ABSTRACT
The onset of important power system problems can be assessed in part by experience from contemporary geomagnetic storms. Power networks are operated using what is termed an “N–1” operation criterion. That is, the system must always be operated to withstand the next credible disturbance contingency without causing a cascading collapse of the system as a whole. The primary concern with GIC is the effect that they have on the operation of a large power transformer. Under normal conditions, the large power transformer is a very efficient device for converting one voltage level into another. The maintenance of the functional integrity of the bulk electric systems at all times is a very high priority for the planning and operation of power systems worldwide. Power systems are too large and critical in their operation to easily perform physical tests of their reliability performance for various contingencies.
