Workshop 2: GMD
Topic: Geomagnetic Disturbances
Date: 2018 October 15, Monday
Time: 8:00 am to 12:00 noon
Coordinator: Colin Clark of AltaLink
Space weather interactions with the earth can result in a number of impacts on the electrical network and associated equipment. The often referred to Hydro Quebec geomagnetic storm in 1989 was a catalyst for further research. The research and studies today depict a stark contrast to industry perceptions less than a decade ago.
This workshop will cover recent research into how space weather interacts with the earth and the corresponding effects on the power system and related system studies.
NERC Standard TPL-007 defines the requirements for how utilities should address the impacts of space weather on the power grid. The published benchmark event and scaling factors are a subject of debate. In 2018 NERC recognized that as GMD research and earth modelling evolves, specific Canadian revisions may be required to incorporate alternative benchmark GMD events in Canada appropriate for the geographical region. While the specific NERC TPL-007 standard is not a workshop topic, this recent work highlights the subject relevancy in Canada.
There are two presentations in this GMD Workshop:
Presentation 1: GMD Theory and Research
Presenter: University of Alberta
Outline: This presentation covers the following highlights:
- Types of space weather
- Impacts on earth and magnetic coupling between the earth and the sun
- Probability of major storms
- Latest research on GMD and future study topics
Presentation 2: Power System and Impacts
Presenters: Rob Baker and Jaryn Vaile from Teshmont
Outline: This presentation covers the following topics:
- Background on impacts of GMD on the power system
- GIC modelling considerations (limitations, common mistakes and best approach)
- Sample study results, system impacts and wider system implications
- Sample transformer results
- Potential areas for future work or improvements
