Electromagnetic Exposure Level of a Pure Electric Vehicle Inverter Based on a Real Human Body

Abstract

Overview

This study quantitatively analyzes the electromagnetic exposure dose experienced by the driver of a pure electric vehicle, specifically focusing on exposure from the vehicle's inverter. The researchers utilized a realistic human anatomy model, incorporating several organs and tissues such as muscles, bones, the heart, lungs, liver, kidneys, bladder, skull, scalp, white matter, and cerebellum. The study constructed an equivalent electromagnetic model comprising the human body, vehicle inverter, and the vehicle body.

Key Methods

• Used a finite element method to calculate distribution of induced electromagnetic fields in driver tissues and organs.
• Measured magnetic flux density, induced electric field, and induced current density across different tissues depending on proximity to the inverter.

Findings

• The distribution of electromagnetic fields strongly depends on the spatial distance between the inverter and the driver—greater distances result in weaker exposure.
• Different tissues show significant variation in induced electromagnetic fields due to differing dielectric properties.
• The maximum levels of magnetic flux density and induced electric fields in critical areas of the body (trunk and CNS) remained within the International Commission on Non-Ionization Radiation Protection (ICNIRP) exposure limits.
• It was noted that the B-field in the central region of the inverter itself can exceed ICNIRP reference levels, but values drop sharply with distance, making driver exposure safe under typical real-world conditions.

Conclusion

The electromagnetic environment generated by the 12 kW inverter studied is considered safe for pure electric vehicle drivers according to established ICNIRP exposure limits and would not negatively affect driver health under the conditions analyzed.

This study provides supplementary data for the field of electromagnetic safety in electric vehicles and informs the development of industry standards and vehicle design for EMF safety.

Note: Even though the fields around the inverter itself may exceed general public exposure limits, the realistic exposure experienced by the driver remains within safe boundaries—but a link between electromagnetic field exposure and health risk is not ruled out and warrants continued monitoring and further research.