Geomagnetically induced currents and their effect on power systems

High-impact, low-frequency (HILF) events pose a threat to power grids around the world. For example, solar storms that generate coronal mass ejections can induce a change in the Earth’s magnetic field. Geomagnetically induced current (GIC) then enters the power grid and causes unusual real and reactive power flows, voltage fluctuations, frequency shifts, undesired relay operations, high third-harmonic currents and telemetry and supervisory alarm failures. A storm on the order of 5,000 nT/min could occur in the not too distant future. Once this storm occurs, widespread damage to the power grid of unprecedented proportions is expected to result. Mitigation strategies are required to protect the integrity of the power system. Mechanisms involved in system restoration need to be prioritized, and the effectiveness of existing black-start procedures needs to be assessed. The representation and simulation of GIC can be embedded into power flow software in order to the study of sensitivity and transient stability of the North American bulk power system under a geomagnetic disturbance (GMD). This thesis presents in-depth background on GMDs and how they affect the power grid. The thesis will continue into the modeling and simulation of GMDs and GIC. Lastly, a GMD scenario will be explored and an appropriate mitigation strategy will be explained.

Name thesis:degree_name

M.S.

Level thesis:degree_level

Thesis

Discipline thesis:degree_discipline

Electrical & Computer Engr

Grantor

University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign

Year dc:date

2012

Author dc:creator

• Hutchins, Trevor

Contributors dc:contributor

• Overbye, Thomas J.

• Geomagnetically induced current (GIC)
• geomagnetic disturbance (gmd)
• Mitigation
• Solar storm
• Flare
• Ppower systems
• modeling GIC
• power grid

Statement dc:rights

• Copyright 2012 Trevor Hutchins

Language dc:language

en

Handle dc:identifier

http://hdl.handle.net/2142/30963

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:www.ideals.illinois.edu:2142/30963