Abstract

Overview

The increasing upgrade of electric energy systems to higher voltages presents new challenges regarding human exposure to electromagnetic fields (EMFs). This comprehensive double-blind study explores how humans detect different types of EFs—direct current (DC), alternating current (AC), and hybrid electric fields—combining both AC and DC elements.

Methods

A cohort of 203 participants underwent exposure to three types of EFs in a controlled whole-body exposure lab. The study design incorporated blinds and controls, such as varying environmental conditions like relative humidity, to rigorously assess detection thresholds.

• Use of signal detection theory
• Adaptive staircase procedure for precise sensitivity measuring

Findings

Significant findings from the research include:

• Lower detection thresholds for hybrid EFs as compared to singular DC or AC exposures.
• Enhanced perception with ion current in hybrid and DC conditions.
• Variable humidity levels affected EF perception differently—higher humidity improved DC detection, while lower humidity enhanced AC detection.

Conclusion

This pioneering research provides a systematic examination of hybrid EF perception and establishes important detection thresholds. Insights gained suggest influences of environmental conditions on EF perception, thus guiding future discussions on EF exposure limits and construction recommendations for hybrid and DC power systems. Despite the study's inferences not altering existing reference levels, they add substantial qualitative data to the discourse on sensory perception and EF impact.