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C3-110

CIGRE 2012

Measuring Human Exposure to Magnetic Fields in Substations and Power

Lines Located in Qatar
*

K. ELLITHY **A. AL-JOMAILI **A. ALSHAFAI

* Department of Electrical Engineering, Qatar University
** Qatar General Electricity & Water Corporation (Kahramaa)
Qatar

SUMMARY
Human exposure to magnetic fields generated by transmission, distribution substations and
power lines located in residential areas is one of the growing health concerns that has drawn
much attention from Qatar General Electricity & Water Corporation (also called Kahramaa)
and Qatar Ministry of Environment. This paper presents magnetic field measurements and
calculations including those resulting from substations and power lines located in the
residential areas of Doha city and its outskirts operated by Kahramaa. These measurements
were performed extensively in an attempt to firstly verify that the existing measurements fall
within the allowable levels for magnetic field exposure published by international
regulations. Furthermore, and most importantly, were used to validate the developed models
of power lines that capable of predicting the magnetic field produced by these lines during all
operating conditions. The measurements and computer simulations were carried out using
state-of-the art magnetic field equipments, linear data acquisition system and computer
programs. The resulting levels of magnetic fields were presented in a variety of graphical
formats including 3-D plots and contour maps in order to facilitate the location of high
intensity magnetic field zones inside and around the fence of substations and around the
power lines. The results were compared with safety exposure levels of international standards
and the legislation of Qatar ministry of environment. The results and conclusions are outlined
in the paper.

KEYWORDS
Kahramaa Substations, Magnetic Fields Measurement, Safe Personal Exposure
k.ellithy@qu.edu.qa

I.

INTRODUCTION

Extreme High-voltage (EHV), High-voltage (HV) and low voltage (LV) substations are
considered to be a major part of Qatar power grid. These substations and their incoming and
outgoing power lines/cables are the major sources of power frequency (50Hz) magnetic fields
(MFs), since they drive very high current especially during peak-load conditions. The high
current of the substations can result in exposure to magnetic fields which can cause health
problem if the subsection and its power lines are designed without reference to safety
standards [1-4, 10, 21, 22]. Several studies have been done on possible health effects
regarding the exposure to power frequency magnetic fields [5, 6]. Gas-insulated substations
(GISs), owing to their compact nature; offer an attractive alternative to conventional
substations where space is limited, such as in urban areas. Consequently, it is important to
address the environmental impact of magnetic field exposures in and around the EHV, HV,
LV substations including GIS [3, 21, 22, 23].
The discussion on potential harmful effects of power frequency fields has resulted from
several epidemiological studies performed in USA and other countries [4, 5, 7, 9]. These
studies seemed to indicate an association between living near overhead power lines and an
increase in childhood leukemia. This triggered a series of similar epidemiological studies in a
number of countries throughout the world, as well as many laboratory studies into exploring a
possible mechanism that might explain the observed association. A number of diseases other
than childhood leukemia were also studied. The available scientific material is reviewed
frequently by international and national organizations, such as the International Commission
on Non-ionizing Radiation Protection (ICNIRP) [11, 12], The Institute of Electrical and
Electronics Engineers (IEEE) [13] and the National Radiological Protection Board (NRPB)
[14].
In recent years, there has been concern that exposures to power frequency MFs can
potentially cause various types of negative health effects. In sight of the epidemiological
studies, however, the possibility remains that intense and prolonged exposures to MFs may
increase the risk of leukemia in children [6, 7, 8]. In June 2007 the world Health Organization
(WHO) reported on the possible health effects of exposure to electric and magnetic fields
[16]. A number of national and international organizations have formulated guidelines
establishing limits for occupational and general public EMFs exposure. Among these
organizations are the ICNIRP [11, 12], IEEE [13] and NRPB [14] guidelines. In particular,
ICNIRP develops guidelines for the safe exposure of workers and the general public to
different kinds of non ionizing radiation, including EMFs. These guidelines are based on
established scientific literature, and are developed following well defined steps and criteria.
ICNIRP and IEEE standards organizations have been widely accepted and implemented in
many countries. In the summary section, WHO states that, Only the acute effects have been
established and there are two international exposure limit guidelines (ICNRP and IEEE)
designed to protect against these effects.
There is growing interest within both Kahramaa and Qatar Ministry of Environment to the
magnetic fields levels produced by EHV, HV LV substations and power lines located in the
residential areas of Doha city and outside. The aim of this study is to conduct measurements
for magnetic fields resulting from these power lines and substations including gas insulated
substations (GISs). It should be mentioned that the environmental and personnel protection
aspects became a vital task for Kahramaa and Qatar ministry of environment. For the first
2

