International Journal of Electrical and Computer Engineering 3:14 2008

Exposure to Low Frequency Magnetic Fields of

a Transformer Station
Izudin Kapetanovic P.hD, Vlado Madzarevic P.hD, Alija Muharemovic P.hD, Hidajet Salkic* M.Sc.

 When it comes to the protection from electromagnetic field

Abstract—Evaluation of human exposure to nonionizing
electromagnetic radiation in the conditions of standardized
electromagnetic compatibility depends on calculation and measuring
of low-frequency electric and magnetic fields. Calculation of the low-
frequency magnetic field in and around a transformer station will be
presented in this paper. This calculation will be conducted by
modeling transformer station using EFC-400LF software package,
which is capable for two and three-dimensional numerical solving of
magnetic fields distribution.
Keywords—Numerical solving, Experimental measuring, Low-
frequency magnetic fields, Exposure to nonionizing electromagnetic
radiation
emissions, two areas with different limitation levels of electric
and magnetic fields are recognized. According to the ICNIRP
policies, European Union (EU) references 1999/519/EC and
EU directive 2004/40/EC, these limitation values refer to the
root mean square (RMS) values of the electric field intensity
(E) and magnetic field density (B) for the constant exposure of
the human body to the electromagnetic field emissions. These
areas are:
x The area of the increased sensitivity (E=5 kV/m; B=100
μT), and
x The area of the professional exposure (10 kV/m; B=500
μT).

I. INTRODUCTION II. CALCULATION OF LOW-FREQUENCY MAGNETIC FIELD

F UNDAMENTAL problems of electromagnetic

compatibility and evaluation of the human exposure to
Calculation of low-frequency magnetic field distribution
can be performed using the relation for induction of flat finite-
nonionizing electromagnetic emissions are calculation and length streamline and the law of superposition.
measuring of the low-frequency (LF) electric and magnetic According to Biot-Savart law, the element of flat
& &
fields. Various experimental methods and specialized streamline dl e dl , shown on Fig. 1, produces magnetic flux
equipment are used for measuring of electromagnetic fields, density in arbitrary point of space T equal to:
whereas numerical solvers of the non-linear differential 1 i ˜ dl u sin D
equations are used for the calculation of LF electric and dH (1)
4S R2
magnetic fields. Today, there are number of software packages
Where: i – is a conductor current intensity,
that calculate distribution of electromagnetic fields in two-
dl – is an element of a flat streamline,
dimensional (2D) and three-dimensional (3D) environment.
R – is distance between conductor element dl and
Very often they have integrated field optimization methods of
point P, and
complex power systems. These software packages require &
model of the observed object and identification of the field D - is angle between element dl and vector R
sources. Field sources can be simplified and dismembered into (according to Fig. 1 D E  S ).
smaller peaces. Calculation of LF electromagnetic fields is 2
performed using the law of superposition. In other words, it is It should be emphasized that rotation symmetry exists;
necessary to summarize the influences of each filed source to therefore resulting magnetic flux density is gained by applying
get values of the resulting field. cylindrical coordinate system. According to Fig. 1, follows:
& &
& P ˜ i dl u R
Izudin Kapetanovic Ph.D., El. Eng. Member IEEE, Faculty of Elec. Eng.,
dB ³
4S l R 3
(2)
University of Tuzla; Franjevaþka 2, 75000 Tuzla, Bosnia and Herzegovina & & & & & &
(E-mail: rektorat@untz.ba ). Where: R er r  ez z ( er , ez , eM - are unit vectors in
Vlado Madžareviü Ph.D., El. Eng., Member IEEE, Faculty of Elec. Eng.,
University of Tuzla; Franjevaþka 2, 75000 Tuzla, Bosnia and Herzegovina cylindrical coordinate system (r , z , M ) ),
(E-mail: vlado.madzarevic@untz.ba ). Vector product from equation (2) is:
Alija Muharemovic Ph.D., El. Eng., Faculty of Elec. Eng., University of & & & & & & & &
Sarajevo; Zmaja od Bosne bb, 71000 Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina dl u R e z dl u e r r  e z  r ˜ dl  ˜ e z u e r (r ˜ dl ) ˜ eM (3)
(E-mail: alija.muharemovic@etf.unsa.ba ).
Therefore, equation (2) can be written as:
Hidajet Salkic M.Sc. El. Eng. PE Elektroprivreda BiH, ED Tuzla; Rudarska
38, 75000 Tuzla, Bosnia and Herzegovina (Corresponding author
Tel: (+387) 35 304 361, Fax: (+387) 35 304 362,
(E-mail: h.salkic@elektroprivreda.ba).

