EMC calculations / Impact of High-Voltage Systems on Nearby Infrastructure

To meet the growing demand for sustainable energy, the adaptation and construction of infrastructure for the transport and storage of energy is crucial. However, in densely populated areas, integrating new cables, pipes, networks, and installations for water, gas, electricity, heat, and cooling distribution can be challenging. When implementing a new high-voltage system it is essential to investigate the presence of existing pipelines or cables nearby that could be affected by the new connection. This may result in overheating, energization, or damage to the existing pipelines. Similarly, when laying a new pipeline, the impact of existing high-voltage systems must also be carefully considered.
Apara Solutions offer assessments, advice, design solutions, and conduct tests to determine whether various systems can function optimally and coexist harmoniously.
In the context of NEN 3654 the consideration of influence takes into account four main factors:

• Inductive Influence: This is caused by the presence of alternating magnetic fields around high-voltage systems, resulting in induced currents and voltages in nearby metal pipelines or cables running parallel to the high-voltage connection. These induced currents can lead to electric shocks, unacceptable touch voltage, and alternating current corrosion.
• Capacitive Influence: Electric fields from high-voltage systems can cause capacitive influence. This occurs when a (non-grounded) metal object is insulated above the ground and positioned near an above-ground high-voltage system. The electric field charges the object, making it energized. If a human or animal touches the charged pipeline, they may experience a discharge through their body.
• Earth Fault Influence: In the event of an earth fault in a high-voltage installation, part of the short-circuit current flows to the ground through one or more earth points. This creates a "potential funnel" around the entry point into the soil, which can lead to damage to pipelines or unacceptable bridging stresses.
• Thermal Influence: High-voltage cables and heat networks generate heat due to the current passing through them, which also heats up the surrounding soil. If the soil temperature significantly deviates from normal, nearby pipelines may be adversely affected. Thermal influence between a cable connection and a pipeline (and vice versa) can only be excluded, following NEN 3654 guidelines, if the cable and pipeline are laid more than 10 meters apart. We pay close attention to metal pipelines located within the thermal area of influence.

 
The results of our assessment will indicate whether there is any unacceptable influence on objects in the in proximity to each. In that case, we will propose additional measures in consultation with the relevant stakeholders to mitigate the potential impacts.