MHD-EMP and electric power systems

Conference · Wed Jan 01 04:00:00 EST 1992

OSTI ID:5559202

Barnes, P R; Rizy, D T ^[1]; Tesche, F M ^[2]

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1. Oak Ridge National Lab., TN (United States)
2. Tesche (F.M.), Dallas, TX (United States)

A solar-induced geomagnetic disturbance (GMD) by its nature occurs globally and almost simultaneously. Severe geomagnetic storms have caused a range of equipment and operating problems for electric power systems; the most noteably problems according in March 1989. The vulnerability of electric power systems to such events has apparently increased during the last 10 to 20 years as power system systems have become more interconnected and as transmission lines have increased in length, and because power systems are now operated closer to their limits than in the past. In this paper, the experience of electric utilities during geomagnetic storms is examined and analyzed. Measured data, effects on power system components, and power system impacts are considered. It is found that electric power systems are susceptible to geomagnetically-induced earth-surface potential gradients as small as a few (2 to 3) volts per kilometer corresponding to a storm of K-6 intensity over an area of high earth resistivity. The causes and effects of GMDs are reasonably well understood, but additional research is needed to develop a better understanding of solar-induced GMDs and the response of power systems to these types of storms. A better understanding of GMDs and the power systems response to GMDs is needed so that mitigation measures can be implemented which will make power systems less susceptible to severe geomagnetic disturbances. 3 refs.

• Research Organization: Oak Ridge National Lab., TN (United States)
• Sponsoring Organization: DOE; USDOE, Washington, DC (United States)
• DOE Contract Number: AC05-84OR21400
• OSTI ID: 5559202
• Report Number(s): CONF-920223-5; ON: DE92008899
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

24 POWER TRANSMISSION AND DISTRIBUTION
240100* -- Power Systems-- (1990-)
240200 -- Power System Networks
Transmission & Distribution-- (1990-)
ELECTRIC FIELDS
ELECTROMAGNETIC PULSES
ELECTROMAGNETIC RADIATION
HYDROMAGNETIC WAVES
MAGNETIC STORMS
POWER DISTRIBUTION SYSTEMS
POWER SYSTEMS
PULSES
RADIATIONS
VULNERABILITY