Comparison of electromagnetic fields emitted by typical overhead power line towers

The problem of electromagnetic fields produced by overhead power lines is still a widely discussed topic. These concerns itself are coming not only from the power line designers, but also from general public sector. Therefore, the topic can be separated into two different areas of interest: health concerns and technical problems. Conducted discussion and research regarding electromagnetic field’s health risks to general public led to creation of legislative time restrictions and absolute value limits for low-frequency electromagnetic fields. On the other hand, technical side of problem is mostly connected with electromagnetic induction in connection with surrounding objects around power lines. Still, precise calculations are needed for both of these areas of interest. The aim of this article is to carry an analysis comparing various electromagnetic fields emitted from basic types of power lines in 2D space. Comparison is made for the worst-case scenarios and for different sets of boundary conditions. The paper also shows the marginal difference of EMF generally emitted by EHV and HV systems. To achieve the most precise results, an integral–differential EMF calculation methodology is introduced and implemented into software interface. Final results are applicable in overhead lines design and planning process and are also suitable for future research of overhead power lines.