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 International Journal of Electrical and Computer Engineering 3:14 2008

& &
& P ˜ i dl xR P ˜ i dl ˜ r & For a given segment AB in rectangular global system, Fig.
4S ³l R 3 4S ³l R 3
dB ˜ eM (4) 2, the expression for magnetic flux density in point C, induced
by current ik of segment k is:
Considering that r { d , as well as cos E
R ˜ dE P ˜ i k t  § R AP R PB ·
and B k t  ¨  ¸ (7)
dl 4S ˜ CP ¨© R AC R BC ¸¹
d Where: AP, AC, PB i BC – are distances between
cos E , and after integration of contributions from all
R individual points.
elements, follows:
& P ˜i & R ˜ dE 1
dB ˜ eM ˜ ³ ˜d ˜ 3
4S cos E R
& & P ˜i dE cos E 2

4S ³ cos E
dB eM ˜ ˜ ˜d (5)
d2
T2
& & P ˜i
dB eM
4S ˜ d ³ cos EdE
T1
Finally, for magnetic flux density of flat finite length
streamline it can be written:
& & P ˜i
B eM ˜ sin T 2  sin T1  (6)
4S ˜ r
Fig. 2 Segment in rectangular coordinate system
Density of magnetic flux in any point of space can be
calculated by superposing contributions of each conductor.
In order to dismember the magnetic flux density vector on
Conductors can be approximated with certain number of flat
its components, it is necessary to know its direction in global
finite length streamlines (segments). The number of segments
system. Direction of magnetic flux density vector is
significantly depends on conductor geometry. Position of & &
perpendicular on a plain defined by vectors RAB and RBC ,
segments, their currents and phase angles represents the input
data for calculation of magnetic flux density in desirable apropos it is equal to a direction of a resulting vector of their
points of space. As it can be seen from equation (6), direction vector product:
& & & &
of magnetic flux density vector is defined by unit vector eM in ei e j e k
& & &
cylindrical coordinate system. Since the positions of segments G R AB u R BC a x a y a z (8)
in space are different, as well as directions of their bx b y bz
corresponding induction vectors, it is necessary to dismember
the resulting magnetic flux density vector on components in Cosines of angles, created by magnetic flux density vector
direction of each coordinate axe of global system that is not and coordinate axes x, y, and z, are equal to the ratios of
bounded for certain segment. Coordinates of start and end individual axes vectors and resulting vector:
points of segments can be set in rectangular coordinate system. Gx a y cz  az c y
cos D B
G F
Gy az cx  axcz
cos E B (9)
G F
Gz axc y  a y cx
cos J B
G F
Where
F a y c z  a z c y 2  a z c x  a x c z 2  a x c y  a y c x 2
By knowing cosines of angles it is possible to determine
each component of magnetic flux density in time domain:
B x ,k (t ) cos D B ˜ B k (t )
B y , k (t ) cos E B ˜ B k (t ) (10)
Bz , k ( t ) cos J B ˜ Bk (t )
Total amount of magnetic flux density vectors, produced by
currents of n segments, is gained summarizing the
Fig. 1 The element of flat streamlines
contributions of all segments:

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 International Journal of Electrical and Computer Engineering 3:14 2008

