[600MRG] Loops and ground loss

[Rudy Severns]

Hi Pat,

I've only casually modeled ground systems for vertical loops so can't claim any expertise.  AS a first guess, if you want to install a mesh under the loop you want the mesh width to be maybe 1.5 or 2X the loop width but the mesh needs to extend perpendicular to the plane of the loop at least 3X the loop size.  That's just a first thought, more careful modeling is needed to really define the performance improvement versus mesh dimensions. One point, you don't need a small mesh like chicken wire, a mesh cell a couple of feet on a side should work.  I have some notes on mesh dimensions versus soil characteristics which I don't think I've published. I should clean it up a bit and post it on my web page if anyone is really interested.  

Of course this size ground system is still a pain, partially defeating the reasons for using a loop in the first place!  

We have the modeling tools to a good job of investigating loops with ground systems but I just haven't had the time since I haven't been a loop user.  There have of course been many articles on transmitting loops but scant discussion of associated ground systems.