THE 10th LATIN-AMERICAN CONGRESS ON ELECTRICITY GENERATION AND TRANSMISSION - CLAGTEE 2013

3D Electric Field Mapping in High Voltage Substation Using the Finite Elements Method
R. M. R. Barros, E. G. da Costa, Member, IEEE and T. V. Ferreira, Member, IEEE

Abstract--This paper aims to study the behavior of electric field and its influence within and in the vicinity of a high voltage substation, since the presence of intense electric fields can produce harmful interactions with living organisms by long-term exposure. The study was performed by means of computer simulation, which is based on Finite Element Method. The simulation results allowed to evaluate if the electric field values obtained meet the legislation recommended levels. It was also possible to determine the voltage induced in a metallic tube, in humans, the touch and step potentials on the level of the substations floor. The results of simulations are coherent, and they may serve as an aid in the evaluation process of electric field of complex structures, and also in new projects designs. Index Terms--Electric Power Substations, Finite Element Method, Electric Field Mapping, High Voltage, Human Exposure.

great importance that efficient techniques can be applied to assess the intensity and distribution of electric fields, establishing safe zones near energized electrical facilities, such as substations. The assessment can be performed both experimentally via measurements in loco, more common today, or via computer simulations.
TABLE 1 EXPOSURE LIMITS RECOMMENDED BY WHO [3]

General public Occupational population

Electric Field (V/m) 4,17 8,33

Magnetic Field (T) 83,33 416,67

I. INTRODUCTION HE exposure to electric and magnetic fields of extremely low frequency (band between 3 Hz and 3 kHz) and its effects in the human health have generated a growing concern of public opinion in recent years [1]. It is already accepted that exaggerated exposures to sources of electric and magnetic fields can be harmful to health [2], however, the studies are not yet conclusive regarding the determination of a safe level of exposure, nor as to the actual severity of the effects on living organisms. In Brazil, with the objective of regulating the exposure to such fields, the recommended limits were defined by Article 4 of Law n 11.934, of May 5, 2009. This Law adopted the limits recommended by the World Health Organization (WHO) for occupational exposure and the general population to electric, magnetic and electromagnetic fields generated by systems operating in the range up to 300 GHz. The limits recommended by WHO are shown in Table 1 [3]. Since such law went into effect, many companies are already passing, or will pass in the near future, trough a process of adapting to the legislation. In this context, it is of
This work was supported in part by the Brazilian National Counsel of Technological and Scientific Development (CNPq). R. M. R. Barros is undergraduate student in the Department of Electrical Engineering (DEE), Federal University of Campina Grande (UFCG), Campina Grande, PB, Brazil, 58109-900 (e-mail: [email protected]). E. G. da Costa and T. V. Ferreira are both professors in DEE/UFCG, Campina Grande, PB, Brazil, 58109-900 (e-mail: [email protected]; [email protected]).

Thus, the objective of this work is the application of a computational method for evaluating the distribution of the electric field of a high voltage substation. The computational simulations are based on the Finite Element Method (FEM). It is intended, from simulations, evaluate the distribution of the electric field inside and in the vicinity of the substation, aiming to ascertain whether the values obtained meets the levels of electric field recommended by the Law. The work also aims to investigate the potential induced in metallic pipes in the soil and in human bodies located in the substation. Starting from the simulation results, it will be also possible to determinate touch potential (between the metal pipe and the ground) and step potential in the substation. II. THEORETICAL FRAMEWORK A. Exposure to Electric Fields Substation is a high power electrical installation containing equipment responsible for transmission, distribution, protection and control of electrical energy. They operate as a control and transfer point in electrical transmission system, directing and controlling the energy flow, transforming the voltage levels and working like delivery points to industrial users [4]. Electrical instalations like substations generate electric and magnetic fields that are irradiated in its vicinity [5]. The presence of such fields produces interactions with living organisms, and eventually may cause adverse effects on biological systems by long-term exposure. Cases of leukemia on children populations that lives near to power lines and electric installations are described by literature, which also cites hormonal disorders, genetic and cellular effects, among

