Computation of the Low Frequency Magnetic Fields Generated by a 12/20 kV Underground Power Line

Abstract

Exposure to low frequency magnetic fields has been a subject of health concern and scientific debate over the past decades. This issue stimulated the interest towards the development of methods and software tools for computing magnetic fields generated by various power-frequency systems. Underground power cables are widely used in urban areas, but they have not been investigated as much as other sources. In this study, the low frequency magnetic fields generated by a typical 12/20 kV underground power line will be assessed by both analytical computation, using a software tool developed in LabVIEW, and numerical simulation, with a 2D electromagnetic modelling software. The obtained results will be comparatively analyzed and checked against relevant exposure limits.