Calculation and Measuring of Low-frequency

Electric Field Distribution of 10(20)/0.4 kV, 630

kVA Transformer Station
Hidajet Salkić M.Sc. El.Eng.
PE Elektroprivreda BiH, ED
Tuzla, Bosnia and Herzegovina
h.salkic@elektroprivreda.ba
Vlado Madžarević Ph.D., El.Eng. Eldar Hukić B.Sc., El.Eng.
University of Tuzla, Faculty of “Eco Energy” Ltd., Bosnia and
Electrical Engineering, Bosnia and Herzegovina
Herzegovina, IEEE member eldarh@bih.net.ba
vlado.madzarevic@untz.ba

Abstract-Calculation and measuring of low-frequency electric

TABLE I
and magnetic fields, as well as their correlation, are representing BORDER VALUES OF ELECTRIC AND MAGNETIC FIELDS STRENGTH
the basic problems in transmission and distribution of electric
power in conditions of standardized electromagnetic
compatibility and exposure of humans to non-ionizing
electromagnetic radiation. Resolution of these problems
corresponds to solving nonlinear differential equations by
modeling and applying the numeric methods, as well as by
experimental measuring models of electric and magnetic fields.

I. PREFACE II. CALCULATION OF LOW-FREQUENCY ELECTRIC FIELD

Calculation of electric fields is usually limited by Calculation of low-frequency electric field distribution can
configuration, as in power networks and objects, for which be carried out by integration over sources, with usage of:
field sources can be significantly simplified. With modern 1. CSM-Charge Simulation Method,
computer software it is possible to determine a value of 2. SEM-Source Element Method which is usually
electric fields, as well as a mode of field optimization of considered as special version of IBEM-Indirect
highly complex power systems, and where it is needed to they Boundary Element Method.
have to confirmed by measuring. At calculation of facilities Calculation of static low-frequency field represents a
low-frequency electric fields values, by rule it is necessary to special case of electromagnetic field which is described by
conduct entire observation of all relevant emissions of Maxwell’s equations with disregarded time dependence.
individual addends, to be able to evaluate their contribution to Resolution of calculation problem for electric field of a
resulting electric field. transformer station by method of element sources implicates
Severity of possible health damages lead to introduction of segmentation of considered system of conductors on sources
more rigorous protection measures from electromagnetic segment-elements (border elements).
fields by “cautious principle”. Cautious principle is defined Thereafter integral equation is modified to matrix shape:
as undertaking of reasonable actions when there are sufficient [ ]
P {q} = {ϕ } (1)
scientific proofs (but not absolute proof) that passiveness can Respectively in broadened shape, matrix equation is:
lead to casualties and where action can be undertaken with
⎡ P11 P12 ... ... P1n ⎤ ⎡ q1 ⎤ ⎡ϕ1 ⎤
reasonable acceptable expenses. Referent levels from book of
⎢P P22 ... ... P2 n ⎥ ⎢ q 2 ⎥ ⎢ϕ 2 ⎥
regulations for protection form electromagnetic fields, issued
⎢ 21 ⎥ ⎢ ⎥ ⎢ ⎥
by Croatian Ministry of health, in occupational exposure ⎢ ... ... ... ... ... ⎥ ⋅ ⎢ .. ⎥ = ⎢ .. ⎥ (2)
domain and increased sensitivity domain, are lower than ⎢ ⎥ ⎢ ⎥ ⎢ ⎥
directives ICNIRP, recommendations of European union ⎢ ... ... ... ... ... ⎥ ⎢ .. ⎥ ⎢ .. ⎥
1999/519/EC and directive of European union 2004/40/EC, ⎢⎣ Pn1 Pn 2 ... ... Pnn ⎥⎦ ⎢⎣ q n ⎥⎦ ⎢⎣ϕ n ⎥⎦
from 2 to 5 times. In Table I, determined strength of electric
and magnetic fields for increased sensitivity domain (general Where:
population) and occupational exposure domain (professional ϕ1 , ϕ 2 ,.........ϕ n - are segments potentials,
personnel) are shown, for mentioned recommendations,
directives and provisions from book of regulations.
q1 , q 2 ,.........q n - are segments charges,
P11 , P12 ,.........Pnn - are Maxwell coefficients.
Inverting matrix of Maxwell coefficients unknown segments mutual coefficient of connection between segments comprises
charges q1 , q 2 ,.........q n can be calculated. All conductors of from two expressions:
a transformer station under high or medium voltage are Pik = pik − pik' (8)
represented by one or more uniformed charged segments. Where:
After determining segments charges by their potentials pik – is mutual coefficient of connection between real
(voltages) and matrix of Maxwell coefficients, electrical field segments i and k,
in arbitrary point of space is gained as vector addition of field p'ik – is mutual coefficient of connection between real
values caused by all n segments. segment i and image k' of segment k.
Diagonal matrix members, apropos, own coefficients of
segments, Pii,, i=1,2.....n, are:
Pii = pii − pii' (9)
Where:
pii – are own coefficients of real segment without influence
of its image i',
p'ii – are mutual coefficients of connection between real
segment i and its image i'.
In three-dimensional calculation electric field strength
vector in each point is elliptically polarized, apropos head of
vector E describes ellipse through time domain. Each of three
components has different value and phase shift:
Fig. 1. Components of electric field caused by i segment