THE 10th LATIN-AMERICAN CONGRESS ON ELECTRICITY GENERATION AND TRANSMISSION - CLAGTEE 2013

others. The Field intensities decrease in function from square of distance between the source and the point where the field is measured [6]. So, it is important to know the electric field configuration, and consequently determine the safe region between living organisms and field sources. B. Finite Element Method The Finite Element Method is a numerical method originally developed by Alexander Hrennikoff (1941) and Richard Courant (1942), and is used to obtain approximate solutions of partial differential equations and integral equations in situations where it is impossible or extremely difficult to obtain an exact analytical solution [7]. The approximate solutions are obtained for the complete elimination of differential equations, or the transformation of partial differential equations into a system of ordinary differential equations, i.e., there is a subdivision of problem into several smaller problems and correlates [8], a process known as discretization. The common points between the elements are the nodes, where the results of the analysis must be computed. In Figure 1 we can observe the steps from discretization of a glass insulator.

III. DEVELOPMENT OF 3D MODEL The first step for performing the simulation is to build the graphical model of the topology to be simulated. The modeling was done directly on the platform simulation. The software has limited 3D modeling tools and it is relatively difficult to work with complex geometry, which led the model to produce a very large computational effort, forcing the realization of some simplification in simulated topology. For calculation purposes, equipment as isolators, circuit breakers, PTs and CTs were modeled as cylinders with same length and the same cross section of the real equipment, and the transformer was represented as a parallelepiped. It is important to note that such simplifications do not cause significant error, since it is not necessary the exact determination of the electric field on the equipment surfaces. The interest of the study is the electric field distribution nearby the equipment, i.e., inside and around the substation, so the simplifications can be performed. The simulated model represents a substation of 69/13.8 kV, with one transformer and single bus. The physical topology of the substation is shown in Figure 2.

Figure 1 - Steps from discretization of a ceramic insulator [9].

The FEM is indicated for obtaining the solution of equations with a domain of high complexity, and equations whose solution changes according to domain variation, since the method divides the overall problem in several smaller problems. Due to the reduction the computational cost, the FEM has become widely used and has shown very accurate results, and reaches the objectives to which is applied [10]. In this work, the software employed to implement the scenarios and solve the differential equations was the COMSOL Multphysics1. The main advantages the software is its robustness and possibility to directly build the object to be studied. After drawing, the model are directly allocated to the regions of the same constants and physical quantities, is not necessary the construction of the FEM equations or the creation of solution algorithms. The results can be represented in varied ways, such as color maps and equipotential lines. The problem characterization is the most laborious step in the simulation execution, since is necessary to define the region geometry where the problem should be resolved, indicating the electrical characteristics of each sub-region and the boundary conditions.
1

(a)

(b) Figure 2 - Substation from 69/13,8 kV simulated; (a) side sectional view and (b) top view.

In Figure 3, it is shown the results of the 3D model inside the simulation platform, representing the substation computationally. IV. ATTRIBUTION OF PHYSICAL FEATURES AND SIMULATION Once the geometrical modeling was done, the physical constants that characterize each material in the simulation should be attributed to its respective regions. Most values are present in the simulators library, however some values were taken from literature. All the constants used are shown in Table 2.

COMSOL Multiphysics is a trademark of COMSOL AB.

THE 10th LATIN-AMERICAN CONGRESS ON ELECTRICITY GENERATION AND TRANSMISSION - CLAGTEE 2013

V. RESULTS AND DISCUSSIONS The results were prepared in an adequate graphic representation, and the necessary analysis to meet the interests of the study was executed. The Figure 4 shows the simulation result in the form of electric field distribution in a plane situated at a height of 1.5 meters in relation to substation floor. The points of maximum exposure are highlighted.

(a)

(b) Figure 3 - Graphic model constructed and used in the simulation, (a) side sectional view and (b) top view.

The human body model used was taken from [13] where it is considered as a cylinder with the following dimension and electrical constants: Height = 1,75 m; Base radius = 0,14 m; Conductivity () = 0,5 S/m; Relative permittivity (r) = 60.

