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Reduction of Geomagnetically Induced Current Impacts by Optimized Neutral Point Connections
  • Philipp Schachinger,
  • Dennis Albert,
  • H. Renner
Philipp Schachinger
Graz University of Technology

Corresponding Author:philipp.schachinger@tugraz.at

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Dennis Albert
Graz University of Technology
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H. Renner
Graz University of Technology
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Abstract

Solar storms impact electrical power grids by causing DC neutral point currents in transformers. These currents lead to half-cycle saturation as well as other related and unwanted effects in the grid. To reduce the effect of these currents on the grid, DC-blocking devices can be installed or changes in the grid topology can be made. However, these counter measures often have unwanted side effects or cannot be applied to the grid due to operational restrictions. In this work, a novel mitigation approach, based on the distribution of currents on more transformers, is presented. The number and location of grounded transformer neutral points is optimized, taking grid related constraints such as the minimal number of transformer connections into account. It is shown that the algorithm can effectively reduce the stress on transformers without any additional assets and thus increase system security.
17 Apr 2023Submitted to IET Generation, Transmission & Distribution
18 Apr 2023Submission Checks Completed
18 Apr 2023Assigned to Editor
19 Apr 2023Reviewer(s) Assigned
09 Jun 2023Review(s) Completed, Editorial Evaluation Pending
13 Jun 2023Editorial Decision: Revise Major
04 Jul 20231st Revision Received
06 Jul 2023Submission Checks Completed
06 Jul 2023Assigned to Editor
08 Jul 2023Reviewer(s) Assigned
06 Aug 2023Review(s) Completed, Editorial Evaluation Pending
07 Aug 2023Editorial Decision: Accept