Title | Evaluating the applicability of the finite element method for modelling of geoelectric fields |
| |
Author | Dong, B; Danskin, D W; Pirjola, R J ; Boteler, D H ; Wang, Z Z |
Source | Annales Geophysicae vol. 31, 2013 p. 1689-1698, https://doi.org/10.5194/angeo-31-1689-2013 Open Access |
Image |  |
Year | 2013 |
Alt Series | Earth Sciences Sector, Contribution Series 20140023 |
Publisher | Copernicus GmbH |
Document | serial |
Lang. | English |
Media | paper; on-line; digital |
File format | pdf |
Subjects | geophysics; Health and Safety; geoelectric variations; geomagnetism; geomagnetic fields; geomagnetic variations |
Illustrations | plots; graphs |
Program | Public Safety Geoscience Northern Canada Geohazards Project |
Released | 2013 10 10 |
Abstract | Geomagnetically induced currents in power systems are due to space weather events which create geomagnetic disturbances accompanied by electric fields at the surface of the Earth. The purpose of this
paper is to evaluate the use of the finite element method (FEM) to calculate the magnetic and electric fields to which long transmission lines of power systems on the Earth are exposed. The well-known technique of FEM is used for the first time to
simulate magnetic and electric fields applicable to power systems. Several test cases are modelled and compared with known solutions. It is shown that FEM is an effective modelling technique that can be applied to determine the electric fields which
affect power systems. FEM enables an increased capability beyond the traditional methods for modelling electric and magnetic fields with layered earth conductivity structures, as spatially more complex structures can be considered using FEM. As an
example results are presented for induction, due to a line current source, in adjacent regions with different layered conductivity structures. The results show the electric field away from the interface is the same as calculated for a single region;
however near the interface the electric field is influenced by both regions. |
Summary | (Plain Language Summary, not published) Space weather refers to the dynamic conditions on the Sun and in the space environment, in particular, in the near-Earth environment, that can affect
critical infrastructure. NRCan operates the Canadian Space Weather Forecast Centre and conducts research into space weather effects on power systems, pipelines, satellites, radio communications and GNSS positioning to help Canadian industry
understand and mitigate the effects of space weather. This paper presents an evaluation of the finite element method for modelling of the geo-electric fields that can be a hazard to power systems. |
GEOSCAN ID | 293898 |
|
|