Observations and modeling of GIC in the Chinese large-scale high-voltage power networks

During geomagnetic storms, the geomagnetically induced currents (GIC) cause bias fluxes in transformers, resulting in half-cycle saturation. Severely distorted exciting currents, which contain significant amounts of harmonics, threaten the safe operation of equipment and even the whole power system. In this paper, we compare GIC data measured in transformer neutrals and magnetic recordings in China, and show that the GIC amplitudes can be quite large even in mid-low latitude areas. The GIC in the Chinese Northwest 750 kV Power Grid are modeled based on the plane wave assumption. The results show that GIC flowing in some transformers exceed 30 A/phase during strong geomagnetic storms. GIC are thus not only a high-latitude problem but networks in middle and low latitudes can be impacted as well, which needs careful attention.