Seonglae ChoLarge Power Transformer
Transformers are: 200–400 ton scale, custom-made (specs vary by grid), production takes 2–4 years, global annual production <1000. This means they are difficult to replace and supply is very limited.
How solar storms cause problems: When a strong Coronal Mass Ejection (CME) interacts with Earth's magnetic field:
- Electrojets (large-scale currents) form in the upper atmosphere
- These alter the surface magnetic field
- The changes induce DC current (GIC) through the ground into transmission lines
- Transmission lines → transformers
The problem is that transformers are designed for AC. When DC is mixed in: the iron core reaches magnetic saturation, internal magnetic field becomes uncontrollable, heat + arcing occurs, often leading to explosion or permanent damage
SolidGround
GIC blocking device: A capacitor-based blocking device installed on the ground line that allows AC to pass through while blocking DC (GIC)
Solar Storms — LessWrong
Most of civilization's electricity is generated far off-site from where it's delivered. This is because you don't want to be running and refueling co…
https://www.lesswrong.com/posts/ghq9EwiXbRbWSnDzF/solar-storms
