Magnetic fields from overhead power lines: advanced prediction techniques for environmental impact assessment and support to design

In this paper, the main features of a new advanced integrated approach to the problem of numerically predicting the distribution of the magnetic flux density generated by power lines is presented. This approach is based on an accurate model which takes into account both the three-dimensional structures of the power lines and the land altimetry. Two noncommercial computer programs have been developed in this framework, aimed to fulfil the needs of environmental control institutions and overhead line designers. In fact, they respectively allow to i) carry out thorough environmental impact assessment (EIA) studies on new power lines and ii) assist the designer to calculate, in real time, the effects of his design options on the magnetic field levels.