Evaluation of Simulation Methods for Analysis of Geomagnetic Disturbance System Impacts

• Published in: IEEE transactions on power delivery 2021-06, Vol.36 (3), p.1509-1516
• Main Authors: Haddadi, Aboutaleb, Hassani, Reza, Mahseredjian, Jean, Gerin-Lajoie, Luc, Rezaei-Zare, Afshin
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Circuit faults; Coils (windings); Electric power systems; Electromagnetic transient; Evaluation; Flow stability; geomagnetic disturbance; geomagnetically induced current; Geomagnetism; Load modeling; Load-Flow; Magnetization; power system modeling; power system simulation; Power system stability; Reactive power; Stability analysis; System reliability; Transient stability; Transmission lines; Voltage control; Voltage transformers
• ISSN: 0885-8977; 1937-4208
• DOI: 10.1109/TPWRD.2020.3010195

Geomagnetic Disturbance (GMD) impacts a power system by causing the circulation of quasi-dc Geomagnetically-induced Currents (GICs) in transmission lines and high-voltage transformer windings leading to transformer saturation, increased reactive power losses, and voltage regulation problems. Utility planners use various analysis methods and simulation tools to analyze GMD system impacts. These techniques can be broadly categorized into load-flow-based (LF), transient stability type (TS), and electromagnetic transient type (EMT) methods. These methods are based on different modeling assumptions and solution techniques. There is a need for evaluation of these assumptions and cross-examination of results to ensure their accuracy. Such an evaluation is essential to ensure that planners performing required GMD vulnerability assessments have confidence in the results. This paper evaluates the LF, TS, and EMT methods through cross-examination of their results. The objective is to identify their limitations, assess the consistency of their results, and provide assumptions on their use for analysis of GMD system impacts. The study is conducted in consistence with the North American Electric Reliability Corporation (NERC) GMD guidelines and standards.