time in Qatar systematic magnetic fields measurements have been performed in order to
check the fulfillment of the ICNIRP guidelines [11, 12] and the legislation of the Qatar
ministry of environment. Systematic magnetic field measurements also validate the
developed models of EHV, HV, LV power lines that are capable of predicting the magnetic
fields produced by these lines during all operating conditions. These measurements also play
a vital role in human body biological studies. The measurements were conducted at 1-m
above ground in line with IEEE recommendations [17] using the EMDEX II meter and
Linear Data Acquisition (LINDA) system [18]. The computer simulations were also
performed using EMF workstation software 2.51 developed by Electric Power Research
Institute (EPRI) [19] to ratify the developed models of power lines. The measurements of
MFs have been conducted during the off-peak load condition of year 2009.

II.

EELCTRIC AND MAGNETIC FIELDS EXPOSURE TO SAFETY LEVELS

In recent years, global efforts to introduce effective human health protection against
EMFs have led to a range of national and international guidelines and standards. The
ICNIRP guidelines [11, 12] and IEEE Standards C9.51 [13] are the well known
organizations that publish safety standards for exposure to EMFs [11, 12]. EMFs exposure
limits recommended in many countries are broadly similar to those of ICNIRP. Table 1
gives the EMFs safety levels of ICNIRP standards [12]. Exposure guidelines such as
ICNIRP provide investigation levels or reference levels. These are guides to when further
investigation is needed to check whether the basic restriction is exceeded or not. They are
not in themselves limits and it takes fields higher than the reference/investigation levels to
exceed the basic restriction. Basic restriction are intended to avoid adverse health
consequences by limiting current density in the central nervous system (CNS) that can
occur as a direct effect of exposure to 50 Hz fields. ICNIRP concluded that 10 mA/m2 is an
appropriate basic restriction on induced current density in the CNS for occupational
exposure. Since the public may include people with increased susceptibility to induced
electric currents, possibly due to disease or as a consequence of taking certain medications,
ICNIRP concluded that 2 mA/m2 is an appropriate basic restriction on induced current
density in the CNS for exposure of members of the general public. Tables 3 and 4 give the
basic restriction for occupational and public [11, 12].

Table 1 Reference levels from ICNPR International standards

General Public
Occupational
Magnetic Field

100 T

500 T

Electric Field

5 kV/m

10 kV/m

Table 2 Basic restriction for occupational

Basic restriction: 10 mA/m2 in the CNS for Occupational
Magnetic Fields

Electric Fields

ICNIRP reference level: 500 T

Field actually required: 1800 T

ICNIRP reference level: 10 kV/m

Field actually required: 46 kV/m
3

Table 3 Basic restriction for General Public

Basic restriction: 2 mA/m2 in the CNS for Public
Magnetic Fields

Electric Fields

ICNIRP reference level: 100 T

Field actually required: 360 T

ICNIRP reference level: 5 kV/m

Field actually required: 9 kV/m

III. MAGNETIC FIELD CALCULATION

The magnetic fields were calculated using the EMF workstation software developed by
EPRI [19]. If we assume that the current induced in the earth is negligible, then the magnetic
flux density B of a current-carrying conductor at point (x, y, z) shown in Fig. 1 can be
computed using Biot-Savart law [3, 19, 20]. The differential magnetic field intensity dB at
the field point is given by expression (1)

dB 0

I (l ) dl a (l )
4 r (l )

(1)

