Abstract
BackgroundIn the course of the ongoing transition of electric energy systems, transmission corridors are often upgraded to higher voltages and other technologies leading to another quality of human exposure. The study aims to determine human detection thresholds for direct current (DC), alternating current (AC), and hybrid electric fields (various DC; constant AC).MethodsA total of 203 participants were exposed to DC, AC, and hybrid electric fields (EFs) in a highly specialized whole-body exposure laboratory using a double-blind experimental setting. Additionally, the participants were exposed to ion currents in part of the DC and hybrid sessions. To investigate environmental influences, relative humidity was changed in two subgroups during EF perception. Methods derived from the signal detection theory and the adaptive staircase procedure based on the single interval adjustment matrix were used to assess individual sensitivity and detection thresholds, respectively.ResultsThe results indicated that detection thresholds of hybrid EF were lower compared to single EF presentation of DC or AC. Ion current exposure enhanced EF perception. High relative humidity facilitated DC EF perception, whereas low relative humidity reinforced the perception of AC EFs.ConclusionsWith this systematic investigation of human perception of DC, AC, and hybrid EFs, detection thresholds were provided, which can help improve the construction processes of energy transmission systems and the prevention of unwanted sensory perception by contributing to the determination of limit values.
Highlights
In the course of the ongoing transition of electric energy systems, transmission corridors are often upgraded to higher voltages and other technologies leading to another quality of human exposure
A paired sample t-test for ion presence was conducted for every level of Electric field (EF) strength (for 14 kV/m [t (202) = 5.07, p < 0.001], for 22 kV/m [t(202) = − 6.25, p < 0.001], for 30 kV/m [t (202) = − 6.22, p < 0.001], for 38 kV/m [t(202) = − 3.56, p < 0.001])
Post hoc analysis were performed on EF strengths of average d′ > 1 using EF strength (22, 30, and 38 kV/m) and ion presence
Summary
In the course of the ongoing transition of electric energy systems, transmission corridors are often upgraded to higher voltages and other technologies leading to another quality of human exposure. Both research groups stated that body hair is the most essential factor facilitating EF perception [7, 8] This was supported by the finding that relative humidity of scalp hair influenced EF perception [9]. Clairmont et al [10] placed volunteers below a hybrid test line at different measurement points and recorded ratings of field perception In this nonblinded investigation, the DC EF detection threshold was estimated at about 20 kV/m, whereas, under the hybrid condition, when the AC EF strength was 10 kV/m, a DC EF strength of 5 kV/m was just perceptible [10]. Regarding factors influencing EF perception, Reilly [6] delineated low temperature and relative humidity to lower AC EF perception ability
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