Seismic Risk Assessment for Elements of the Electric Network in Romania

Abstract

This study is focused on the assessment of the seismic risk for elements of the electric network (thermoelectric powerplants and substations) in Romania. Firstly, the main elements of the electric network analyzed in this study are briefly presented. Thermoelectric powerplants account for about 30% of the electricity production capacity and for about 40% of electricity production. The damage to the electric network in Romania caused by the Vrancea 1977 seismic event is presented in this study. The seismic fragility of thermoelectric powerplants as recommended by the SYNER-G project is evaluated in relation to the damage observed after the Vrancea intermediate-depth earthquake of March 1977. The impact of anchoring the components of substations and of powerplants on the seismic risk metrics is also evaluated using fragility parameters from the literature. The analyses show that the impact of anchoring the components on the seismic risk metrics is less important for substations than for thermoelectric powerplants. In addition, it was observed that the level of seismic risk is larger in the case of electric substations as compared to powerplants.