| Title | Modeling geomagnetically induced currents |
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| Author | Boteler, D H ;
Pirjola, R J |
| Source | Space Weather vol. 15, issue 1, 2016 p. 258-276, https://doi.org/10.1002/2016SW001499 |
| Image |  |
| Year | 2016 |
| Alt Series | Earth Sciences Sector, Contribution Series 20160291 |
| Publisher | American Geophysical Union |
| Document | serial |
| Lang. | English |
| Media | paper; on-line; digital |
| File format | pdf; html |
| Subjects | Health and Safety |
| Program | Public Safety Geoscience Northern Canada Geohazards Project |
| Released | 2016 12 15 |
| Abstract | Understanding the geomagnetic hazard to power systems requires the ability to model the geomagnetically induced currents (GIC) produced in a power network. This paper presents the developments in GIC
modeling starting with an examination of fundamental questions about where the driving force for GIC is located. Then we outline the two main network modeling approaches that are mathematically equivalent and show an example for a simple circuit.
Accurate modeling of the GIC produced during real space weather events requires including the appropriate system characteristics, magnetic source fields, and Earth conductivity structure. It is shown how multiple voltage levels can be included in GIC
modeling and how the network configuration affects the GIC values. Magnetic source fields can be included by using 'plane wave' or line current models or by using geomagnetic observatory data with an appropriate interpolation scheme. Earth
conductivity structure can be represented by 1-D, 2-D, or 3-D models that are used to calculate the transfer function between electric and magnetic fields at the Earth's surface. For 2-D and 3-D structures this will involve a tensor impedance
function and electric fields that are not necessarily orthogonal to the magnetic field variations. It is now technically possible to include all these features in the modeling of GIC, and various software implementations are being developed to make
these features more accessible for use in risk studies. |
| 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, radio communications and GNSS positioning to help Canadian industry understand and
mitigate the effects of space weather. Understanding the geomagnetic hazard to power systems requires the ability to model the geomagnetically induced currents (GIC) produced in a power network. This paper presents the developments in GIC modelling
starting with a look at fundamental questions and examining how the geomagnetic characteristics, earth conductivity structure and network details are included in the modelling process. |
| GEOSCAN ID | 299524 |
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