Power system responses to geomagnetic disturbances recognized using phasor measurement recordings

Abstract Geomagnetically induced currents (GICs) flowing through transformers result in a DC bias, which poses a threat to safe and stable power grid operation. To evaluate the influence of geomagnetic storms on power systems, it is necessary to study actual power system responses. In this paper, the power system response is represented separately using current and reactive power measurements acquired using phasor measurement units (PMUs). On the basis of the data obtained from a wide-area measurement system, the power system responses to geomagnetic disturbances at Yangquan Substation, Shanxi, China were obtained. By employing the plane wave method, the data acquired during two mild magnetic storms at the Shisanling Geomagnetic Observatory were used to calculate the electric field and GIC at Yangquan Substation. The response variables and calculated GIC results agreed well, and the response variables were thus applied to assess the GIC level in the power system. The results show that the fluctuations in the PMU measurements were caused by GICs in the power system, laying the foundation for a significantly more detailed geomagnetic storm risk monitor.