Magnetic field produced by power lines with complex geometry

This paper should be intended as a contribution to the evaluation of the extremely low frequency (ELF) magnetic field produced by power lines in the context of the human exposure to the magnetic field itself; in particular, we consider those situations where the actual geometry of the conductors and the lay-out of the power line(s) have to be taken into account in order to correctly calculate the field. The main implication is that a 3D model of power line has to be used instead of the simpler 2D model which is based on the Biot–Savart law applied to rectilinear and infinite wires. Purpose of this paper is to give operational formulas to be directly applied in all those situations where a 3D evaluation of the magnetic field is needed in order to quantify the environmental impact of one or more power lines on a certain part of the territory. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.