The electric operator of Portugal, national energy networks (REN), said that the blackout caused in the country and in Spain is the result of a rare atmospheric phenomenon known as “Induced atmospheric vibration” .
According to the note issued by REN, “due to extreme temperature variations in the interior of Spain, there were anomalous oscillations on the very high voltage lines (400 kV)”. According to the operator, the complete restoration of the country’s power grid can take up to a week.
What is induced atmospheric vibration?
The vibration of cables used in power transmission and distribution lines can cause serious problems in the power grid. These vibrations can be caused by atmospheric factors, especially by winds.
Wind movement causes the lines to vibrate with high frequency and small amplitude, generating pressure that can affect conductor cable function, causing damage to the structure and even interrupting the power supply of the network.
What is known about the blackout
Around 12:30 pm in Madrid and 11:30 am in Lisbon, there were cuts of energy in much of the Iberian Peninsula. Parts of the Basque country were briefly affected, but not for long.
Interruptions affected trains, subway lines and international airports in both countries. Spanish electric power supplier Red Electric, said that the restoration of energy supply to all customers can take six to ten hours, in statements to a local broadcaster on Monday (28).
Spanish authorities have asked people to minimize their movements and call emergency services only in extreme emergency cases. They also asked people to stay away from the roads so that rescuers can trigger the system.
Portuguese police warned that traffic lights and street lighting are at risk of failures, asking drivers to avoid unnecessary displacements and pay extra attention to the roads. Portuguese airline Tap Air also requested that travelers will not move to the airport.
This content was originally published in induced atmospheric vibration: Understand phenomenon that caused blackout in CNN Brazil.
Source: CNN Brasil
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