Re:Starlink lost 40 satellites to a geomagnetic storm
by Fatnino on Wednesday February 09, 2022 @02:56PM
(#30277587)
Why not just disconnect the working ones at the same time and then they don't get fried
Re:Starlink lost 40 satellites to a geomagnetic storm
by toss1 on Wednesday February 09, 2022 @04:42PM
(#30278954)
That could definitely help. However, while I don't have the numbers, I'd expect that the required labor to disconnect them all would vastly exceed the 24-72 hour warning time.
Also, this would mean proactively shutting down the entire grid for days, at the first warning, then requiring days to restore power. So one warning would require a full week of zero power for the continent, and (I expect) saving only part of the grid.
But yeah, putting in some planning to do that would be a smart idea.
Re:Starlink lost 40 satellites to a geomagnetic storm
by bcrl on Wednesday February 09, 2022 @06:04PM
(#30279974)
Part of the challenge is that transformers for individual homes are at risk. Throw a significant DC voltage across a transformer designed to handle 60 Hz AC, and the results are not going to be pretty.
Having a full set of spares requires zero re-engineering of the existing grid, and will turn a multi-year grid failure catastrophe into a few days to restore critical components and some weeks of restoring full function.
Since our solid solar observation capabilities now give several days notice before arrival of such storms, some could even be pre-positioned at critical substations.
And you are absolutely correct that the DOD would have very good reason to do this - losing the grid nationwide would be an insane level national security risk.