Measurement of magnetic fields in an outdoor high voltage power substation

Human exposure to magnetic fields generated by distribution substations and power lines is one of the growing health concerns that has drawn much attention from Qatar General Electricity & Water Corporation (also called Kahramaa) and Qatar ministry of environment. This paper presents the results of magnetic field measurements in an outdoor high voltage 132/66 kV power substation, located in the residential areas of Doha city, is operated under the authority of Kahramaa. The measurements were conducted during the summer peak-load condition of year 2009. The results include the most high intensity field regions inside and surrounding the substation and in control room. The measured levels of magnetic fields were presented by color 3-D plots and contour maps in order to facilitate the location of high intensity magnetic field zones in the substation. The measured values of magnetic field were compared with the international standards of safe limits for personnel exposure. The results and conclusions of this work are outlined at the end of the paper.