University of Balamand
Faculty of Engineering
Electrical Engineering Department
Computer Engineering Department
Master Research Proposal
Submitted to: Association of the Friends of Ibrahim Abd El-Al
Name of Master Student: George Makhlouta
Name of supervisor: Dr. Maged B. Najjar, Chairman and Associate Professor.
Faculty/Department: Faculty of Engineering/Electrical and Computer Departments
Academic Title: Associate Professor, Chairman of Computer Engineering Dept.
Thesis Committee: Dr. Mohamad Khaldi, Dr. Ossama Jadayel
Research Title: EMF LEVELS SURVEY STUDY IN LEBANESE ENVIRONMENTS
Expected date of Graduation: June 21, 2007
Date of Submission: June 27, 2006
Field of the Research: Environmental, EMF, Power Systems, High Voltages, GIS
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EMF LEVELS SURVEY STUDY IN LEBANESE ENVIRONMENTS
Abstract:
The Lebanese community and the general public at large were made aware in the past year
of the possible human health hazard due to exposure to power frequency electric and magnetic field
of the recent 220 KV power grid in the country. It is necessary therefore to have detailed knowledge
of the electric and magnetic field levels in different environments in Lebanon.
The work is to establish data measurements that can serve as EMF maps for Lebanon and for a
variety of Lebanese situation. Special attention is directed to prepare contour maps of the electric
and magnetic fields around the High voltage transmission lines in the Lebanese electric grid.
Although much of the EMF effect studies are very well established globally (USA, Europe,
India and China), in Lebanon it is never done. At a time where there are many violations of
international standard regarding building and living areas near HV lines. We are concerned about
the EMF levels that we are subjected to in Lebanon when no specific data and measurements exist,
the significance of a major analysis of EMF levels is clear.
The work will include literature survey on current EMF studies results and international
standards, and will concentrate on surveying different crucial areas and environments for EMF
measurements.
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I.
Motivation and Relevance of EMF measurements in LEBANON
The goal of this EMF survey study is to extend understanding of 50 Hz magnetic and electric fields
encountered in daily living for exposure assessment applications. To date, there is no single study
that has looked at this issue in Lebanon. An evaluation of domestic EMF fields is an important part
of occupational and other EMF exposure studies.
An attempt will be made in this study to quantify the variability of household and regional
EMF fields and determine hazard zones or areas.
First, some of the many motives and relevance criteria for EMF study are listed and
classified below:
A.
Need based motives and relevance
- EMF Data in Lebanon is not collected
- Lebanon has a new 220KV and 400KV transmission lines in living urban areas.
- Variation of specifications and standard in Lebanon regarding HV towers.
- Increase EMF with an increase of Lebanon loads in years to come.
- Motivate EMF awareness of Lebanese individuals
B.
Methodological Feasibility
- EMF Data collection using EMF testers and Computational programs.
- Acquiring EMF testers and meters.
- GIS availability to incorporate the Data.
The EMF survey involved extensive EMF measurements at a large (> 90) selected list of
sites in the five mohafazat throughout Lebanon. These sites include houses, apartments, school,
church/or mosques, offices, hotels.
II.
Field Data Collection and Interpretation
To evaluate how much information is really needed to characterize household/domestic
fields and to ensure data completeness, a number of measurements are required per site for various
locations at each site. Measurements will be made for three orthogonal axes with respect to the
body: Horizontal (front), horizontal (side), and vertical. Measurements will also be made at three
body reference locations: head, chest and belt. Data will be reported in unit of milligauss (mG) for
Magnetic field and in Kilo-Volt per meter (KV/m) for electric field.
III.
Application in Lebanon
Identify locations in Lebanon in general, where conditions are indicative of high levels of
EMF for awareness. In such areas a need for recommendation of measure to take for protection or
to reduce the EMF levels. Prepare and present contour maps of EMF levels in Lebanon using GIS
and household tables for different environments.
Implementation- A Laboratory Simulation Using MATLAB
In this research project, the following stages will take place.
A. Literature survey of EMF health hazard and Levels
B. Complete Geographical and Quantitative study
C. EMF Data collection and analysis
D. Simulation verification of some developed models for comparison with measured data
and international levels.
As mentioned earlier, the approach for EMF measurements finds roots in the magnetic and
electrical energy fields. Many of the mathematics and analysis tools are mapped directly to meet the
needs EMF computations of power frequency. Having testers with sensors to measure EF and MF,
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in all directions, and modeling tools will help in collecting data for analysis. These items are
available and supplied by U.O.B., Faculty of Engineering.
IV.
Expected Results
The advantages of surveying the EMF levels in the Lebanese electrical power generation are
expected to be significant. The awareness and knowledge will provide new information regarding
power frequency EMF. The following results are expected to be reached:
1Typical mean values of resultants for EMF in rooms, the data distribution, which
axis is most significant.
2Appliances EMF levels, means and peak and standard deviation.
3Correlations between different room types in building which are near power lines.
4Electrical wiring effect in houses. Grounding effect.
5EMF profile during seasonal changes and over 24 hours period
6EMF levels according to body reference.
Lebanese individuals and utilities should be aware of the EMF levels and to be able to take
decision in implementing preventive measures.
The expected time for this project is one year and there is a need for a team of assistant for
field work.
V.
Budget
BUDGET SUMMARY
Equipment: EMF Testers w data Logging
Students support for master work
Travel: Conference travel and registration
Other: Consumables and transport
Total
Amount (LBP)
3000000.00
4500000.00
3500000.00
500000.00
11500000.00
References:
1. Maged B. Najjar Harmonic analysis and effect on Electrical Power systems, North American
Power Symposium, 1994.
2. Louis Nerone, Maged B. Najjar Electrode-less Lamp Design and Harmonic Study on the Effect
of the Electrical Power System, NAPS, Atlanta, 1995.
3. M.R. Khaldi, Sensitivity Matrices for Reactive Power Dispatch and Voltage Control of Large
Scale Power Systems, 4th WSEAS International Conference on: Power Systems and
Electromagnetic Compatibility, Izmir Turkey, 2004
4. O.C. Jadayel, GIS: A needed Technology for rural Development in Lebanon, 25th annual ESRI
User Conference, San Diego, CA. 2005
5. J. C. Male. Exposure of people to power-frequency electric and magnetic fields. 23 rd Hanford
life Sciences Symposium, Richland, WA, 1984.
6. EPRI. Transmission Line Reference Book/ 345 KV-and Above. Second edition. Palo Alto CA,
1982.
7. E. B. Kurtz, T. M. Shoemaker, The Lineman’s and Cableman’s Handbook-7th Edition,
McGraw-Hill, 1986.
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