A methodology to assess the effects of high altitude electromagnetic pulse (HEMP) on electric power systems

Conference · Fri Jan 01 00:00:00 EST 1988

OSTI ID:5719822

Taylor, Jr, E R; Eichler, C H; Barnes, P R

Nuclear electromagnetic pulse (EMP) from high altitude nuclear detonations (HEMP) has the potential to seriously disrupt electric power systems. A methodology has been developed to assess the vulnerability of electric power systems to this phenomena for any specified nuclear burst scenario. The methodology is based on a structured approach whereby the power system is broken down into subsystems, functional groups, and circuits and devices. Vulnerability (likelihood of failure) is assessed for individual equipment (circuits and devices) for each nuclear burst scenario. These effects are then evaluated for their performance impact on successively higher system levels. This forms the input for classical load flow, short circuit and transient stability studies to evaluate system stability and survivability. Applicability of the assessment methodology is not dependent on the quality of component/equipment vulnerability data. Susceptibility of power equipment to HEMP damage may be determined by established technical analysis, by intepretation of equipment design and testing standards, and by laboratory testing. This paper has been written not only for the electric utility engineer, but also for experts in EMP who may not be knowledgeable in electric utility systems. 12 refs., 11 figs., 1 tab.

• Research Organization: Westinghouse Electric Corp., Pittsburgh, PA (USA). Advanced Systems Technology Div.; Oak Ridge National Lab., TN (USA)
• DOE Contract Number: AC05-84OR21400
• OSTI ID: 5719822
• Report Number(s): CONF-880219-1; ON: DE88000338
• Resource Relation: Conference: IEEE winter power meeting, New York City, NY, USA, 2 Feb 1988; Other Information: Portions of this document are illegible in microfiche products
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

20 FOSSIL-FUELED POWER PLANTS
45 MILITARY TECHNOLOGY, WEAPONRY, AND NATIONAL DEFENSE
ELECTRIC POWER
VULNERABILITY
ELECTRIC UTILITIES
ELECTRONIC EQUIPMENT
NUCLEAR EXPLOSIONS
ELECTROMAGNETIC PULSES
EVALUATION
COMMUNICATIONS
EQUIPMENT PROTECTION DEVICES
INTERACTIONS
SHIELDING
TRANSIENTS
ELECTROMAGNETIC RADIATION
EQUIPMENT
EXPLOSIONS
POWER
PUBLIC UTILITIES
PULSES
RADIATIONS
200000* - Fossil-Fueled Power Plants
450202 - Explosions & Explosives- Nuclear- Weaponry- (-1989)