Scientists at Tolyatti State University (TSU), together with Rosseti Scientific and Technical Center, have developed Russia's first system for detecting geomagnetically induced currents. It warns the dispatcher about saturation of a transformer's magnetic system during magnetic storms, the Ministry of Education and Science told TASS.
The mathematical model takes into account not only the strength of a solar flare, but also the network topology — how power transmission lines are laid out relative to the geoelectric field. This made it possible to calculate the critical nodes where sensors are needed first. Unlike the Canadian system used as a benchmark, the Russian version filters out background distortions of current in the neutral, eliminating false alarms. When entering the danger zone, a color indicator lights up on the control panel, giving the operator time to shed load before the "hardware" is damaged.
For the Unified Power System of central Russia, where the methodology was tested, this means reducing the risk of large-scale outages caused by geomagnetic anomalies. Transformers rated at 220 kV and above are scarce and expensive imported equipment or limited domestic resources. The failure of even one such unit at peak loads threatens cascading blackouts across entire regions.
Integration with existing process control systems turns the TSU development into a ready-made technical solution for substation designers working in high latitudes.