Effects of geomagnetically-induced currents on HVDC converter operation

Journal Article · Sun Oct 31 23:00:00 EST 1982 · IEEE Trans. Power Appar. Syst.; (United States)

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1109/TPAS.1982.317408· OSTI ID:5872045

Mohan, N; Albertson, V D; Bahrman, M P; Kappenman, K G; Speak, T J

Electrons and protons emitted by a solar flare can be captured by the Earth's magnetic field. The resulting transient in the geomagnetic field can produce quasi-dc currents in electric power systems. These geomagnetically-induced currents (GIC) in excess of 100 amps have been measured in the transformer neutral leads. With the practice of using EHV and UHV lines for transmitting ac power over long distances and because the systems are more solidly grounded, the problems posed by GIC have become more severe. This paper presents the consequences of transformer halfcycle saturation on the operation of HVDC converter terminals. A detailed computer simulation of the Square Butte HVDC system reveals that the large values of GIC can cause enough distortion in the ac system voltage at the inverter end to prevent normal system operation. Moreover, the amount of harmonics generated could overload the ac as well as the dc-side filters.

• Research Organization: University of Minnesota, Minneopolis, MN 55455
• OSTI ID: 5872045
• Journal Information: IEEE Trans. Power Appar. Syst.; (United States), Journal Name: IEEE Trans. Power Appar. Syst.; (United States) Vol. PAS-101:11; ISSN IEPSA
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

200302* -- Power Transmission & Distribution-- DC Systems-- (1989-)
24 POWER TRANSMISSION AND DISTRIBUTION
AC SYSTEMS
COMPUTERIZED SIMULATION
CURRENTS
DC SYSTEMS
DC TO DC CONVERTERS
ELECTRIC CURRENTS
ELECTRICAL EQUIPMENT
ENERGY SYSTEMS
EQUIPMENT
GEOMAGNETIC FIELD
HARMONICS
HVDC SYSTEMS
MAGNETIC FIELDS
OSCILLATIONS
PERFORMANCE
POWER SYSTEMS
POWER TRANSMISSION LINES
SIMULATION
SOLAR ACTIVITY
SOLAR FLARES
TRANSFORMERS