Simple estimation of equivalent magnetic dipole moment to characterize ELF magnetic fields generated by electric appliances incorporating harmonics

A simple method of quantifying the ELF (extremely low frequency) magnetic field distribution around electric appliances, which takes the harmonics into account, is newly proposed. The proposed method involves: (1) a simple estimation of the position of an equivalent magnetic dipole moment inside an appliance, using two magnetic field meters; (2) identification of the amplitude of the dipole moment magnetic-field measurements at certain points; and (3) calculation of the magnetic field distribution around the appliance using the estimated dipole moment. In this method, the dipole moment vector is assumed to be a similar value by allowing an uncertainty of 6 dB in the estimated magnetic field, which enables easy estimation of the dipole moment. In addition, the frequency characteristics of the magnetic field are taken into account by considering the harmonic components in the magnetic field waveform. The proposed method was applied to 13 types of appliances, and their equivalent magnetic dipole moments and harmonic components were determined. The results revealed that the proposed method is applicable to many electric appliances. The conditions required for the adoption of the method were also clarified.