The Use of Equivalent Model and Numerical Simulation for EMC Analysis in Hospital Environments

This paper promotes the use of prediction methods as an alternative tool for evaluating and managing electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) in hospital environments. Radiated emissions originated from medical equipment are modeled based on open area test site measurements, and they are applied to numerical simulation using transmission line matrix method (TLM). TLM simulation is performed to include not only the multipath effects provided by obstacles, but also the interaction and coupling of all different sources/models operating simultaneously on the environment under test (a typical operating room). This approach provides a useful tool in order to assess electromagnetic profiles established within the room area, and it allows implementing optimization processes such as genetic algorithms (GA). GA is employed to evaluate many different placements of medical equipment within the environment under test. A fitness function is defined to minimize the average electric field inside the room, providing a better equipment disposal to develop a preliminary EMC management program.