Effect of Geomagnetic Disturbances on Electric Transformers Located at a Geomagnetic Low Latitude

Abstract

Space weather has been a task of research in modern fields of science; therefore, our recent technology is certainly influenced by impact of space weather particularly in satellites, spaceborne systems. Moreover, space weather has impacts on ground based technology such as electric power system, pipeline, and railways. Space weather variations can cause geomagnetically induced currents penetrate conducting structures of the transformers and cause: half-cycle saturation, increase the reactive power consumption, high levels of harmonics and heating. This could possibly leads to occurrence of blackouts and losses of power production.