> geomagnetically induced currents (GICs) could flow through electrical grids, potentially overheating transformers and causing them to fail.
yes, but such currents are typically measured in milliamps or, during the biggest storms, amps. Most utility scale transformers would be needing DC currents of the order of thousands or tens of thousands of amperes before failure.
Even then, overheat sensors would detect such a condition, and operationally the circuit could be de-energised and connected to earth to protect it.
Also, where there are perhaps thousands of transformers connected to a particular distribution grid, the load from the GIC's is shared amongst them, further reducing impact.
yes, but such currents are typically measured in milliamps or, during the biggest storms, amps. Most utility scale transformers would be needing DC currents of the order of thousands or tens of thousands of amperes before failure.
Even then, overheat sensors would detect such a condition, and operationally the circuit could be de-energised and connected to earth to protect it.
Also, where there are perhaps thousands of transformers connected to a particular distribution grid, the load from the GIC's is shared amongst them, further reducing impact.