Fig. 1 Magnetic Field calculation of a current carrying conductor

The total magnetic field B at the field point (x, y, z) is given by the line integral at the above
expression over the complete source distribution along the conductor length, and is given by
expression (2)
B 0
l

I (l )dl a (l )
4 r (l )

(2)

Where
B : Magnetic field density
0: Magnetic permeability of free space, 0 = 410-7H/m
I (l ) : is the conductor current
a (l ) : is unit vector in direction r (l)
r (l ) : is a vector from the source to the field point
If B x , B y and Bz are the components of the magnetic field in x, y an z axis, respectively, then
the vector B is written as
B = Bx a x + B y a y + B z a z

(3)
4

The resultant value of B which is equal

(4)

Bresultnat B x2 B y2 B z2

In case of n carrying-currents conductors, using superposition theorem, the magnetic flux

density produced by the conductors is the sum of the fields produced by each conductor.
In SUBCAL program developed by EPRI [19], the formula (5) has been derived from Fig. 2
and it is a special case in which the current carrying conductor lies along the x-axis.
B

0 I a y

L Xf

4 z 2f ( L X f ) 2 Z 2f

X 2f Z 2f
Xf

(5)

Fig. 2 Magnetic field due to current carrying conductor lies along the x-axis
To generalize so that a result can be at any orientation, the following definitions are made
(refer to Fig. 2):
a = unit vector for segment
O= origin of current segment
P= location of field calculation
Then:
X f = a I P O
Z f = a I P O
ay

a I P O
Zf

Substituting the above definition for the unit vector into the previous result given in equation
(5) gives
B

L Xf
Xf
0 I a f P O)

2
2
4 z 3f
( L X f )2 Z 2f

X
Z
f
f

(6)

SUBCAL program uses equation (6) to determine the magnetic fields.

IV.
RESULTS OF MAGNETIC FIELDS MEASUREMENTS
In recent years, monitoring equipment for magnetic fields has improved considerably.
The use of this equipment for detection and measurement of magnetic fields has helped
5

power utilities to characterize exposure to the magnetic fields. In this study, the magnetic
field measurements were conducted at 1m (3.28ft) above ground in line with IEEE
recommendations [17]. The measurements were conducted using Electric and Magnetic Field
Digital Exposure (EMDEX II) magnetic field meter and Linear Data Acquisition (LINDA)
system [18]. The computer simulations of power lines magnetic field profiles were performed
using EMF workstation software 2.51 developed by EPRI Environment Division [19]. The
resulting levels of magnetic fields are presented in a variety of graphical format including 3D plots and contour maps. When constructing the 3-D plots, the program interpolates
(estimates) the value at each grid point and draws the plot only at the grid points. It should be
noted that if the maximum of the measurement (or any measurement) does not fall exactly on
a grid point, it will not be included in the graph. For example, suppose the actual maximum
falls in the middle of a set of four grid points, the program interpolates the value of the field
at the four grid points based on the maximum and other nearby measurements. Only the
fields at the grid points are plotted so the maximum will not be shown.
Magnetic Fields Measurement Results at EHV, HV and LV Substations

