Evaluation of the Electromagnetic Environment Around Underground HVDC Lines

This paper analyses the magnetic-field emissions of a high-voltage dc transmission line constituted by two couples of underground cables laid along a highway. The transmission system, including all its components (transformers, converters filters, and line), is modeled through a circuital approach, which provides the distribution of the current harmonics along the line length. The magnetic field produced in the environment is then estimated by a hybrid finite element/boundary element method. The electromagnetic interferences with existing appliances and the human exposure to magnetic fields are investigated considering different laying configurations, conductor dispositions, and supply conditions. Compliance with regulations limiting human exposure and technical standards ensuring electromagnetic compatibility of appliances and devices are assessed

Evaluation and Correction of B1+-Based Brain Subject-Specific SAR Maps Using Electrical Properties Tomography

The specific absorption rate (SAR) estimates the amount of power absorbed by the tissue and is determined by the electrical conductivity and the E-field. Conductivity can be estimated using Electric Properties Tomography (EPT) but only the E-field component associated with B-1(+) can be deduced from B-1- mapping. Herein, a correction factor was calculated to compensate for the differences between the actual SAR and the one obtained with B-1(+). Numerical simulations were performed for 27 head mod-els at 128 MHz. Ground-truth local-SAR and 10g-SAR (SAR(GT)) were computed using the exact electrical conductivity and the E-field. Estimated local-SAR and 10g-SAR (SAR(EST)) were com-puted using the electrical conductivity obtained with a convection-reaction EPT and the E-field obtained from B-1(+). Correction factors (CFs) were estimated for gray matter, white matter, and cere-brospinal fluid (CSF). A comparison was performed for different levels of signal-to-noise ratios (SNR). Local-SAR/10g-SAR CF was 3.08 +/- 0/06 / 2.11 +/- 0.04 for gray matter, 1.79 +/- 0/05 / 2.06 +/- 0.04 for white matter, and 2.59 +/- 0/05 / 1.95 +/- 0.03 for CSF. SAR(EST) without CF were underestimated (ratio across [infinity -25] SNRs: 0.52 +/- 0.02 for local-SAR; 0.55 +/- 0.01 for 10g-SAR). After cor-rection, SAREST was equivalent to SAR(GT) (ratio across [infinity -25] SNRs: 0.97 +/- 0.02 for local-SAR; 1.06 +/- 0.01 for 10g-SAR). SAR maps based on B-1(+) can be corrected with a correction factor to compensate for potential differences between the actual SAR and the SAR calculated with the E-field derived from B-1(+)

Power losses in thick steel laminations with hysteresis

Magnetic power losses have been experimentally investigated and theoretically predicted over a range of frequencies (direct current—1.5 kHz) and peak inductions (0.5-1.5 T) in 1‐mm‐thick FeSi 2 wt. % laminations. The direct current hysteresis properties of the system are described by the Preisach model, with the Preisach distribution function reconstructed from the measurement of the recoil magnetization curve (Bp=1.7 T). On this basis, the time behavior of the magnetic induction vs frequency at different lamination depths is calculated by a finite element method numerical solution of Maxwell equations, which takes explicitly into account the Preisach model hysteretic B(H) relationship. The computed loop shapes are, in general, in good agreement with the measured ones. The power loss dependence on frequency is predicted and experimentally found to change from a ∼f3/2 to a ∼f2 law with increasing peak induction

Accuracy Assessment of Numerical Dosimetry for the Evaluation of Human Exposure to Electric Vehicle Inductive Charging Systems

In this article, we discuss numerical aspects related to the accuracy and the computational efficiency of numerical dosimetric simulations, performed in the context of human exposure to static inductive charging systems of electric vehicles. Two alternative numerical methods based on electric vector potential and electric scalar potential formulations, respectively, are here considered for the electric field computation in highly detailed anatomical human models. The results obtained by the numerical implementation of both approaches are discussed in terms of compliance assessment with ICNIRP guidelines limits for human exposure to electromagnetic fields. In particular, different strategies for smoothing localized unphysical outliers are compared, including novel techniques based on statistical considerations. The outlier removal is particularly relevant when comparison with basic restrictions is required to define the safety of electromagnetic fields exposure. The analysis demonstrates that it is not possible to derive general conclusions about the most robust method for dosimetric solutions. Nevertheless, the combined use of both formulations, together with the use of an algorithm for outliers removal based on a statistical approach, allows to determine final results to be compared with reference limits with a significant level of reliability

Safety Checkpoints

partially_open9sìopenKazemipour, Alireza; Kleine-Ostmann, Thomas; Schrader, Thorsten; Allal, Djamel; Charles, Michael; Zilberti, Luca; Borsero, Michele; Bottauscio, Oriano; Chiampi, MarioKazemipour, Alireza; Kleine Ostmann, Thomas; Schrader, Thorsten; Allal, Djamel; Charles, Michael; Zilberti, Luca; Borsero, Michele; Bottauscio, Oriano; Chiampi, Mari

Metrology for MRI Safety

. Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) has become an indispensable medical imaging modality with about 30 million patient exams in the EU every year and an excellent history of safe use. Nevertheless, it is continuously evolving and recent technological developments such as ultrahigh magnetic fields, parallel transmission, or MRI guided radiotherapy promise to significantly enhance the quality and the range of applicability of MRI. A major reason why these technological developments are not yet used in the clinical practice are unresolved safety issues. If the patient risk cannot be quantified reliably, a ‘safety first’ attitude naturally prevails preventing the routine use of new technologies or the scanning of subjects at high risk, e.g. carriers of metallic medical implants. The EMRP joint research project HLT 06 "Metrology for MRI Safety" aimed at providing such risk assessments for certain new developments or applications in MRI. The project was concluded in 2015 and some key results will be presented here