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Geomagnetically induced currents in the Finnish high-voltage power system

A geophysical review

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Abstract

We consider geomagnetically induced currents (GICs) in power systems from the viewpoint of a geophysicist. Special attention is paid to the Finnish high-voltage power system, in which exact theoretical model calculations together with recordings have been performed for several years. We present several examples of theoretically computed GICs using different geophysical models for estimating the geoelectric field driving GICs. Statistical prediction of GICs is outlined referring to studies made in Finland. We show that a combination of GIC recordings at few sites with theoretical modelling of ionospheric currents and the earth's conductivity, and data of geomagnetic activity makes it possible to derive GIC statistics of the entire power system. Finally, we discuss requirements for a long-range prediction of GICs, which will obviously be a widely-studied topic in future.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Geophysics, Finnish Meteorological Institute, P.O. Box 503, FIN-00101, Helsinki, Finland

    A. Viljanen & R. Pirjola

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  1. A. Viljanen
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  2. R. Pirjola
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Viljanen, A., Pirjola, R. Geomagnetically induced currents in the Finnish high-voltage power system. Surv Geophys 15, 383–408 (1994). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00665999

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00665999

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