In order to perform the magnetic field measurements inside and around the substation
fence, many points have been considered to cover the large part inside and outside the
substations. The measurement in the control room is also carried out for safety of the
substation operators. The measurements were made by the 50Hz EMDEX II meter attached
with LINDA wheel. The LINDA wheel has been positioned to extend into the area of the
main power equipment of the substation. The recorded measurement points and the
maximum value of the resultant magnetic field Bresultant and its components Bx , B y and Bz are used
to generate the 3-D plots and the contours maps.
The results of 3-D plots and contours maps are used to give a qualitative picture of the
magnetic field distribution. The viewer can immediately identify areas of high and low fields
by looking at the peaks and valleys that are evident in the plots. The results of the 3-D plots
and contour maps of the magnetic fields distribution of EHV, HV and LV substations are
shown in Figs. 3-10. The substation-2 of Fig. 9 has three 11kV/415V distribution
transformers. The summary results of the measured magnetic field of the selected substations
located in the residential area in Doha city as compared with the ICNIRP standard limits are
shown in Figs. 11 and 12. From the results presented in Figs. 3-10, it can be seen that the
maximum value of the magnetic field inside the substations and around the substations fence
are within the allowable 100T limit recommended by ICNIRP standard for public and
500T inside the substations for workers. The measured values of the magnetic fields along
the substation fence are low relative compared to the substation interior because of their
distance to the energized equipment. Normally, the highest values of magnetic fields around
the fence are caused by overhead lines and underground cables entering and leaving the
substations and not by substation equipment themselves. The higher magnetic fields shown
inside the LV substations shown in Figs. 9 and are due to the high currents at the secondary
of the substation transformers. The magnetic field levels can reach higher levels depending
on the load demand on the substation transformers. The magnetic fields at some areas inside
the LV, HV and EHV substations are relatively high (Figs. 3.5, 7 and 9) and surpass the
ICNIRP safety reference levels for the general public. It is assumed that the substations
workers do not remain for long periods at these areas and the general publics access to the
substations is prohibited. From Figs. 11 and 12, it can also be noticed that the maximum
magnetic field levels inside and around the substations fences and in control rooms are far
6

below the ICNIRP limits and thus the human exposure to the magnetic field along the
substations fences and in control rooms is not dangerous.

3(a) 3-D Plot

3(b) Contour Map

Fig. 3 Measured contours maps of magnetic field density inside 220 kV GIS substation

4(a) 3-D Plot

4(b) Contours Map

Fig. 4 Measured contours maps of magnetic field density around 220 kV GIS substation fence

5(a) 3-D Plot

5(b) Contours Map

Fig. 5 Measured contours maps of magnetic field density inside 132 kV outdoor substation

6(a) 3-D Plot

6(b) Contours Map

Fig. 6 Measured contours maps of magnetic field density around 132 kV outdoor substation fence

10

7(a) 3-D Plot

7(b) Contours Map

Fig. 7 Measured contours maps of magnetic field density inside 11kV/415V substation-1

11

8(a) 3-D Plot

8(b) Contours Map

Fig. 8 Measured contours maps of magnetic field density around 11kV/415V substation-1

12

9(a) 3-D Plot

9(b) Contours Map

Fig. 9 Measured contours maps of magnetic field density inside 11kV/415V substation-2

13

Fig. 10 Measured magnetic field profile in front of 11kV/415V substation-2

Measured Magnetic Field Around

The Fence of Substations
Mganetic Field (T)

100

ICNIRP Limit
100T

80
60

Peak-Load-09

40
20

W
39
Q
6
ID
B
10
12
2
A
K1
08
95
G
R
F1
32
K
D
V
NS
22
0K
V

C1
2

20

7
39
H

08

Q
TM

JR
11

FA
A

29

13

Substation Name
Fig. 11 Measured magnetic field levels around the selected HV and LV substations

14

Measured Magnetic Field (T)

Measured Magnetic Field inside Substations

500

ICNIRP Limit
500T

400
300

Peak-Load-09
200
100

F1
32
K
D
V
NS
22
0K
V

G
R

K1
0
A

10

12

89
5

6
Q
ID
B

W
39
C

06

C1
22

39

08

Q
TM

JR
11

FA
A
29

13

Substation Name

Fig. 12 Measured magnetic field levels inside the selected HV and LV substations

Magnetic Fields Measurement Results of EHV, HV Power Lines and Underground Cables

