Transformer

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A transformer is a device that transfers electrical energy from one circuit to another.

Transformers During an EMP or CME

During an electromagnetic pulse (EMP) or coronal mass ejection (CME) it is predicted by numerous experts that transformers are likely to be damaged. EMP and CME transformer "effects have circulated for years among technical and policy experts, in press reports, on preparedness websites, and even in technical journals. Because many aspects of EMP-generation physics and its effects are obscure, misconceptions from those who do not perceive the seriousness of the effects to those who predict a doomsday chain of events are inevitable. Nuclear bursts detonated at altitudes above 40 km generate two principle types of EMPs that can debilitate critical infrastructure systems over large regions."

"The electric power grid is essential for sustaining population “life-support” services. However, some major grid components could take months, or years, to replace, if many components are damaged. The primary example is high-voltage transformers, which can irreparably fail during major solar storms and are thus likely to fail during an EMP event. Protection of these large transformers would reduce the time required to restore the grid and restore the necessary services it enables."

According to Emprimus– a manufacturer of transformer protection devices– the unit cost for high-voltage transformer protection is estimated to be $250,000, with the total number of susceptible, large, high-voltage units ranging from 300 to 3,000, according to Oak Ridge National Laboratory. The requirement and cost for generator facility protection are still undetermined but are likely to be similar to transformer protection costs. To protect SCADA systems, replacement parts are readily available and repairs are relatively uncomplicated. Protection costs for heavy-duty grid components are in the $10 billion range, which is a small fraction of the value of losses should they fail. When amortized, protection costs to consumers amount to pennies per month."[1]

Newt Gingrich and other conservatives such as survivalists James Wesley Rawles, Joel Skousen, Alex Jones, Kenneth Royce, Jack Spirko, Dave Duffy, Ragnar Benson and Alex Barron are concerned with the preparedness of America's power grid transformers against threats from modern adversaries such as Islamic jihad terrorists, China, Russia and North Korea. They consider the current "hardening" of transformers to be a major issue requiring investment.[2]

See Also

Bibliography

Harlow, James (2004). Electric Power Transformer Engineering. CRC Press. ISBN 0-8493-1704-5. 

External Links

References

  1. 263 word quotation: Fair Use Source: James Wesley, Rawles (“JWR”), Blanket Conservapedia Fair Use Article Citation Authorization "You are certainly welcome to use up to three quotes of 800 words each, in any of your wiki articles." Authorization Date: Tue, 30 Dec 2014 09:46:09 -0700. Idaho, American Redoubt: The Survival Blog, 2015, Online. Amazon.com, Accessed January 5, 2015 "Six Common Misconceptions About EMP, by G.B., PhD - Protecting the Critical National Infrastructure Would Be Cost Prohibitive
  2. One Second After written by William Forstchen with a forward by Newt Gingrich discusses this potentially major threat to modern power transformers: Amazon.com, Tor Books, 2011. Accessed January 5, 2015.