2 2 2 (CCTS) 10(20)/0.4 kV, 630 kVA – “DELING”. Apparatus of

§ n · § n · § n · TS consists of:
B (t )
¨ ¦ ¸ ¨ ¦ ¸ ¨ ¦
¨ Bx ,i (t ) ¸  ¨ By ,i (t ) ¸  ¨ Bz ,i (t ) ¸
¸
(11)
x Overlapping energy transformer; with nominal
©i 1 ¹ ©i 1 ¹ ©i 1 ¹
Where Bx ,i (t ), B y ,i (t ), Bz ,i (t ) - are the components of transmission ratio 10(20)/0.4 kV; nominal power 630
kVA; nominal frequency 50 Hz; connection type Dyn5;
magnetic flux density of segment i. short circuit voltage Uk=4 %; voltage regulation ±2x2.5
For presentation of the magnetic field, effective value of %,
magnetic flux density is used, according to the following x Middle voltage (MV) distribution conjunction block; is a
expression: “Ring Main Unit” (RMU) type CCF 12/24 kV, 400 A,
T SAFERING with three field – two conducting fields and
³ Bx (t )  By (t )  Bz (t )
1 2 2 2
Bef
T 0
Modeling of the transformer station elements
Calculation of LF magnetic fields distribution was
conducted using the EFC-400LF software package. This
software package consists of a part that ministers data input
and presentation and a part that minister numerical calculation
of magnetic fields. These two parts are connected trough the
input and output libraries. Block diagram of EFC-400LF
software package is presented in Fig. 3.
Fig. 3 Block diagram of the EFC-400LF software package
In order to analyze influence of magnetic fields constant
emissions on the human body, it is necessary to calculate the
distribution of the stationary sinusoidal LF magnetic fields.
Electromagnetic field around the transformer station (TS), at
frequency of 50 Hz is a quasistatic field, and consists of a
conservative component of the electric field produced by the
charges and eddy component of the electromagnetic field
produced by currents. Complex geometry of the TS elements
requires 3D calculation. Calculations of magnetic fields in
points that are far a way from filed sources are conducted by
using the thin-wire approximation. This approximation means
that conductors are presented as one-dimensional lines with
disregard of insulators, because their influence has a local
character. Each conductor requires following parameters:
x Beginning coordinates (the beginning of a segment) –
Xp, Yp, Zp,
x End coordinates (the end of a segment) – Xk, Yk, Zk,
x Line or phase voltage – Ul, Uf (depending on settings in
“Options” menu – Technical Power T.L.),
x Conductor current,
x Phase angle,
x Frequency,
x Conductor geometry: shape, radius, length, height,
distance between conductors, specific electric resistance,
permittivity, permeability, etc.
Application of the EFC-400LF software package for the
calculation of the electromagnetic field is presented on
example of the typical Compact Concrete Transformer Station
(12) a transformer field – which are SF6 gas insulated,
completely armored and protected from the dangerous
touch voltage. Conducting fields are equipped with three
phase separator with the ground switch – nominal voltage
of 24 kV and nominal current of 400 A – and ancillary
mechanism 2NO+2NC. RMU SAFERING 12/24 kV
conjunction blocks, manufactured by “ABB”, are tested
for 16 kA/sec of thermal and 40 kA of dynamic (impulse)
short circuit current,
x Low voltage (LV) conjunction block; consists of three
fields – one supplying and two conducting fields – with
nominal current 1250 A, short circuit enduring current 25
kA, enduring maximal current 52.5 kA, and a level of
protection IP 21. Three phase separator – type OETL
1250, 1250 A, 690 V, “ABB” – is placed inside the
supplying field. Up to eight groups of LV high-pedantic
separators – type XLBM 400 A, 690 V, 50 kA, “ABB” –
are placed inside the conducting field and mounted on
the separator rod to enable three phase disconnection
(noncharged). At the LV side of the 630 kVA power
transformer, short circuit currents of up to 22.06 kA can
appear. Short circuit impulse current at the 0.4 V voltage
level is 48.90 kA. LV conjunction blocks are tested for
25 kA of thermal and 52.5 kA of impulse short circuit
current.
x Conjunction conductor between the MV side of a
transformer and MV field of a conjunction block
constructed with three single conductor cables with
polyethylene insulation – type 3x(XHE 49-A 1x50/16
mm2 or 3x(XHE 49-A 1x150/25 mm2) – with nominal
voltage of 20 kV and tolerated current charge of 210 A.
Distance between fixating cable clips is 600 mm
maximum. Cables are taped at the spacing of 1.0 m and
make a fasten bundle.
x Conjunction conductor between the LV side of a
transformer and LV conjunction block constructed with
single conductor PVC insulated cable resistant to
temperatures up to 378.15 K (105 qC) and with nominal
voltage up to 1 kV. Type label for phase conductors is
3x(2xP/MT 1x240 mm2 1 kV), and for neutral conductor
is 1x(P/MT 1x240 mm2 1 kV).
Since the main electrical equipment (MV and LV
conjunction blocks and power transformer) is tested according
to the IEC standards (IEC439 and IEC298 for LV and MV
conjunction blocks, respectively, and IEC76 for power
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transformer) it can be deduced that above technical parameters
are verified.
The transformer station is connected to the distribution
electrical grid of city of Tuzla with 10/20 kV cables placed
under the ground. Import of the cables into the TS is carried
out through the openings in TS foundation. Transformer
station housing is constructed with pre-manufactured concrete
elements which constitute TS walls with dimensions of
280×186×255 cm. There are three conditionally separated
areas inside the TS; area for mounting of the transformer, and
areas for MV and LV blocks (Fig. 4a and 4b).
Fig. 4a: Intersection of the transformer station
Fig. 4b: Base of the transformer station
Safety standards are fulfilled according to the DIN-
VDE0848-1 norm. Middle voltage distribution conjunction
block is modeled using the EFC-400LF software package,
with maximal current load I m' =36.4 A, nominal secondary
voltage of 0.4 kV, and maximal current load I m'' =909 A. The
load of 909 A is very rare, but the calculation is conducted for
the worst possible case so fulfilling of the safety standards for
other cases can be deduced from this case. It can be seen that
maximal current load of the LV transformer side is evenly
922
distributed at four derivations for 227 A. Main electromagnetic
field sources are MV and LV bus bars and MV transformer
clamps, whereas the influence of MV and LV conjunction
equipment surrounded with grounded cabinets and housings or
cable screens can be disregarded. The calculation of the
magnetic field is conducted for the areas inside and outside the
TS, neglecting the TS housing due to the safety improvement
according to the regulations for protection from
electromagnetic field emissions.
Two (2D) and three-dimensional (3D) disposition of the TS
is presented in Fig. 5a and 5b. The main difference between
the real TS and its model depends on the conductor
subdivision on finite number of segments. Conductors are
divided in 635 segments with resolution of dx=dy=dz=0.1 m.
EFC-400LF software is capable of solving the system of
differential equations for the matrix with 16000×16000
elements (Methods: LU – decomposition or conjugated
gradients). In this case, matrices have 261×261 elements and
will produce the values of electric and magnetic field in 68121
points of observed area of 169 m2, with resolution of
dx=dy=dz=0.05 m, as well as matrix with 261×101 elements
that produce values in 26361 points of observed area of 65 m2
with resolution dx=dy=dz=0.05 m. Visual presentation of
magnetic flux density calculated values is conducted using
MATLAB.
Fig. 5a: 2D presentation of the TS in EFC-400 software
Fig. 5b: 3D presentation of the TS in EFC-400 software
 International Journal of Electrical and Computer Engineering 3:14 2008

