Publication 186
Geomagnetically Induced Currents in the Irish Power Network during Geomagnetic Storms
Blake, S.P., P.T. Gallagher, J. McCauley, A.G. Jones, C. Hogg, J. Campanya, C.D. Beggan, A.W.P. Thomson,
G.S. Kelly, and D. Bell
Abstract
Geomagnetically induced currents (GICs) are a well-known terrestrial space weather hazard.
They occur in power transmission networks and are known to have adverse e ects in both high and mid-latitude countries.
Here, we study GICs in the Irish power transmission network (geomagnetic latitude 54.7{58.5 N) during
five geomagnetic storms (06-07 March 2016, 20-21 December 2015, 17-18 March 2015, 29-31 October 2003 and
13-14 March 1989).
We simulate electric fields using a plane wave method together with two ground resistivity models,
one of which is derived from magnetotelluric measurements (MT model).
We then calculate GICs in the 220, 275 and 400 kV transmission network.
During the largest of the storm periods studied, the peak electric eld was calculated to be as large as 3.8 V/km,
with associated GICs of up to 23 A using our MT model.
Using our homogenous resistivity model, those peak values were 1.46 V/km and 25.8 A.
We find that three 400 and 275 kV substations are the most likely locations for the Irish transformers to
experience large GICs.
Source
Space Weather, 14, 1136–1154, doi:10.1002/2016SW001534.
[PDF],
[Movie 1],
[Movie 2],
[Movie 3]
MTNet Home Page
Alan's Home Page
Alan G Jones / 28 February 2017 /
alan.jones.geophysics -at- gmail.com