The magnetic fields profiles of the power lines were measured using EMDEX II meter
[18] and the calculated values were obtained by SUBCAL program [19]. The Comparison of
the measured and computer simulated magnetic field profiles were done for 132 kV line. The
comparison was made to verify the developed lines models. Fig. 11 shows the resultant
measured and calculated magnetic field profile for 132 kV line. The measurements show a
very close agreement with the computer simulation. The results presented in Fig. 13 confirm
the accurate model of power lines for magnetic field calculations.
Figs. 14-18 show the computer simulations results of the magnetic field profiles of 132
kV, 220 kV and 400 kV overhead lines and underground at peak load condition of year 2009
and at rated currents. From Fig. 14-18, it can be noticed that the maximum value of magnetic
field value is reached in the line center and is far below the international standard limits for
general public and for occupational exposure. From Figs. 15 and 17, it can be observed that
the magnetic field produce by underground cable is higher than the power lines. The high
values of the cable magnetic field are also far below the standard limit.
The measured magnetic field levels of the overhead lines and underground cables as
compared with the ICNIRP limits are shown in Fig. 19. From Fig. 19, one can conclude that
the measured and the calculated magnetic fields values of the power lines and underground
cables are not dangerous and therefore, are no cause of concern among the public or working
personnel.

15

Magnetic Field Profiles of 132kV Overhead Power Line

Measured and Computer Simulations
2
1.8

Magnetic Field (T)

1.6
1.4
Measured

1.2

Enviro Program
1

Sucalc Program

0.8
0.6
0.4
-35 -30 -25 -20 -15 -10

-5

10

15

20

25

30

35

Distance (m)

Fig. 13 Measured and calculated magnetic field profiles of 132 kV overhead power line

Magnetic Field of 132kV OHL

25

20
Magnetic Field (T)

Rated Current
15

Edge of ROW

10

Edge of ROW

0
-125

-100

-75

-50

-25

25

50

75

100

125

25m

Distance (m)

Fig. 14 Calculated magnetic field profiles of 132 kV power line

16

Measured Magnetic Field of 132kV UGC

30

Measured Magnetic Field (T)

25

20

15

10

0
-30

-20

-10

0
Distance (m)

10

20

30

Fig. 15 Measured magnetic field profiles of 132 kV underground power cable

Magnetic Field of 220kV OHL

18
16

Rated Current
Magnetic Field (T)

14
12
10

Edge of ROW

Edge of ROW

8
6
4
2
0
-125

-100

-75

-50

-25

25

50

75

100

125

50m

Distance (m)

Fig. 16 Calculated magnetic field profiles of 220 kV power line

17

Measured Magnetic Field of 220kV UGC

9
8

Magnetic Field (uT)

7
6
5
4
3
2
1
0
-20

-15

-10

-5

10

15

20

Distance (m)

Fig. 17 Measured magnetic field profiles of 220 kV underground power cable

Magnetic Field of 400kV OHL

25

Magnetic Field (T)

20

Rated Current

15

Edge of ROW

Edge of ROW
10

50m

0
-125 -100

-75

-50

-25

25

50

75

100

125

Distance (m)

Fig. 18 Calculated magnetic field profiles of 400 kV power line

18

Measured Magnetic Field of OHLs and UGCs

100

Mganetic Field (T)

ICNIRP Limits

100 T

80

60
Max Value

40

Beyound ROW
20

C
22

0k
VUG

C
2k
VUG
13

40

0k
VO
H

L
22

0k
VO
H

L
2k
VO
H
13

OHL/UGC

Fig. 19 Measured magnetic field levels around the selected power lines and underground cables

V.

CONCLUSIONS

This paper presented the results of magnetic fields measurement of LV, HV and EHV
distribution and transmission substations and overhead/cable lines located in a residential
area of Doha city and its surroundings in the state of Qatar. The results show that the
measured magnetic field values inside the substations, around the substations fences, and in
control rooms were in general, below the ICNIRP standard levels. The results also show that
some areas inside the 132 kV and 220 kV substations have experienced high magnetic fields
that exceeded the allowable safe levels for the general public.
The results from the computer simulations significantly correlated with the measurement
data and validated the developed models of power lines. These models are capable of
predicting the magnetic fields produced by the power lines. The measured and calculated
values of magnetic fields imposed by the overhead power lines and underground cables under
peak- load conditions were far below the ICNIRP standards levels.
The presented results are useful for understanding the levels of magnetic fields that can
be encountered in residential areas close to the substations and power lines. The results are
also very useful especially for the personnel working inside the substations and can be used
in labeling the high intensity field area in the substations to avoid personnel exposure risk to
higher magnetic limits.

19

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21