E x (t ) = E x ,max cos(ωt + ϕ x ) (10)
Electric field is determined by equation E y (t ) = E y , max cos(ωt + ϕ y ) (11)
E = −∇ϕ (3) E z (t ) = E z ,max cos(ωt + ϕ z ) (12)
Components of electric field caused by i segment, in
Electric field vector is elliptically polarized and rotates
rectangular coordinate system related to segment origin which
through time domain. For electric field presentation effective
lies along x axe, Fig. 1., are:
value according following expression is used:
∂ϕ q ⎡ 1 1 ⎤ T
⎥ (4)
∫( )
E x= − = i ⎢ − 1
∂x 4πε 0 Li ⎢ ( L − x ) + W 2
2
x 2
+ W 2 ⎥ E ef = E x2 (t ) + E y2 (t ) + E z2 (t ) (13)
⎣ i ⎦ T 0
∂ϕ qi y ⎡⎢ Li − x x ⎤
⎥ (5) Apropos its simplified shape:
E y= − = +
∂y 4πε 0 Li W 2 ⎢ (Li − x ) 2 2 2
x +W ⎦ 2 ⎥
⎣ +W E x2, max + E y2,max + E y2, max
E ef = (14)
∂ϕ qi z ⎡⎢ Li − x x ⎤
⎥ (6) 2
Ez = − = +
∂z 4πε 0 Li W 2 ⎢ (Li − x )2 + W 2 x 2 + W 2 ⎥⎦
⎣
Where: III. CALCULATION RESULTS OF ELECTRIC FIELD PERFORMED
qi - charges of i segment, BY SOFTWARE PACKAGE EFC-400
Li – length of i segment, Calculations of electric field are performed by software
x, y, z – coordinates of space point where electric field is package EFC-400, according DIN-VDE0848-1 standard,
calculated, and: which allows simulation in three-dimensional space. Model
W 2 = y2 + z2 (7) designing of conductors in software WinField can be
Calculation of Maxwell coefficient matrix members is conducted by thin-wire approximation replacing conductors
conducted with following assumptions: with one-dimensional lines. Two-dimensional and three-
- conductors are placed above flat ideal conducting dimensional display of facility disposition by EFC 400
ground, software is given on Fig. 2., having in mind that a difference
- conductors have smooth cylindrical surfaces. between a model and a reality depends on a subdivision of
Since earth is assumed by equipotential plain, calculation of conductors on finite number of segments. Analyses were
coefficients should be conducted by taking into consideration performed with subdivision of conductors on 635 segments of
images of segments gained by mirroring method. Images are a resolution dx=dy=dz=0.1m. For calculation of field strength
fictive segments charged by opposite charges and placed coordinates of the observed point are transformed in a local
symmetrically toward originals with respect to ground coordinate system of the corresponding segment. This is
surface. That way each matrix member Pik,, i=k, representing performed by rotation and translation operations. Calculation
gives a contribution of each segment to a total field vector
that has to be transferred back to earth coordinate system.
Vector additioning of each contribution gives total field
vector. In case there is a mix of different frequencies
contributions to a field from each segment are temporarily
extended, superimposed and integraled in time domain. EFC-
400 calculates absolute value, each component and peak
value. Interpolation mode is also available, which speeds up a
calculation over large areas. In this mode predefined number
of points within one calculation interval is estimated by third
order polynomial. EFC-400 is capable of solving a set of
differential equations for matrix with 16000x16000 elements
(Method: LU-decomposition or conjunction gradient).
Predefined geometry of conductor can be approximated with
16000 segments. For our example a matrix with 261x261
elements is used, which gives a values of electric field in
68121 points of observed plain with total calculation surface
of 169m2, with resolution of (division) dx=dy=dz=0.05m.
Greater segmentation is necessary only for overlapping
conductors. In that case segment length should be of the same
order as distance between conductors. “Auto segments” mode
determines automatically a necessary number of segments in
order to minimize calculation error.
Fig. 2. 3D and 2D display of facility disposition in EFC-400 software
Fig. 3.1. 2D and 3D display of electric field distribution on XY plain on
height z=1,75m
Values of electric field for areas I,II,III and IV, of observed
plain, on height z=1.75m, where human head can be located,
are shown on Fig. 4.
In area I, maximum values of electric field are in range
from 0.052kV/m to 0.352kV/m, in area II from 0.060kV/m to
0.177kV/m, in area III from 0.023kV/m to 0.081kV/m, and in
area IV from 0.019kV/m to 0.061kV/m. On distance of 0.2m
above a transformer station roof (z=2.75m), value of electric
field is in range from 0.001kV/m to 0.182kV/m. Maximum
values of the electric field inside a transformer station are
visible on a transformer medium-voltage terminals and cable
connections of medium-voltage block and primary side of a
power transformer, in range from 415.302kV/m to
452.363kV/m and a transformer box, in range from
2.194kV/m to 16.912kV/m, but outside the equipment boxes
they fall on to values 1.00kV/m – 0.50kV/m.
The calculation results show that the value of electric field
strength outside of a transformer station on distances from
0.2m to 1.5m do not exceed value of 0.352kV/m and it is
much lower than allowed values for increased sensitivity
domain (Emax=2kV/m) and occupational exposure domain
(Emax=5kV/m).

