| Title | Geomagnetic effects on power systems |
| Author | Boteler, D H; Trichtchenko, L; Pirjola, R |
| Source | Proceedings of ASTRO 2008; 2008, 12 pages |
| Year | 2008 |
| Alt Series | Earth Sciences Sector, Contribution Series 20100358 |
| Meeting | ASTRO 2008; Montreal; CA; April 29 - May 1, 2008 |
| Document | book |
| Lang. | English |
| Media | paper |
| Subjects | geophysics; extraterrestrial geology; geomagnetism; geomagnetic fields; geomagnetic variations; electric power; hydroelectric power |
| Illustrations | graphs; plots; diagrams; screen captures |
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| Program | Targeted Hazard Assessments in Northern Canada, Public Safety Geoscience |
| Links | Space Weather Canada, Geomagnetic Effects on Power Systems
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| Abstract | Geomagnetic disturbances can have a serious effect on power systems.Currents induced in power lines flow to ground through substation transformers. Here they cause saturation of the transformer core
which can lead to a variety of problems. Increased heating has caused transformers to burn out. Also, extra harmonics generated in the transformer produce unwanted relay operations, suddenly tripping out power lines. The stability of the whole system
can also be affected as compensators switch out of service. Such a sequence of events led to the Quebec blackout of March 13, 1989, which left the whole province without power for over 9 hours. Since then much work has been done to understand the
space weather conditions that cause problems and the factors, such as Earth conductivity and power network configuration that influence the vulnerability of a system. This paper will review the hazard assessment work that has been done for Canadian
power systems and examine the options for mitigating the geomagnetic effects. Engineering solutions generally involve trying to block the flow of induced currents and can be expensive. The alternative is to use nowcasts and forecasts of geomagnetic
activity and implement operating procedures to put the power system into a safer mode of operation when space weather disturbances are expected. |
| GEOSCAN ID | 287406 |
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