Overhead powerlines are used for the transmission of the national electricity supply in the UK and throughout Europe. High voltages, typically 400 kV, are used in order to overcome line losses. Because of the high voltages and current flowing in the conductors, large electric and magnetic fields are generated although the frequency is low, 50 Hz being used in the UK. As the number of electronic systems fitted to road vehicles continues to rise and systems are sued for safety critical applications (for example steer by wire) it is important to ensure that these systems operate as intended when subjected to low frequency electric and magnetic fields. This study comprised a series of both electric and magnetic field strength measurements made beneath overhead powerlines in the UK. Measurements were also made of the level of coupling of the fields into a modified electronic ABS. (A)
Abstract