Geomagnetic Induced Potential Compensation for Transformer Protection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current solutions for mitigating geomagnetically induced currents (GICs) in transformers and transmission lines are expensive and impractical, often requiring additional components or re-engineering, which is not cost-effective for frequent GIC events.
Innovation Solution
A method that utilizes forecasted geomagnetic information to estimate geomagnetically induced potentials in transformers and determines an optimized compensation voltage to reduce potential differences between neutral lines, applying this voltage using a direct current source or tertiary winding to nullify the effects of GICs without the need for expensive additional components or re-engineering.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If additional components or re-engineering are used to mitigate GICs, then transformer protection is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system receives forecasted geomagnetic information and estimates GIC potentials in advance before the actual GIC events occur. This preliminary estimation allows the control system to prepare and apply compensation voltages proactively, protecting transformers before damage can occur, rather than requiring complex protective components to be constantly installed
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the operating parameters of existing transformers by applying optimized compensation voltages to neutral lines. This dynamically adjusts the electrical parameters (voltage levels) to counteract GIC effects, rather than physically modifying the transformer structure or adding protective components
2Reliability
If additional components or re-engineering are used to mitigate GICs, then transformer protection is improved, but cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses existing transformer components (neutral lines, tertiary windings) to generate their own compensation voltages. The transformers essentially protect themselves by utilizing their existing infrastructure to create counteracting voltages, eliminating the need for expensive external protective devices
Solution Approach 2:
The compensation system can utilize multiple existing components for the same protective function: either direct current sources connected to neutral lines or the transformer's own tertiary windings. This multi-functionality allows existing infrastructure to serve dual purposes (power transformation and GIC protection), reducing the need for dedicated protective equipment
3Object-affected harmful factors
If compensation voltage is applied to reduce potential differences, then GIC impact is reduced, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system applies compensation voltages in periodic response to forecasted GIC events rather than continuously. Compensation is activated during specific time windows when geomagnetic disturbances are predicted and deactivated when not needed, reducing overall energy consumption while maintaining protection during critical periods
Solution Approach 2:
The compensation voltage is optimized to apply only the necessary amount needed to reduce potential differences to acceptable levels, rather than continuously applying maximum compensation. The control system calculates the precise compensation needed based on estimated GIC potentials, avoiding excessive energy consumption
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This approach efficiently and cost-effectively reduces or eliminates the impact of GICs on transformers and transmission lines by applying a compensation voltage based on forecasted geomagnetic data, preventing damage and failure without the need for expensive upgrades or re-engineering.
Implementation Method 1
The variations in the magnetic field can induce currents in conductors on or under the surface of Earth. For example, the variations may induce currents in transmission grids
Implementation Method 2
applying the optimized compensation voltage to at least one of the plurality of transformers operatively coupled to the transmission line
Data Source
AI summary
One embodiment provides a method, including: utilizing at least one processor to execute computer code that performs the steps of: receiving forecasted geomagnetic information caused by solar activity; estimating, using the forecasted geomagnetic information, a geomagnetically induced potential for each of a plurality of transformers operatively coupled to a transmission line, wherein the geomagnetically induced potential is created by geomagnetic disturbances identified using the forecasted geomagnetic information; determining an optimized compensation voltage to be applied to at least one of the plurality of transformers operatively coupled to the transmission line, wherein the optimized compensation voltage comprises a voltage that reduces the potential difference, caused by the induced potential, between neutral lines of the plurality of transformers; and applying the optimized compensation voltage to at least one of the plurality of transformers operatively coupled to the transmission line. Other aspects are described and claimed.