3 ms·
Keep in mind that telegraphs were uniquely sensitive to that kind of event. Our power distribution lines are the most sensitive thing we have today, and yet are
by marcosdumay 2y ago
Keep in mind that telegraphs were uniquely sensitive to that kind of event. Our power distribution lines are the most sensitive thing we have today, and yet are much more robust.
Also, distributed generation, like we get with photovoltaics only improves the situation.
Anyway, we could still have large scale blackouts and localized equipment loss due to those. That's true. We should be able to protect ourselves, we know how and it's something perfectly practical; besides, we will have about a half-year of warning. But it's unclear if we will.
- ianburrell 2y agoAlso, we know how to protect power grids by grounding the equipment. My understanding is that grounding is harder than just running ground rod, but that it is doable. It is the kind of thing that government mandate and some money could solve.
- marcosdumay 2y agoOn this case, you protect power lines by insulating them. Grounding is exactly what you don't want. Modern lines are almost insulated enough for it not to be a problem. But there's some extra work needed.