Geomagnetically induced currents and its presence in the Eskom transmission network
Master Thesis
2000
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University of Cape Town
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Abstract
This thesis serves to describe the findings of the investigation into the possible existence and occurrence of Geomagnetically Induced Currents (GICs) in the Eskom MTS. The project commenced in January 1999 and is a joint collaboration between Eskom, the University of Cape Town and EPRI. Eskom has been aware since about 1990, that occasional severe geomagnetic storms in the Southern Cape might disrupt the MTS in that area. At that time no correlation was observed between disruptions at selected sites of the Eskom MTS and geomagnetic activity. (The sites selected were based on the knowledge at that time.) However, there is now evidence that the sites most susceptible are not at the conventionally accepted locations, and that damage and disruption may have occurred where it was not expected. For this project a thorough literature search was done to understand the source and effects of GICs. An investigation was conducted into the past events on the Eskom MTS, which was compared with geomagnetic activity to check for correlation. Finally, the modelling process of a network that would indicate its susceptibility to GICs was studied.Typical disruptions that would indicate the existence of GICs include Buchholz trips, interwinding faults, permanent failure due to internal faults, etc. From this investigation there is circumstantial evidence that equipment damage may have occurred due to geomagnetic activity during the previous solar cycle peak.
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Includes bibliographical references.
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Koen, J. 2000. Geomagnetically induced currents and its presence in the Eskom transmission network. University of Cape Town.