September 12, 2014
News
Hydro-Québec successfully manages the effects of solar storms
Geomagnetic activity caused by solar storms can, in isolated cases, interfere with the operation of power transmission systems. Hydro-Québec monitors solar activity closely and adjusts its grid operations accordingly.
“Hydro-Québec successfully manages the effects of solar storms on its transmission system,” says François Lévesque, Manager – System Studies, at Hydro-Québec TransÉnergie. “We are confident going into this solar cycle.”
Major investments
Hydro-Québec operates the most extensive power transmission system in North America and is recognized around the world for its expertise and reliable power.
Hydro-Québec is constantly investing in its transmission system. In the past few decades, the grid has undergone major changes to make it more robust and better able to neutralize the geomagnetic effects of solar storms.
Some few examples of improvements:
• The trip thresholds of protective systems were adjusted to optimize equipment performance and reduce sensitivity to geomagnetic disturbances.
• Series compensation equipment was installed throughout the grid to increase its stability and prevent the spread of currents induced by magnetic storms.
• When significant disturbances are foreseen, Hydro-Québec reduces the amount of energy transiting over the grid and its interconnections with neighboring power systems, and postpones certain manoeuvres.
• Hydro-Québec put in place a measurement system that records power grid disturbances in real time. The data gathered is used for the continuous assessment of the effectiveness of mitigation measures.
“Thanks to all these measures, Hydro-Québec is able to minimize the impact of solar storms and ensure the best possible service to customers,” concludes Mr. Lévesque.
Blackout of ‘89
When many Quebecers think of solar storms, they think of the 1989 blackout . At the time, geomagnetic events like this could impact on our transmission system.
“Our transmission grid has changed a lot since 1989,” says Mr. Lévesque. “Solar activity has not disrupted the performance of Hydro-Québec’s transmission system for 24 years now.”
What’s a solar storm?
The sun, a mass of perpetually boiling gas, has an activity cycle that peaks every 11 years or so.
By the end of the current solar cycle, solar eruptions—which cause solar storms—will be stronger and more frequent. Some of the particles the sun ejects during this period will reach the Earth.
When a particle cloud enters the Earth’s atmosphere, it can generate strong electric currents that suddenly change the intensity of the planet’s magnetic field, triggering magnetic storms. The same particles are behind the aurora borealis (northern lights).
Magnetic storms and power grids
Close to the ground, magnetic storms generate electric currents in good conductors, such as railway tracks, underwater cables and power lines.
Power transmission lines are grounded and provide a path of least resistance for these currents. This can result in equipment overload and the malfunction of protective systems.
That’s what happened in Québec in 1989. Since then, Hydro-Québec has made many improvements to its transmission system. Solar activity has not disrupted its performance since.
Hydro-Québec transmission system
Hydro-Québec TransÉnergie operates the most extensive power transmission system in North America and manages the power flows across Québec:
• 33,613 km of lines
• 516 substations
• 17 interconnections with the systems in Ontario, New Brunswick and the northeastern United States
Details