Creation of a Tool in MATLAB for the Calculation of Emission

Properties of Overhead Lines

James Camp II

Background
Overhead powerlines emit electric and
magnetic fields. These fields are created
from the constantly changing voltage and
current used in power transmission. Due
to the magnitude of the voltage and
current, the emitted electric and magnetic
fields that are created tend to be large. In
addition, audible noise, known as
‘crackling’; radio interference; and corona
discharge is created. Because of the
effects of the emission properties have, it
is important that they are calculated.
Empirical formulas have been developed
to calculate these values. In addition, an
application to calculate the
electromagnetic emissions, audible noise,
radio interference, and the losses from
Corona was also developed in Excel.
However, due to the limited applicability of
Excel in analysis of tower geometries, a
better program was recommended,
namely MATLAB. By transposing this
program into MATLAB, the tool itself can
be adapted for different uses later on.
Method
Creation of the Tool
Initially, the equations used in the excel tool
were either found in literature, from the EPRI AC
Reference Book or the paper that created the
excel tool, or derived directly using already
known equations (Gauss’ law, Ampere’s law,
etc.).
Then, the MATLAB core program was created.
This program aimed to complete the similar
purposes of the excel tool that was previously
created. Once this core program is created and
tested, further additions can be added in future
research.
Results
Using the D8STV-T1ET2 mast type and the
 
following parameters:
• Frequency of the line: 1 MHz
• Change in height from sag: 0 m
• The conductivity of the ground: 4 mS/m
• Height above sea level: 0 m
• Subconductor separation distance: 400 mm
• Rate of rainfall: 3.5 mm/Hr
• Frequency for corona: 50 Hz
• Diameter of the conductors: 64 mm
• Line-to-line voltage: 380 kV
• Current through one conductor: 1000 A
The MATLAB tool and excel tool calculated and
graphed the positions of the conductors, and the
electric and magnetic fields. The audible noise
levels for rainy weather, fair weather, and the
levels were cacluated and graphed as well as
the Radio Interference levels in similar
conditions.
These values were calculated on a horizontal
range from -50 m to the middle of the mast to 50
m every 5 m.
The electric field calculated from the MATLAB tool (left) and the excel tool (right).

Testing
To ensure the validity of the tool in calculating
the properties of overhead transmission lines,
the tool was tested to ensure the tool worked
D8STV-T1ET2 (Amprion) Mast Type used in the testing
similar to the original excel tool.

Discussion
The magnetic field calculated from the MATLAB tool (left) and the excel tool
(right).

All of the calculations produced by the
MATLAB tool follow similar outlines of the
excel tool. The values produced from the
MATLAB tool, for the most part, align with
the values produced by the excel tool.
There are a few discrepancies in the
results. The discrepancy between the peak
values of the graphs can be explained by
the interval of measurements taken. The
discrepancy between the magnetic fields
can be explained similarly. As for the
audible noise, they are exactly the same
throughout the entire range of measuring
distances. The discrepancy between the
calculated radio interference levels can be
explained by the differences in equations
used between the programs.
The MATLAB program uses an equation
from EPRI Reference Book to calculate
radio interference while the Excel
program uses a similar equation.
Conclusion
Based off the results of the test, the The audible noise levels calculated from the MATLAB tool (left) and the excel tool
(right).
MATLAB tool can safely be used as an
alternative to the Excel tool since the
values produced by both tools are
consistent throughout most of the
measuring distances, and most of the
discrepancies can be easily justified as
differences in the programs and not the
equations used. With this tool created in The radio interference levels calculated by the MATLAB tool (left) and the Excel
MATLAB, higher level development of the Tool (right).

tool can be done.