Transformer Core Saturation Caused by Geomagnetic Storms

01.10.2009 - 30.09.2014
Research funding project
Solar winds - i.e. streams of plasma emitted from the sun - affrct the magnetic field of the earth, inducing electric curl fields in its conducting surface regions. There result so-called geomagnetically induced currents (GICs) which may enter into HV grids and in far distance re-enter into the earth through grounded power transformers. This may yield half-cycle saturation of the soft magnetic transformer core and thus break-down of machines, grids and communication systems. Aim of project is a first systematic investigation of the corresponding physical magnetic performance of different core types. In cooperation with the largest core producer, GICs will be simulated in model cores. For the first time, inner magnetic effects will be studied by thin film sensors. A focus will be put on consequences of planar eddy currents (PECs) on losses. PECs will also be studied in the simulated magnetic core surrounding. The established physical knowledge should yield strategies (i) for machines of reduced GIC susceptibility, and (ii) for the mitigation of GIC-prone plants at neuralgic sites.

People

Project leader

Project personnel

Institute

Grant funds

  • FWF - Österr. Wissenschaftsfonds (National) Austrian Science Fund (FWF)

Research focus

  • Modeling and Simulation: 100%

Keywords

GermanEnglish
geomagnetische Stürmegeomagnetic storms
Leistungstransformerkernepower transformer cores

Publications