Geomagnetically Induced Current Determination for Power Systems
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Solution Overview
Problem
Identifying vulnerable areas in power systems during geomagnetic disturbances (GMDs) in real-time to maintain stability and prevent equipment damage is challenging, as existing methods are time-consuming and not suitable for real-time applications.
Innovation Solution
A method and system that determine the maximum Geomagnetically Induced Current (GIC) and its direction by setting the gradient of the total GIC to zero, using multi-variable functions and phasors in two field directions, and despike sensor data using median filtering or wavelet decomposition, to identify elements at risk of failure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional methods are used to identify vulnerable areas during GMD, then measurement precision is improved, but processing time increases significantly making real-time application impossible
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transforms the GIC determination problem from a time-consuming traditional calculation approach to a rapid solution by changing the mathematical parameters and formulation. The new method uses a transformed set of equations that can be solved much faster while maintaining accuracy, directly addressing the time-loss contradiction.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the traditional mechanical/computational approach of GIC calculation with a new mathematical framework that substitutes complex iterative solutions with a more efficient computational model, enabling real-time processing without sacrificing precision.
2Reliability
If real-time monitoring is implemented to prevent equipment damage, then reliability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts only the essential calculations and parameters needed for real-time GIC monitoring, removing unnecessary complexity from traditional methods. By focusing on the critical components of GIC determination, the system achieves real-time reliability monitoring with reduced complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the GIC determination process into distinct, manageable computational steps that can be executed rapidly and independently, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining real-time reliability monitoring capability.
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 allows for fast and accurate identification of vulnerable power system elements, reducing processing time significantly and enabling real-time monitoring and mitigation of GMD impacts, thereby preventing equipment damage and ensuring system stability.
Implementation Method 1
Geomagnetic Disturbance (GMD) is a kind of natural event that can induce voltage in the earth layers and on the transmission lines and drive the Geomagnetically Induced Current (GIC) in power system
Data Source
AI summary
A system and method for geomagnetic disturbance determination for a power system, the method including: receiving sensor data including an electric field experienced by one or more portions of the power system; determining a total Geomagnetically Induced Current (GIC) as a multi-variable function of phasors in two field directions proportional to the experienced electric field; determining one or more maximum magnitudes of the total GIC and a corresponding direction; and outputting the determined one or more maximum GIC magnitudes and the corresponding directions. In a particular case, determining the one or more maximum magnitudes of the total GIC and the corresponding direction includes setting a gradient of the total GIC to zero to determine one or more extremum points.