The electrical constants aim to represent the characteristics of the saline fluid that permeates the body. Furthermore, is also considered that the potential induced within the cell and into the nucleus is the same in the body outside the cell.
TABLE 2 CONSTANTS ASSIGNED TO MATERIALS PRESENT AT SIMULATION

Material Air Aluminum Concrete Soil Glass Human Iron Steel

r 1,00 1,00 105 5,50 50,00 A 7,50 60,00 C 1,00 105 1,00 105

(S/m) 0,00 3,77 107 1,00 10-3 1,00 10-3 B 1,00 10-14 0,50 C 1,12 107 4,03 106

Figure 4 - Distribution of the electric field on a plane situated at a height of 1,5 m in relation to substation patio; (a) top view; (b) perspective view.

[11], B [12], C [13]. The others were taken from COMSOL Multiphysics.

After this step, is necessary to define the differential equations and the boundary conditions that describe the problem and finally, run the simulation. At this stage, the software uses the FEM to find approximate solutions of the equations at the nodes of a mesh that was previously generated (this process is known as discretization).

In the point of highest exposure, the value of the electric field was 4,3 kV/m, exceeding the limit imposed by legislation for the general population which is of 4,17 kV/m. However, for a substation, the exposure limit for occupational population of 8,33 kV/m. Therefore, the substation in question meets the limits imposed by legislation with respect to exposure to electric fields. The graphs in Figure 5 represent the electric field along axes located at 1,5 m above the ground, located in particular regions of the substation: on the bus, near to the transformer and outside, under the transmission lines.

THE 10th LATIN-AMERICAN CONGRESS ON ELECTRICITY GENERATION AND TRANSMISSION - CLAGTEE 2013

four different scenarios: In the human body; Step potential; Touch potential; Potential in a cylindrical steel pipe.

The steel pipe radius is 10 cm, and it is placed 1.5 m under the floor. All the scenarios took place in Region of Maximum Exposure, shown in Figure 4a. All the results, presented in Table 4, were taken from the point of highest potential in each situation.
TABLE 4 INDUCED POTENTIAL OBTAINED EACH OF THE 4 SCENARIOS

Results Potential induced in steel pipe Potential induced in human Step potential Touch potential

Maximum Value (V) 35.40 2248.60 10.60 169.70

The results represent admissible values, and are close to the real typical values of potentials induced by electrical facilities operating in the simulated voltage range. VI. CONCLUSIONS The results show that, for the simulated substation topology, the electric field values are in accordance with the requirements of Brazilian legislation. However, the signaling of the regions of maximum exposure would be an excellent measure, since it is a simple and low cost procedure that would avoid the prolonged stay of workers in these regions, thus mitigating the cumulative effects of exposure to the field. The simulation method developed in this work can be used as a valuable aid in the evaluation process of the electric field of complex structures. Simulations can be performed to guide concessionaries in the estimation of the electric field of future installations even before they are built. Different scenarios of equipment topology can be proposed, aiming to reduce, as much as possible, the value of the electric field. Furthermore, the method makes it possible to evaluate the electromagnetic interference produced by substation in neighboring utilities, such as gas or water piping. VII. ACKNOWLEDGMENT The authors gratefully acknowledge to the Brazilian National Counsel of Technological and Scientific Development, for maintenance of research grants for undergraduates and for research productivity. VIII. REFERENCES
[1] Electromagnetic Fields and Public Health: Exposure to Extremely Low Frequency Fields, WHO Fact Sheet, 2007. T. D. Monteiro. (2008). Linhas de Transmisso de Energia Eltrica de Alta Tenso e os Efeitos dos Campos Eletromagnticos - CEM - na sade. [Online]. Available: http://radiacoes.quercus.pt/scid/subquercus/ defaultarticleViewOne.asp?categorySiteID=375&articleSiteID=1562

Figure 5 - Electric field along axes located at 1,5 m above the floor, located in specific paths of substation indicated by respective axes.

