Finite element computation of field and eddy currents of a system consisting of a power transmission line above conductors buried in nonhomogeneous earth

The present work investigates the electromagnetic field and the eddy currents of a power system consisting of a faulted power transmission line above parallel conductors buried in nonhomogeneous earth. The electromagnetic field diffusion equation has been numerically solved, using the finite element method (FEM). Using FEM results, magnetic vector potential distribution in the cross-section of the parallel exposure, as well as eddy currents induced in all conductive parts, are calculated for various nonhomogeneous earth models. An analysis concerning the most important operational parameters in determining power transmission line influence is presented. Such parameters are the depth of the first earth layer, the resistivities of the different earth layers and the number of the mitigation wires.