GeoSphere Austria has developed and put into operation a new measuring system for detecting geomagnetically induced currents in high-voltage lines. The measuring system consists of an arrangement of sensitive magnetometers under the power lines. From the measured magnetic fluctuations, a computer model determines the time course of the induced direct currents. In collaboration with Austria Power Grid (APG), threats to the power supply that occur during solar storms and the resulting magnetic field disturbances are recorded. Rapid detection of magnetic field disturbances and their induced currents helps operators of large infrastructures take measures to avoid large-scale failures or damage. GeoSphere Austria's services in the context of space weather and geomagnetism are an important part of this strategy and, among other things, part of the AMAS multi-hazard platform. In the future, the data collected by the stations will be compared with other measurements in the power grid and with measurements at the Conrad Observatory in order to further improve and calibrate the calculations of the effects of geomagnetically induced currents.
Select your language