This project presents a high-level design for an earthing and lightning protection system tailored for a hybrid renewable energy solution in a rural village of Kwazulu-Natal, South Africa. The village relies on a combination of photovoltaic (PV), wind, and fuel cell technologies to provide off-grid power to 25 households and a school. The design considers the site's loamy soil with a resistivity between 800 and 1200 (m)ohms, along with heavy summer rainfall. The project covers lightning protection techniques, grounding systems, selection of equipment properties, and risk management measures. It discusses lightning current, the hybrid energy system's configuration, and the installation of protection systems, including air termination rods, grounding rods, and surge arresters. The design aims to safeguard against direct lightning strikes, power overvoltages, and electromagnetic interference, ensuring the reliability and safety of the renewable energy installations. The project includes the evaluation of soil resistivity measurements, grounding system design, and installation details, highlighting the importance of a well-engineered system for the sustainable operation of the hybrid power plant and the safety of the residents. The design also considers the future grid-tied operation and the specific environmental conditions of the area.
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