III. CALCULATION OF MAGNETIC FIELD DISTRIBUTION

Calculation of the magnetic field distribution was
conducted:

In XY plane of a transformer station with limits of -5 m ” x

”8 m and -5 m ” y ”8 m
x at the height of z=1.75 m above the ground level, which
represents the level of the human head.

In XZ plane of a transformer station with limits of -5 m ” x

” 8 m and 0 m ” z ” 5 m
x at y=-0.2 m, apropos 0.2 m from the south side of the TS
x at y=2.10 m, apropos 0.2 m from the north side of the TS

In YZ plane of a transformer station with limits of -5 m ” y

Fig. 6a: 2D continual distribution of magnetic flux density in XY
” 8 m and 0 m ” z ” 5 m plane surface (z=1.75 m)
x at x=-0.2 m, apropos 0.2 m from the east side of the TS
x at x=3.10 m, apropos 0.2 m from the west side of the TS

A. Calculation of magnetic field distribution in XY plane

surface
Values of the magnetic flux density are observed in the
areas I, II, III, and IV of the XY plane, with distances of 0.2
m, 1.0 m, 1.5 m, and 2 m from the transformer station walls at
the height of z=1.75 m. Fig. 6a, 6b, 7a, and 7b are presenting
2D and 3D distribution of the magnetic flux density.
Maximum values of the magnetic flux density are:
x between 10.712 μT and 54.863 μT in the area I,
x between 6.918 μT and 32.161 μT in the area II,
x between 3.759 μT and 16.579 μT in the area III, and
x between 2.246 μT and 10.198 μT in the area IV.

Magnetic flux densities inside the transformer station are Fig. 6b: 3D continual distribution of magnetic flux density through
reaching their maximum values at the cross sections of the XY XY plane surface (z=1.75 m)
plane with primary clamps of the power transformer and cable
connections with MV and LV conjunction blocks. These
values are between 0.05 mT and 6.40 mT, whereas outside the
TS these values drop down to the values between 100 μT and
50 μT. According to the results, values of the magnetic flux
density outside the TS at the distance of 0.2 m are below the
value of the 54.863 μT whereas at distances between 0.5 m
and 1.5 m these values dropping down to values between
32.161 μT and 2.246 μT.

