The mobile experimental complex for studying of electromagnetic fields generated in a wide frequency range in an industrial environment

Abstract

The mobile experimental complex was created by the authors for research of the electromagnetic (EM) fields generated by the electrical equipment and the elements of electric power systems in a wide frequency range. The description of the architecture and composition of the equipment is given, and its functionalities are considered. The complex is used to monitor the EM environment of objects for the purpose of solving of problems of electromagnetic compatibility (EMC). The results of monitor studies of the EM environment at two energy and industry sites are given. Keywords—mobile experimental complex; electromagnetic fiel d measurement; electrics; electric power systems; electromagnetic compatibility; sources of noise; sources of electromagnetic radiation I. INTRODUCTION The study of electromagnetic (EM) fields generated by electrical equipment and elements of electric power systems occupies an important place in the problem of electromagnetic compatibility (EMC). It is believed that the electromagnetic environment in energy and industrial companies is directly proportional to their installed power. Study of the structure of space-time and spectral characteristics of EM fields and interferences generated by electrical equipment and individual elements of electric power systems (EPS), such as e.g. power lines, switching devices, receivers and transmitters of electricity low and high voltage, is important both 1) for the optimal design, in terms of electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) and noise immunity of electrical devices, and EPS and their individual structures to ensure sustainability of the systems and their components, and 2) to prevent accidents associated with the failure or abnormal mode of operation of electrical equipment by examining the effects of EM fields on biological objects, and therefore, life safety problems in EPS (for example, in defining and clarifying the boundaries of sanitary zones for EM field). The range of frequencies generated by the above-mentioned objects of EM radiation is estimated to be from 50 hertz (Hz; the power frequency) up to tens or hundreds of megahertz (MHz). Therefore, studies aimed at investigating in real time the space-time structure of EM fields in a wide range of frequencies are quite relevant. It should also be noted that in the past two decades, special attention has been paid to the problem of EMC in an industrial environment in a number of international scientific organizations such as Union Radio- Scientifique Internationale (URSI) and Institute of Electrical and Electronic Engineers (IEEE). As a result of the analysis of the available information, it has been revealed that the currently existing means of measuring EM fields can not provide a comprehensive approach to the study of EM environments in a wide frequency range for fields generated by different sources. Current methods mainly focus on one-step fixed frequency values of the EM fields. The equipment that is intended to measure EM fields to higher frequencies (often quite expensive) cannot provide, in particular, 1) a continuous digital recording process, computing in real-time, and graphical visualization of the correlation and the spectral characteristics of the detected EM processes (including the temporal dynamics of the spectrum), 2) and the opportunity to control the experiment in the process of its execution through a flexible user interface. Consequently, the research conducted using the existing means of measuring EM fields cannot objectively assess the EM situation in general (1, 2, 3). Based on our analysis of the existing means of measuring EM fields, we formulated the basic requirements of the equipment to be developed and elaborated its architecture. We made a detailed elaboration of the characteristics of the structural elements and their interaction algorithms, a selection the specific components (based on the relevant market research), and the assembly of the equipment with the harmonization of the functioning of the components (4). The paper presents the mobile experimental complex for studying of electromagnetic fields generated in a wide frequency range in an industrial environment developed on a base of the Kazan State Power Engineering University. It describes the architecture and structure of the equipment and some of the results of monitoring studies of EM environments at two energy and industrial sites.