Identification of Environmental and Experimental Factors Influencing Human Perception of DC and AC Electric Fields

Abstract

Overview

As Germany moves towards the deployment of high-voltage direct current (HVDC) lines, the understanding of human perception of direct current (DC) electric fields (EF) is critically needed. This study explores both environmental and experimental factors impacting the perception of DC and alternating current (AC) EFs, as well as hybrid conditions mixing both types.

Findings

• The research utilized a state-of-the-art exposure laboratory to test human responses to various EF strengths.
• Relative humidity emerged as a key factor affecting EF perception differently in DC and AC settings.
• Cutaneous sensations during EF exposure varied greatly among participants and across different body parts.
• The study introduced optimal exposure durations and ramp slopes for future research.
• Interestingly, hybrid exposure to both DC and AC EFs resulted in lower perception thresholds than exposure to individual EF types.

Conclusion

This study offers a foundation for broader research into how varying electrical field types influence human sensory experiences and highlights crucial experimental conditions for future investigations. These findings underscore the importance of considering environmental variables and tailored experimental setups in understanding EF perception.