Magnetic Fields and Minimum Safe Distances for UAS During Transformers Inspection

Nowadays, Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS) play a crucial role in inspecting and maintaining powerline systems, such as transmission towers, power lines, transformers, etc. UAS operating in the vicinity of these high-voltage components are constantly affected by the emitted magnetic fields, such as large power transformers, which can impact the electronic components of the UAS, resulting in collisions, casualties, and injuries. Minimal work has been done to estimate these fields and the safe distances from transformers for UAS to operate. This paper uses three-dimensional (3D) finite element analysis to analyze the minimum safe operating distances for UAS around power transformers emitting low-frequency magnetic Fields. We Examine a three-phase 2500 kVA pole-mounted transformer and a bank of single-phase pole-mounted 20 kVA transformers using finite element analysis and provide analyzed data on the safe operational distances for UAS.