For a given load of transformer station of 40% of nominal

power, with measured current on low voltage side of 375A
and current load on medium voltage side of 15A, a numerical
calculation of electric field distribution is conducted for
z=1.75m above ground on characteristic XY plain, at
− 5m ≤ x ≤ 8m and − 5m ≤ y ≤ 8m .
Results can be presented in different variants of graphical
form which are describing two-dimensional and three-
dimensional electric field distribution as continual distribution
and distribution by isolines. (Fig. 3.1 and 3.2).

Fig. 3.2. Continual electric field distribution on XY plain on height

z=1,75m
 V. COMPARISON OF MEASURED AND CALCULATED VALUES
OF LOW-FREQUENCY ELECTRIC FIELD

On Fig. 6.1 and 6.2, calculated and measured values of the

electric field are shown, as well as the errors between the
measured and the calculated values of electric field. It is
clearly visible from diagram that values of electric field
gained by calculation are following, in appropriate manner,
the changes of measured values. Shown calculation gives
percentage error, for some measuring locations, between
measured and calculated values inside limits from -11.11% to
9.68%.

Fig. 4. Maximum values of calculated electric field for areas I, II, III, IV TABLE II
on XY plain on height z=1,75m MEASURED AND CALCULATED VALUES OF ELECTRIC FIELD STRENGTH

IV. MEASURING OF LOW-FREQUENCY ELECTRIC FIELD

During measurement preparations, based on design
documentation for construction of observed transformer
station (10(20)/0.4 kV; 630KVA), 36 measuring locations
outside the transformer station and 7 measuring locations
inside the transformer station were chosen, where the largest
levels of electric were expected (Fig. 5.). Measuring range
was related to occupational exposure domain and increased
sensitivity domain. Measuring was conducted on 16.10.2007.
from 14:05 to 16:25, at air temperature of 20.9oC, relative air
humidity of 28.4% in a transformer station and air
temperature of 22oC, relative air humidity of 27% outside a
transformer station. After locating measuring points, a
measuring instrument EFA-300 Field Analyzers, aimed for
analyze and measuring of electric and magnetic fields related
to 50/60Hz systems of power transmission and distribution
network as well as devices using such power, was tested.
Climate conditions were recorded, and after that measuring
were conducted, on distances of 0.50m 1.0m and 1.5m from a
transformer station on height of 1.75m above ground, i.e. in
area where human had can be placed in vicinity of the object.

Fig. 5. Measuring points of the electric field

Measuring results and calculated values of electric field

strength in measuring points are given by Table II.

Fig. 6.1. Calculated and measured values of the electric field in and
outside a transformer station
Fig. 6.2. Error between calculated and measured values of the electric
field in and outside a transformer station
Accuracy of the results gained by calculations represents
satisfying correspondence with experimental measuring,
indicating that initiation and developing of such calculations
for practical problems related to designing and reconstruction
existing transformer stations is reasonable, this is important
from economic point of view since this way we can reduce
the need for expensive experimental measuring and overhauls.
For evaluation of field distribution both procedures are
necessary, since they mutually supplement each other and
therefore allow reliable evaluation of field values.
VI. CONCLUSION
Original scientific contribution of conducted research
represents determination of three-dimension (3D) distribution
of low-frequency electric and magnetic field, their interaction
in conditions of complex geometry of transformer station and
standardized electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) in area of
biologic influence of electromagnetic fields. Obtained three-
dimensional (3D) mathematical models are representing very
complex functional dependence of electric and magnetic field
distribution, as a base for objectified physical measurements
in order to create optimal versions for solving electromagnetic
compatibility (EMC) in existing and new power facilities.
Satisfying accuracy of results gained by calculations
comparing to experimental measuring values with EFA-300
Field Analyzers instrument is confirmed, indicating that
initiation and developing such calculations for designing of
constructive solutions for transformer station is reasonable.
From the economic point of view, such way of calculation can
reduce the requirements for expensive experimental
measurements and substation reparations, indicating that
complex theoretical researches are resulting in appropriate
constructive solutions.
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