Abstract

Overview

The prevalence of cardiac pacemaker usage is on the rise due to aging populations and the increased prevalence of cardiovascular diseases. The operation of electric vehicles, featuring numerous high-power electrical components, creates a complex electromagnetic environment. This study evaluates the potential risks posed by this environment to passengers with cardiac pacemakers.

Methodology

Using the finite element method, this paper constructs models involving the vehicle body, human body, heart, and cardiac pacemaker to assess the electromagnetic exposure. The study focuses on the electric vehicle drive motors as a source of electromagnetic radiation.

Findings

• The highest induced electric field within the passenger occurs at the ankle with a strength of 60.3 mV/m, while the heart's electric field near the pacemaker electrode reaches 283 mV/m.
• Specific absorption rates and temperature increases in the torso, heart, and near the pacemaker maintain safe levels below those specified by ICNIRP standards.
• The study confirms that the electromagnetic fields and thermal effects are within the safety limits, ensuring that the operation of electric vehicle motors does not pose a risk to passengers with pacemakers under the conditions examined.

Conclusion

The results provide important data confirming that electric vehicles are safe for travel by individuals with cardiac pacemakers, adhering to current health and safety standards. Moreover, the findings help advance research on the electromagnetic environments within electric vehicles and offer guidelines to protect this vulnerable group of passengers.