Archived Event - Electric Grid Impacts of Geomagnetic Disturbances

Smart Grid Center Texas A&M Engineering Experiment Station

Geomagnetic disturbances (GMDs), caused by solar coronal mass ejections, have the potential to significantly impact the operation of the high voltage electric grid by causing geomagnetically induced currents (GICs). Over the last decade there has been significant research, industry interest, and regulatory concern about the impact of GMDs on the high voltage electric grid. The purpose of this two-day short course is to put the GMD issue into proper perspective by providing a comprehensive coverage of what is currently known about the impact of GMDs on the grid, the tools being used for their assessment in planning and operations, and the current areas of research.

The course philosophy is to provide in-depth coverage of the topics, but to do so using a practical, hands-on approach. For example, the course provides a detailed consideration of what is needed to do the GMD assessments required for NERC TPL-007-4, and also contains an interactive, real-time simulation of the operational impacts of GMDs on the grid. Throughout the course concepts will be illustrated using common industrial tools including those from EPRI and PowerWorld Simulator. Collectively the three course instructors have wide experience in this area doing electric power system studies, software tool development, research and engineering education (Hours: CEU 1.4, PDH 14).