The role of the AC component in human perception of AC-DC hybrid electric fields

Authors: Kathrin Jankowiak, Andrea Kaifie, Thomas Krampert, Thomas Kraus, Michael Kursawe

Year: 2022 Mar 1

Category: Electrophysiology

Journal: Sci Rep

DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-07388-w

URL: https://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-022-07388-w

Abstract

Overview

Electric energy is critical in today's globally demanding society. To enhance efficiency and minimize land use, planning includes mounting high voltage direct current (HVDC) power lines alongside existing alternating current (AC) structures, creating hybrid electric fields (EFs).

Findings

  • Study involved 51 participants tested for the whole-body detection thresholds of hybrid EFs using a double-blind, psychophysical approach.
  • Participants showed varying sensitivities, with some detecting very low strength fields, such as 1 kV/m AC combined with 1 kV/m DC.
  • Increased AC EF strengths significantly lowered detection thresholds, highlighting the influence of the AC component in hybrid EF perception.

Conclusion

The AC component significantly affects human perception of hybrid EFs, lowering detection thresholds and indicating a critical need for considering this factor in the design of hybrid power lines and in assessing public reactions to nearby EFs. The study underscores the potential health impacts and suggests that environmental factors also lower detection thresholds and need further investigation.

electromagnetic fields AC-DC hybrid electric field perception public health safety
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