Low-frequency circuit analysis of MHD-EMP-induced transients on three-phase distribution systems

Conference · Wed Jul 01 00:00:00 EDT 1992

OSTI ID:10170032

Mayhall, D J; Yee, J H

The magnetohydrodynamic electromagnetic pulse (MHD-EMP) generated by a nuclear explosion in the earth`s ionosphere is believed by a number of researchers to pose a potentially severe threat to long electric utility transmission and distribution systems in the United States. The disturbances caused by MHD-EMP are similar to the electromagnetic transients caused by solar-induced geomagnetic storms, but are generally expected to be more intense with shorter durations. Recent solar-induced storms have caused appreciable damage to electric utility equipment in Canada and the northern United States. In March of 1989, a solar-induced geomagnetic storm caused a blackout of the Hydro-Quebec power system in the province of Quebec, failure of step-up power transformers at the Salem Nuclear Generating Plant of the Public Service Electric and Gas Company, and a number of less severe power disruptions in the United States. Since the amplitudes of MHD-EMP induced transients are expected to be stronger than those produced by solar-induced geomagnetic storms, unprotected electric utility power systems may be quite vulnerable to MHD-EMP.

• Research Organization: Lawrence Livermore National Lab., CA (United States)
• Sponsoring Organization: USDOE, Washington, DC (United States)
• DOE Contract Number: W-7405-ENG-48
• OSTI ID: 10170032
• Report Number(s): UCRL-JC--111477; CONF-9302120--3; ON: DE93016450
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

24 POWER TRANSMISSION AND DISTRIBUTION
240201
45 MILITARY TECHNOLOGY, WEAPONRY, AND NATIONAL DEFENSE
450200
AC SYSTEMS
ATMOSPHERIC EXPLOSIONS
ELECTROMAGNETIC PULSES
HYDROMAGNETIC WAVES
INTERFERENCE
IONOSPHERE
MAGNETOHYDRODYNAMICS
NUCLEAR EXPLOSIONS
NUCLEAR EXPLOSIONS AND EXPLOSIVES
NUCLEAR WEAPONS
POWER DISTRIBUTION
POWER TRANSMISSION
POWER TRANSMISSION LINES
TRANSIENTS