Simulating a Possible Worst-Case Geomagnetic Disturbance for the Texas Power Grid

Geomagnetic disturbances (GMDs) threaten the reliability of the power grid through additional currents and voltages in the system, caused by geomagnetically induced currents (GICs). GICs can saturate transformers, stress lines and buses, and lead to system losses. Texas is considered less susceptible to GMDs, but what would a powerful GMD look like in Texas? Since Texas is less susceptible, can a higher susceptible location mimic what Texas would experience. This paper details simulating a low scale GMD event from Alaska on Texas' power grid, to represent a strong GMD in Texas. First is comparing a minor GMD in Alaska to a severe GMD in Texas, and then testing a moderate GMD from Alaska to represent an extreme GMD in Texas. These GMD events will be simulated with PowerWorld to estimate a worst case GMD in Texas.