Effect of a power frequency electromagnetic field induced by a high voltage AC transmission line on the human head

Abstract

High-voltage AC transmission lines are one of the important factors that produce power frequency electromagnetic exposure environmental problems. To investigate the safety of the electromagnetic exposure of a human head under high-voltage AC transmission lines, this study considers 220 kV AC transmission lines as the research object; employs COMSOL Multiphysics to establish a three-dimensional, finite element simulation model of a human head under AC transmission lines, exposed to a power frequency electromagnetic field; calculates the electromagnetic field distribution around the human head for various distances; and judges the safety of the electromagnetic exposure of the human head. The results demonstrate that the shape of the head affects the distribution of the electric field. The intensity of the electromagnetic field around the head corresponds to the distance between the transmission lines and the head. The farther the transmission line is from the head, the weaker is the electromagnetic field around the head. According to the International Commission on Non-Ionizing Radiation Protection guidelines and GB 8702—2014 standard, respectively, the minimum safe distance between the head and the electric field, when the lines are grounded, is 11.0 m and 11.5 m, and when the lines are ungrounded, 10.5 m and 12.0 m. The flux density around the head is less than these two standard limits.

Keywords

• 220 kv ac transmission lines
• power frequency electromagnetic exposure
• finite element simulation
• three-dimensional human head mode