Measurement and modelling of geomagnetically induced currents (GIC) in power lines

Abstract

Geomagnetically induced currents (GIC) are currents induced in ground-based conductor networks in the Earth's surface. The GIC are driven by an electric eld induced by geomagnetic variations which are a result of time-varying magnetospheric-ionospheric currents during adverse space weather events. Several studies have shown that there is a likelihood of technological damage (the power grid) in the mid- and low-latitude regions that could be linked to GIC during some geomagnetic storms over the past solar cycles. The effects of GIC in the power system can range from temporary damage (e.g. protective relay tripping) to permanent damage (thermal transformer damage). Measurements of GIC in most substations are done on the neutral-to-ground connections of transformers using Hall-effect transducers. However, there is a need to understand the characteristics of GIC in the power lines connected to these transformers. Direct measurements of GIC in the power lines are not feasible due to the low frequencies of these currents which make current measurements using current transformers (CT) impractical. This thesis discusses two techniques that can be employed to enhance understanding GIC characteristics in mid-latitude regions. The techniques involve the measurement of GIC in a power line using differential magnetometer measurements and modelling GIC using the finite element method. Low frequency magnetometers are used to measure magnetic felds in the vicinity of the power lines and the GIC is inferred using the Biot-Savart law. A finite element model, using COMSOL-Multiphysics, is used to calculate GIC with the measured magnetic field and a realistic Earth conductivity profile as inputs. The finite element model is used for the computation of electric field associated with GIC modelling.