Electric Field Around Extra-High Voltage Transmission Lines for UAS Powerline Inspection

There has been an increased use of unmanned aerial systems (UAS) in powerline inspection. However, electromagnetic fields generated around powerlines can impact the behavior of the UAS, which can lead to collisions, injuries, and casualties. There has been very little research investigating the electric field profiles of powerlines and their impact on UAS safety missions. In this study, a 2D finite element analysis (FEA) approach is employed to simulate and evaluate the electric field around extra-high voltage transmission lines, 345, 500, and 765 kV. The 345 kV powerline is a vertical configuration with two bundles and a double-circuit. The 500 kV and 765 kV powerlines are single-circuit with horizontal configurations and two and four bundles, respectively. The results show that the electric fields are strongest directly under and above the EHV and decrease sharply as a function of distance. The results are also compared and validated using an analytical method, EMFACDC, provided by the International Telecommunication Union. The research results of this study can provide technical support for the inspection operation of UAS on extra-high voltage transmission lines.