Electromagnetic interference from transmission lines located in central region of Saudia Arabia

The electromagnetic interference (EMI) generated by transmission lines operating in the central region of Saudi Arabia is reported. These lines have operating voltages of 132, 230 and 380 kV and are located in a hot, dry arid desert land where precipitation is very low. Measurements of typical EMI characteristics such as frequency spectrum, lateral profile and statistical variation are performed for each type of line, and the results are analyzed. It is found that general noise characteristics of these lines are similar to those reported in the literature for lines located in relatively wet environments. The presence of sand and dust storms does not increase the EMI level appreciably. The fair-weather EMI level of these lines can be predicted with reasonable accuracy by using the CIGRE formula. Results are also presented for power-line-carrier-related EMI