Space Weather Impacts to the Power Grid

During geomagnetic disturbances (GMDs), magnetic field variations near the earth's surface drive low frequency (quasi-dc) electric currents along transmission lines and through transformer windings to ground. These geomagnetically induced currents (GIC) cause half-cycle saturation of power transformers resulting in increased hotspot heating, harmonic current generation and reactive power loss. The subject presentation will provide attendees with an overview of the potential impacts of GMDs on electric utility grids, and how such effects can be evaluated using modern power system analysis techniques. Limitations of existing analysis capability and topics for future research will also be discussed.