Calculation of the Connected Magnetic and Electric Fields Around an Overhead-Line Tower for an Estimation of Their Influence on Maintenance Personnel

The perception of the invisible electromagnetic fields associated with high-voltage overhead-line towers can be a problem during live maintenance work. Furthermore, maintenance personnel report that certain types of towers are more susceptible to electromagnetic fields than others. An insight into the electromagnetic field shapes and strengths around towers can provide us with relevant knowledge about how to avoid areas with strong fields or how to approach them with suitable protection equipment. In this paper, we present a calculation of the 3-D magnetic and electric fields in terms of the influence of a steel tower. The method connects the magnetic and electric quasi-static field calculation approach via the appropriate electric circuit model and equations. Using this approach the electric field potentials of the tower elements are not equal to zero and the contribution of the induced electric field is taken into account. The potentials mainly depend on the value of the current running through the tower elements from the top to the ground. The electric field values for different climbing routes on the tower are calculated and compared with reference values in order to predict an optimal climbing route on the tower.