Abstract
Geomagnetic induced current (GIC) occurs as a direct consequence of abnormal space weather which starts from the sun and may flow into a power system network through neutral grounding connections. The flow of GIC through grounded neutral power transformer has been a major concern to researchers since it can potentially affect power system equipment. Most of the previous research was focused on high and mid latitude countries only. However, it has been proven that the GIC is not only limited to high and mid latitudes, but also extends to power systems at lower geographic latitudes. This paper aims to investigate the impacts of GIC on selected 275 kV subpower system networks in Peninsular Malaysia, which is among the low latitude countries. Its impact in terms of magnitude and duration is also assessed together with the use of neutral earthing resistor (NER) as a potential blocking component to reduce the impact of GIC on the Malaysian power system network. Results demonstrated that when GIC exists in the power system, power transformers undergo half-cycle saturation that may lead to a reactive power loss and power system voltage instability. In this case, the power transformer can only withstand a maximum GIC value of 7 A, and beyond this value, if prolonged, may lead to voltage instability. It turned out that GIC magnitude had more impact compared to duration. However, long duration with high magnitude of GIC is the most hazardous to power transformers and could potentially cause major faults in the power system network. As part of mitigation, NER with a value of 315.10 Ω can be used to limit the GIC current flow and thus provide protection to the power system network. Clearly, the issue of GIC undoubtedly affects the reliability, security and sustainability of power system operation, especially networks with highly critical load and capacity and, therefore, thorough studies are required to assess and mitigate this issue.
Highlights
Solar activity gives rise to abnormal space weather conditions which, through a complex interaction of events, leads to geomagnetic disturbance (GMD) [1,2]
Analysis of geomagnetic induced current (GIC) impacted on a power transformer in Malaysia was modeled based on the actual 275 kV network provided by the local power utility, as opposed to many studies that only focused on the assumed network parameters or only on the transformer
Analysis of the impacts of GIC on the Malaysian power system network has not been reported in the past, on the sensitivity of power transformers with respect to the duration of the GIC in order to investigate influence on the flux linkage, magnetizing current, active power, reactive power and hysteresis curves c
Summary
Solar activity gives rise to abnormal space weather conditions which, through a complex interaction of events, leads to geomagnetic disturbance (GMD) [1,2]. Previous research mainly focused on magnitude only, whereas GIC flows are highly dependent on the complex topology and electrical characteristics of the power system network components, including geographic orientation, transmission line length, response of power transformers and other power equipment. This paper aims to investigate the impacts of GIC on a selected 275 kV subpower system network in Peninsular Malaysia, which is among the low latitude countries, taking into account all the system designs and line parameters for modeling. Description of the test system at a selected 275 kV subpower system network is discussed together with the use of neutral earthing resistor (NER) as a potential blocking component to reduce the impact of GIC on the Malaysian power system network. TTaabbllee ssuummmmaarriizzeess tthhee iimmppaaccttss ooff GGIICC oonn tthhee ttrraannssffoorrmmeerr tthhaatt hhaavvee bbeeeenn ccoonndduucctteedd bbyy pprreevviioouuss rreesseeaarrcchheerrss ttoowwaarrddss mmooddeelliinngg aassppeeccttss iinncclluuddiinngg aaddvvaannttaaggee,, ddiissaaddvvaannttaaggee aanndd fifinnddiinnggss
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