beneath the valleys were interpreted from gravity data. Iterative forward-modeling of the data provided a low-cost means of deducing the volume of the lightweight alluvium. Electrical resistivity surveys were completed to measure the lateral and vertical variations in soil resistivities throughout the valleys. The geophysical data were used to extend the known hydrologic information into areas with no wells. Composite models of the saturated zones in each valley were produced by integrating gravity interpretations with hydrologic and resistivity results. The composite models were used to predict current density in the ground that would be associated with a HVDC electrode. This methodology proved to be a cost-effective means of siting electrodes in a suitable geologic environment that would minimize their detrimental effects. |
| Keywords: | |