How do Geomagnetically Induced Currents (GICs) specifically impact high-voltage power grids?
Answer
Entering via transformer connections, potentially overloading and damaging equipment
Geomagnetically Induced Currents (GICs) are unwanted electrical surges created when the fluctuating magnetic field at the Earth's surface induces currents in long, highly conductive structures like power lines. These induced currents enter the high-voltage transmission infrastructure specifically through the connections associated with transformers. If the magnitude of the GIC is high enough, it can lead to the overloading of these critical components, resulting in significant equipment damage and causing widespread, prolonged power outages across affected regions.
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