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Solar Plasma Simulation for Space Weather Prediction and Protection of Earth’s Power Grids

Students & Supervisors

Student Authors
Tamim Hasan Apurbo
Bachelor of Science in Computer Science & Engineering, FST
Hamim Ibrahim
Bachelor of Science in Electrical & Electronic Engineering, FE
Sanjeda Alam Chaity
Bachelor of Science in Computer Science & Engineering, FST
Zihad Bin Rahim
Bachelor of Science in Computer Science & Engineering, FST
Supervisors
Md. Mortuza Ahmmed
Associate Professor, Faculty, FST

Abstract

Solar plasma eruptions, such as solar flares and coronal mass ejections (CMEs), can be very dangerous for the energy infrastructure on Earth. These events cause geomagnetic storms that can lead to large scale blackouts. Numerical simulations were used in this study to model how solar plasma moves and interacts with Earth's magnetosphere. The results illustrate how less powerful networks are to geomagnetically induced currents (GICs). To make sure that modern society has a reliable and long-lasting supply of energy ideas, the more resilient power grids are put forward. The Sun's magneto hydrodynamic (MHD) processes cause solar activity that creates high energy plasma events called CMEs. These plasma clouds compress the magnetosphere and cause geomagnetic storms when they hit Earth. These kinds of problems cause electric currents to flow through long transmission lines that will damage transformers and make electricity less reliable. Energy systems are the most important part of human life, so it's important to be able to predict and lessen the effects of solar storms in order to keep things going. This study was conducted in two parts: modeling the behavior of solar plasma and evaluating its effects on Earth's power grids. First, simplified magneto hydrodynamic (MHD) equations were used to model how coronal mass ejections (CMEs) move through space. To illustrate both mild and extreme solar events a speed range of 300 km/s to 2000 km/s was chosen with changes in magnetic field strength of up to 200 nT. MATLAB was used to model these plasma conditions so we could see how the intensity changes as the CME gets closer to Earth. The second stage was to use grid impedance and average crustal conductivity values to figure out how geomagnetically induced currents (GICs) would work on long transmission lines. We could figure out how much current levels rise sharply under stronger CMEs by comparing quiet solar conditions with storm driven cases. We were able to link solar plasma dynamics directly to the risks that terrestrial power networks face with this method, even though we didn't have any physical labs. Simulation results revealed that GICs rise sharply during strong solar plasma interactions. At CME speeds more than 1200 km/s, induced currents above the safe operational limits for transformers, indicating significant susceptibility. The graph illustrates the relationship between CME speed and GIC amplitude. These findings support the urgent need for predictive space-weather monitoring and adaptive energy protection systems.

Keywords

Plasma Simulation Solar Storms Space Weather Power Grid Protection Sustainability

Publication Details

  • Type of Publication:
  • Conference Name: 1st International Conference on Science and Humanities for Sustainable Development (ICSHSD- 2025)
  • Date of Conference: 23/10/2025 - 23/10/2025
  • Venue: Dhaka University of Engineering & Technology (DUET), Gazipur.
  • Organizer: Faculty of Science, Dhaka University of Engineering & Technology (DUET), Gazipur.
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