Fig. 7a: 3D presentation of the magnetic flux density continual

distribution through XY plane (z=1.75 m)

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Fig. 7b: 3D presentation of the magnetic flux density continual

distribution through XY plane (z=1.75 m) Fig. 8b: 3D continual distribution of magnetic flux density through
XZ plane (y=-0.2 m)

B. Calculation of magnetic field distribution in XZ plane

surface
For observed XZ plane, at distance of 0.2 m (y=-0.2 m),
values of the magnetic flux density for z=0.50 to 1.75 m
matched with LV conjunction block are between 14.051 μT
and 10.686 μT, whereas matched with the MV conjunction
block it has a value of 8.111 μT. Magnetic flux density values
for z=1.00 to 1.50 m, matched with power transformer, are
between 10.095 μT and 12.539 μT. Fig. 8a and 8b present 2D
and 3D continual distributions of magnetic flux density in this
area of XZ plane surface.
At distance of 0.2 m (y=2.10 m) for observed XZ plane
values of magnetic flux density are between 101.102 μT and
145.202 μT for z=1.00 m matched with LV conjunction block,
between 51.521 μT and 80.082 μT for z=1.00 to 1.75 m
matched with MV conjunction block, and between 35.197 μT Fig. 9a: 2D continual presentation of magnetic flux density through
and 74.145 μT matched with power transformer. 2D and 3D XZ plane (y=2.10 m)
presentations of the results from this area of XZ plane are
shown in Fig. 9a and 9b.

Fig. 8a: 2D continual distribution of magnetic flux density through Fig. 9b: 3D continual presentation of magnetic flux density through
XZ plane (y=-0.2 m) XZ plane (y=2.10 m)

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C. Calculation of magnetic field distribution in YZ plane
At distance of 0.2 m (x= -0.2 m) for observed YZ plane,
values of the magnetic flux density are between 96.238 μT and
131.326 μT for z=0.2 to 0.5 m matched with LV distribution
conjunction block, whereas for z=1.00 to 1.75 m it drops down
to 54.843 μT.2D and 3D presentation of continual
distributions of magnetic flux density for this area are shown
in Fig. 10a and 10b.
For observed plane, at distance 0.2 m (x=3.10 m), values of
magnetic flux density are between 40.194 μT and 68.846 μT
for z=0.2 to 1.0 m matched with MV distribution conjunction
block. For z=1.00 to 2.00 m matched with bus bar these values
drop down to 27.954 μT. Fig. 11a and 11b present 2D and 3D
distributions of magnetic flux density for this area of
observation.
Fig. 10a: 2D continual distribution of magnetic flux density through
YZ plane surface (x=-0.2 m)
Fig. 10b: 3D continual distribution of magnetic flux density through
YZ plane surface (x=-0.2 m)
925
Fig. 11a: 2D continual distribution of magnetic flux density through
YZ plane (x=3.10 m)
Fig. 11b: 3D continual distribution of magnetic flux density through
YZ plane (x=3.10 m)
IV. CONCLUSION
Calculation and measuring of low-frequency magnetic
fields, as well as their correlation, represent the basic problems
in transmission and distribution of electric power in conditions
of standardized electromagnetic compatibility and exposure of
humans to nonionizing 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. Mathematical model of the calculation of
magnetic flux density distribution in and around the
transformer station is presented in this paper, using Biot-
Savart law for flat finite streamline.
Respecting the fact that magnetic flux density is
proportional to the load and that typical load of the
transformer station is around 50% of nominal power, maximal
values of magnetic flux density will not oversee the limits for
increased sensitivity and professional exposure established by
the standards.
Original scientific contribution of conducted research
 International Journal of Electrical and Computer Engineering 3:14 2008

represents determination of three dimension (3D) distribution

of low-frequency magnetic field, its 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 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. Introduced mathematical models,
calculations, measuring, and three-dimensional visual
distribution of magnetic field, are representing the real
assumption for researching of interaction between
electromagnetic fields and human body on macroscopic and
static level, revealing optimization criteria in aim to create a
new technological solutions and methods for designing. The
research results are important from scientific point of view, as
well as a possibility for practical implementation.

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