Earth's Conductivity: Theory & Application

  • Thread starter Thread starter FrankMak
  • Start date Start date
  • Tags Tags
    Conductivity
Click For Summary
SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the Earth's conductivity, specifically its characterization as a near-perfect conductor in the context of charge redistribution at the surface. The application of this theory is exemplified by SWER (Single Wire Earth Return) systems, which utilize the Earth's low resistance to electric current, typically cited at 0.05 Ω/km. Key references include Rudenberg's 1945 paper, "Fundamental Consideration on Ground Currents," which provides foundational insights into this phenomenon. The participants seek additional theoretical sources to support the practical applications discussed.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of electrical engineering principles
  • Familiarity with SWER (Single Wire Earth Return) systems
  • Knowledge of charge redistribution concepts
  • Basic grasp of resistance measurements in conductive materials
NEXT STEPS
  • Research Rudenberg's 1945 paper for foundational theories on ground currents
  • Explore additional literature on Earth's conductivity and its implications in electrical engineering
  • Investigate modern applications of SWER systems in power distribution
  • Learn about the mathematical modeling of conductive materials in geophysics
USEFUL FOR

Electrical engineers, geophysicists, and researchers interested in the practical applications of Earth's conductivity in power systems and ground current theories.

FrankMak
Messages
32
Reaction score
0
I have been examining literature related to charge redistribution at the Earth's surface and I found an application that treats the Earth as a near perfect conductor.

http://tdworld.com/ar/power_one_wire_enough/
www.stonepower.se/Images/SWER.pdf

The articles in the above URLs are discussing an active application of the Earth's near zero resistance to an electric current. It is a working application that can't be disputed, but I cannot find reference sources that identify the theory for the near perfect conduction.

Any sources for the Earth conduction theory?
 
Last edited by a moderator:
Engineering news on Phys.org
Various authors/papers on SWER systems cite:

Rudenberg, R., "Fundamental Consideration on Ground Currents,"
Electrical Engineering, Vol. 64, January 1945, 1-13.

And typically refer to a figure of 0.05 Ω/km.
 
  • Like
Likes   Reactions: anorlunda

Similar threads

Fundamentals of the PN Junction
  • · Replies 12 ·
Replies
12
Views
3K
Conducting Sphere With Cavity E-field / Gauss' law
  • · Replies 7 ·
Replies
7
Views
2K
Graduate Charge distribution in a resistor with a current
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
17K
Graduate Electric potential of a conducting rod in a homogen. electric field
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
4K
Graduate How much negative charge do I accumulate by touching the earth?
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K
Earth's Magnetic Field and Core
  • · Replies 7 ·
Replies
7
Views
6K
Graduate Quantum properties and Van Hove singularty
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
1K
Graduate Skin depth of zero thickness in DC circuits
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
5K
Concentric conducting spherical shells cut by a horizontal plane
  • · Replies 10 ·
Replies
10
Views
2K
Programs Physics Minor - Course Selection for ME
  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
2K