Effect Of Geomagnetic Disturbances On Electric Transformers Located At A Geomagnetic Low Latitude

Abstract

Space weather has been a task of research in modern fields of science; therefore, our recent technology is certainly influenced by impact of space weather particularly in satellites, spaceborne systems. Moreover, space weather has impacts on ground based technology such as electric power system, pipeline, and railways. Space weather variations can cause geomagnetically induced currents penetrate conducting structures of the transformers and cause: half-cycle saturation, increase the reactive power consumption, high levels of harmonics and heating. This could possibly leads to occurrence of blackouts and losses of power production.

In the current thesis, we investigate a correspondence occurrence of blackout in Sudan national power grid which Located at geomagnetic low latitude with space weather variations. Data from a transform in the grid were collected whence winding current, voltage and winding temperature one day including a time of blackout were checked in correspond to the geomagnetic storm time. Results of the investigated data showed that: the winding current was increased almost 5-hours before onset of the blackout, meanwhile, the voltage was almost steady in the same period before blackout. Moreover, the winding temperature was increased almost 2-hours before blackout and continued to increase to some peak which was centered on blackout period. Another feature that the winding current increased after blackouts while the voltage still steady almost after blackout. The geomagnetic equatorial disturbance storm index, namely, Dst showed a corresponding minor storm during occurrence of blackout, for the onset was found to correspond recovery phase of that storm. These results interpret the possible contribution of space weather effects on the stability of the national power grid.