5.6 GIC Observation and Modeling: From the Solar Wind to Power System Impacts

Tuesday, 24 January 2017: 5:15 PM
4C-2 (Washington State Convention Center )
Zhonghua Xu, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Hampton, VA; and J. Gannon and M. Henderson

Handout (20.7 MB)

"GIC Observation and Modeling: From the Solar Wind to Power System Impacts"

Z Xu, JL Gannon

 

A quantitative understanding of how GMDs can have severe consequences on the power grid is critical to helping the utility industry better plan for and greatly reduce risk while meeting operational requirements.  However, integrating the critical parts of the relevant observation and geophysical modeling and analysis techniques is a challenge. We present an update from an NSF-funded project that takes a comprehensive, streamlined approach, beginning with space weather and ending with impacts to grid operation.  The study team includes academic, government, commercial and industry partners. The goal is to develop autonomous observation/monitoring platforms for geomagnetic/electric field disturbances, and algorithms that both advance the science of induced electric fields and develop system impact models in the real-time and planning time frames. Currently, there is one Space Hazard Monitor(SHM) installed and in operation at Odessa, Texas. And more SHMs are going to be deployed in University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign (UIUC), Illinois, and other sites with the US. The SHM will monitor geomagnetic field disturbances and electric field variations as well. The real time/near real time measurements will be published online through cellular wireless network. In This work will provide a better understanding of the effects of GIC in the bulk power system and help inform utility operators on how to respond to a geomagnetic storm.

- Indicates paper has been withdrawn from meeting
- Indicates an Award Winner