High-Voltage Electric Field Coupling to Humans Using Moment Method Techniques

Abstract

With the advent of EHV transmission lines and the almost certain possibility of UHV lines, it becomes increasingly important to describe accurately the transmission line electromagnetic field interaction with life forms. This paper develops a numerical method for predicting current and normal electric field distributions induced on humans situated in the near vicinity of the lines. The technique is based on the method of moments in which the human body is modeled as a collection of straight cylindrical segments with lengths and radii comparable to that section of the body being modeled. Various scenarios are considered, eg., a well-insulated person standing on the ground beneath the transmission line; an individual in good contact with the earth; or a lineman working in very close proximity to an energized conductor. The position of the arms is varied; for example, arms extended or down at the side. The question of biological hazards from exposure to fields of these systems is also discussed.