Versatile method for modeling geomagnetically induced currents in ground-based systems

Geomagnetic disturbances affect the normal operation of power systems, oil and gas pipelines, and railway systems. These disturbances are assessed based on the geomagnetically induced current (GIC), which is an important index that needs to be systematically calculated. In this study, we systematically perform GIC calculation for ground-based systems and consequently propose a versatile method for modeling GIC. Typically, a geophysical step aimed at the horizontal component of the geoelectric field and an engineering step intended for calculating the GIC are essential. One-, two-, two and half-, and three-dimensional models are used to determine the geoelectric field based on the different Earth model. Based on their characteristics, these systems are cate-gorized into lumped-and distributed-parameter systems. Power systems and traction networks are modeled based on lumped parameters, whereas gas and oil pipelines and rail systems are modeled based on distributed parameters. Regardless of the model used, the nodal admittance network is at the end of the model chain, and the associated parameters are determined. In addition, certain special cases, including power systems with multi-voltage levels, pipeline models with leakage points, and traction networks with different operation states, are considered. Furthermore, specific cases are presented to demonstrate the functioning of the model.