The effects of solar-geomagnetically induced currents on electrical systems in nuclear power stations

Technical Report · Sat Jan 01 00:00:00 EST 1994

DOI:https://doi.org/10.2172/10119128· OSTI ID:10119128

Subudhi, M ^[1]; Carroll, D P ^[2]; Kasturi, S ^[3]

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1. Brookhaven National Lab., Upton, NY (United States)
2. Florida Univ., Gainesville, FL (United States)
3. MOS, Inc., Melville, NY (United States)

This report presents the results of a study to evaluate the potential effects of geomagnetically induced currents (GICs) caused by the solar disturbances on the in-plant electrical distribution system and equipment in nuclear power stations. The plant-specific electrical distribution system for a typical nuclear plant is modeled using the ElectroMagnetic Transient Program (EMTP). The computer model simulates online equipment and loads from the station transformer in the switchyard of the power station to the safety-buses at 120 volts to which all electronic devices are connected for plant monitoring. The analytical model of the plant`s electrical distribution system is studied to identify the transient effects caused by the half-cycle saturation of the station transformers due to GIC. This study provides results of the voltage harmonics levels that have been noted at various electrical buses inside the plant. The emergency circuits appear to be more susceptible to high harmonics due to the normally light load conditions. In addition to steady-state analysis, this model was further analyzed simulating various plant transient conditions (e.g., loss of load or large motor start-up) occurring during GIC events. Detail models of the plant`s protective relaying system employed in bus transfer application were included in this model to study the effects of the harmonic distortion of the voltage input. Potential harmonic effects on the uniterruptable power system (UPS) are qualitatively discussed as well.

• Research Organization: US Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC), Washington, DC (United States). Div. of Engineering; Brookhaven National Lab. (BNL), Upton, NY (United States); Florida Univ., Gainesville, FL (United States); MOS, Inc., Melville, NY (United States)
• Sponsoring Organization: Nuclear Regulatory Commission, Washington, DC (United States)
• DOE Contract Number: AC02-76CH00016
• OSTI ID: 10119128
• Report Number(s): NUREG/CR-5990; BNL-NUREG-52359; ON: TI94005979
• Resource Relation: Other Information: PBD: Jan 1994
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

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GENERAL PHYSICS
NUCLEAR POWER PLANTS
ELECTRICAL EQUIPMENT
POWER SYSTEMS
MAGNETIC STORMS
GEOMAGNETIC FIELD
TRANSFORMERS
HEATING
HARMONICS
RELAYS
E CODES
COMPUTERIZED SIMULATION
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THREE MILE ISLAND-2 REACTOR
SALEM-1 REACTOR
SALEM-2 REACTOR
FREQUENCY ANALYSIS
BRUCE SITE
HOPE CREEK-1 REACTOR
HOPE CREEK-2 REACTOR
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COMPONENTS AND ACCESSORIES