Modelling geomagnetically induced currents in Xinjiang 750kV power grid in China

During geomagnetic storms, the geomagnetically induced currents (GIC) in the power grid threaten the safe operation of equipments or even the whole power system. Large GIC have been observed in Chinese power grid in spite of locating in mid-low latitude. The problem of GIC is considered to be more serious in Northwest 750kV power grid due to the higher latitude of the location, higher conductivity of the power lines, and the lower conductivity of the earth. This paper has introduced a case study of modeling the GIC in Xinjiang 750kV power grid. The GIC driven by a uniform electric filed with 1V/km and GIC under the strong storms on 9-10 November 2004 are both calculated to evaluate the influence of magnetic storms on the power grid. The result shows that the GIC at some nodes exceed safety limits when strong magnetic storms occur, which implies the vulnerability of this power grid.