2D computation and measurement of electric and magnetic fields of overhead electric power lines

Abstract

In this paper a 2D numerical algorithm is presented for the computation of electric and magnetic fields of power lines. The numerical algorithm for the electric field intensity computation takes into account a short power line and approximates the conductor charge density by a constant. The numerical algorithm for magnetic flux density computation is based on the application of the Biot-Savart law. The computed results are compared to measurements taken underneath a 400 kV power line. The computed results and measurements prove to be in good agreements keeping in mind that the sag of the power line section is approximated with a horizontal straight line. Both the computed results as well as measurements confirm the fact that the electric and magnetic fields of high voltage power lines are well within the prescribed limits.