Comparative Analysis of 2- and 3-D Methods for Computing Electric and Magnetic Fields Generated by Overhead Transmission Lines

This paper presents a comparative analysis of 2- and 3-D methods for computing the electromagnetic field generated by overhead transmission lines operating at the power frequency. The study focuses on the catenary effect of cables and the effect of electric charges and currents present in tower elements when computing the electric field on the cables' surface and the electric and magnetic fields near the earth's surface. Results for a typical three-phase 138-kV line are presented as well as the proper range of the application for a modified and fast 2-D solution.