Electromagnetic pulse research on electric power systems: Program summary and recommendations. Power Systems Technology Program
- Oak Ridge National Lab., TN (United States)
- Tesche (F.M.), Dallas, TX (United States)
- Vance (E.F.), Fort Worth, TX (United States)
A single nuclear detonation several hundred kilometers above the central United States will subject much of the nation to a high-altitude electromagnetic pulse (BENT). This pulse consists of an intense steep-front, short-duration transient electromagnetic field, followed by a geomagnetic disturbance with tens of seconds duration. This latter environment is referred to as the magnetohydrodynamic electromagnetic pulse (NMENT). Both the early-time transient and the geomagnetic disturbance could impact the operation of the nation`s power systems. Since 1983, the US Department of Energy has been actively pursuing a research program to assess the potential impacts of one or more BENT events on the nation`s electric energy supply. This report summarizes the results of that program and provides recommendations for enhancing power system reliability under HENT conditions. A nominal HENP environment suitable for assessing geographically large systems was developed during the program and is briefly described in this report. This environment was used to provide a realistic indication of BEMP impacts on electric power systems. It was found that a single high-altitude burst, which could significantly disturb the geomagnetic field, may cause the interconnected power network to break up into utility islands with massive power failures in some areas. However, permanent damage would be isolated, and restoration should be possible within a few hours. Multiple bursts would likely increase the blackout areas, component failures, and restoration time. However, a long-term blackout of many months is unlikely because major power system components, such as transformers, are not likely to be damaged by the nominal HEND environment. Moreover, power system reliability, under both HENT and normal operating conditions, can be enhanced by simple, and often low cost, modifications to current utility practices.
- Research Organization:
- Oak Ridge National Lab. (ORNL), Oak Ridge, TN (United States)
- Sponsoring Organization:
- USDOE, Washington, DC (United States)
- DOE Contract Number:
- AC05-84OR21400
- OSTI ID:
- 10131917
- Report Number(s):
- ORNL-6708; ON: DE93006956
- Resource Relation:
- Other Information: PBD: Jan 1993
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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Related Subjects
24 POWER TRANSMISSION AND DISTRIBUTION
POWER DISTRIBUTION SYSTEMS
BLAST EFFECTS
ELECTROMAGNETIC PULSES
MITIGATION
NUCLEAR EXPLOSIONS
POWER SYSTEMS
VULNERABILITY
DETONATIONS
PHYSICAL RADIATION EFFECTS
MAGNETOHYDRODYNAMICS
RECOMMENDATIONS
RESEARCH PROGRAMS
450400
240200
NUCLEAR AND RADIOLOGICAL WARFARE
POWER SYSTEM NETWORKS
TRANSMISSION AND DISTRIBUTION