PNNL

Coronal mass ejections release large bursts of intense magnetic particles, causing geomagnetic storms in Earth’s atmosphere. These generate auroras but also interfere with many types of electrical systems. In power systems, specifically transmission systems, geomagnetic storms can lead to increased heating in transformers, as well as changes in reactive power flow that result in over or under voltage scenarios.

The Enhanced Geomagnetic Disturbance Modeling project is supporting decision-makers in the electric power sector to have the knowledge and tools they need to most effectively mitigate geomagnetic disturbance (GMD) effects on our nation’s electric grid, with a secondary focus on nuclear electromagnetic pulse. This includes the following:

• Improving fundamental models
• Developing a state estimator for geomagnetically induced current (GIC) measurement and electric field calculation
• Quantifying uncertainties that influence GIC impacts
• Building tools for utilities to use to better assess the impacts that can be expected from GMD.

The work is funded by the Department of Energy Office of Cybersecurity, Energy Security, and Emergency Response (DOE CESER) and is a collaboration between Pacific Northwest National Laboratory, Texas A&M University, and the Electric Power Research Institute.