The RMS values of the electric field were calculated for the major point of intensity in three distinct axes and are presented in Table 3. Note that in none of the paths the value of the electric field exceeds the allowed limits, and that the path that has the highest exposure to the field is that one under the bus. This is expected, since this region is where the equipment has lowest height to the ground.
TABLE 3 RMS VALUES OF ELECTRIC FIELD OBTAINED IN SIMULATION

Local Inside Substation Axis 1 - Under the bus Axis 2 - Vicinity of transformer Axis 3 Substation Periphery

Maximum Value (kV/m) 4,30 4,00 1,30 0,91

Limit (kV/m) 8,33

Additionally, values of induced potential were calculated in

THE 10th LATIN-AMERICAN CONGRESS ON ELECTRICITY GENERATION AND TRANSMISSION - CLAGTEE 2013 [3] [4] [5] Resoluo Normativa n 398, ANEEL, 2010. [Online]. Available: http://www.aneel.gov.br/cedoc/ren2010398.pdf J. Mamed, Manual de Equipamentos Eltricos, 2nd, vol. I. Rio de Janeiro: LTC - Livros Tcnicos e Cientficos Ltda, 1994. R. F. Moreno and L. C. Moreno, "Possveis Efeitos Sobre a Sade Humana Decorrentes da Exposio a Campos Eltricos e Magnticos de Baixa Frequncia Reviso Comentada da Literatura," in XVI Seminrio Nacional de Produo e Transmisso de Energia Eltrica, So Paulo, 2001, pp. 2-5. P. A. Tipler and G. Mosca, Fsica para Cientistas e Engenheiros: Eletricidade e Magnetismo - tica, vol. II. Rio de Janeiro: LTC - Livros Tcnicos e Cinentficos Ltda, 2006. D. H. Norrie and G. Vries, An Introduction to Finite Element Analysis. Waltham: Massachusetts Academic Press, 1978. M. Morie, The Finite Element Method and Its Applications. London: Macmillan Publishing Company, 1983. T. V. Ferreira, Estudo do Trilhamento de Ncleo em Isoladores Polimricos, M. Sc. dissertation, Dept. Electrical. Eng., Federal Univ. of Campina Grande, Campina Grande, 2007. P. J. Waterman, Meshing the Critical Bridge, Desktop Engineering Magazine, 2008. E. T. Tuma, Proposta de um Novo Modelo para anlise dos Comportamentos Transitrios e Estacionrios de Sistemas de Aterramento, Usando-se o Mtodo FDTD, M. Sc. dissertation, Dept. Elect. Eng., Federal Univ. of Par, Belm, 2008. C. V. Cavalcanti, Uma Rotina Computacional para Estratificao: Desenvolvimento e Aplicao a Solos do Nordeste, M. Sc. dissertation, Dept. Agric. Eng., Federal Univ. of Paraba, Campina Grande, 1991. R. W. King, "Electric Fields Induced in Cell in the Bodies of Amateur Radio Operators by Their Transmitting Antennas," IEEE Transactions on Microwave Theory and Techniques, 2000.

IX. BIOGRAPHIES
Rafael Mendona Rocha Barros was born in Palmeira dos ndios, Alagoas, Brazil, on April 27, 1992. He formed from the Federal Institute of Education, Science and Technology of Alagoas (2009), on electrotechnical. Currently is undergraduate student in the Department of Electrical Engineering of Campina Grande Federal University and research of scientific initiation to CNPq. His areas of interest included the Mapping of Electric Fields, Finite Elements Method, Insulation Systems and Computer Simulations.

[6]

[7] [8] [9]

[10] [11]

[12]

[13]

Edson Guedes da Costa was born in Ribeiro, Pernambuco, Brazil, on 1954. Began his academic career in Areia, Paraba, Brazil. Obtained the titles of Bachelor, Master and Doctor in Electrical Engineering respectively in 1978, 1981 and 1999 (Federal University of Paraba). Since 1978 works as a professor at the Federal University of Campina Grande (UFCG), Paraba, Brazil. His professional interests include High Voltage Equipment, Electric Field Mapping, Partial Discharge, Finite Element Method, Lightning Rod and Insulation Systems. Dr. Guedes is a member of IEEE, CIGRE, ABENGE and SBA.

Tarso Vilela Ferreira was born in Aracaju, Sergipe, Brazil, in July 1980. Graduated (2005), Master (2007) and Doctor (2011) in Electrical Engineering, all obtained at the Federal University of Campina Grande, where he is currently professor and researcher. Has developed works involving, among other themes: monitoring of electrical equipment based on ultrasound, radio interference, partial discharges, infrared and ultraviolet, data acquisition; artificial intelligence; grounding and computer simulations of electromagnetic fields.