Synergistic Approach for Computational Analysis of Geomagnetically Induced Currents in Power Grids

Geomagnetically induced currents (GICs) have the potential to be highly disruptive to regular power grid operations. Despite the study of geomagnetic disturbances (GMDs) since the 1940s, comprehensive methods for accurate and precise analysis of their impact, especially in individual grid components, remain limited. This paper describes a method based on the synergistic use of different computational tools for detailed simulation of GMDs in power grids. The proposed methodology allows the effective integration between three main aspects required for accurate determination of GICs and their effects on power systems: (1) location-specific estimation of Earth's magnetic fields at ground level, (2) detailed physics-based ground impedance modeling considering specific geological environment, and (3) power grid modeling considering detailed network and grounding topology. The goal is to generate an end-to-end methodology for GIC calculation in power grids from the magnetic field environment during a geomagnetic event, the soil conductivity profile at the site of interest, and the grid topology data. The resulting methodology was evaluated by means of a sample case that utilizes magnetic field data from an actual event.