Educational project
Assessment of magnetic fields around the railway line
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The work analyzes the electromagnetic impact of electric traction systems along the Vezia–Melide railway line, with a focus on Lugano station. Through modelling and simulations, exposure maps were estimated and compared with Swiss regulatory limits.
The project addresses the issue of electromagnetic impact generated by electric traction systems along railway lines, focusing on the Vezia–Melide section and Lugano station. The system analyzed is the typical Swiss 15 kV, 16.7 Hz configuration, in a context of growing public attention toward magnetic fields and their effects.
The analysis was conducted using railway modelling software, which enabled the creation of a detailed model of the line and station, including all data required for electromechanical simulations. From these simulations, conductor currents were estimated, followed by the distribution and intensity of magnetic fields under various operational scenarios. The result is the production of exposure maps specifically tailored to the urban environment of Lugano station—an uncommon application in this field.
The obtained values were compared with the limits set by Swiss regulations, verifying compliance and identifying any potential issues. It was found that the station’s infrastructure meets the standards; however, to further reduce the impact, several mitigation strategies were analyzed, including rail isolation and repositioning of return conductors near bypasses—a solution that effectively reduces the spread of magnetic fields.
The study highlighted the need for software tools capable of automatically calculating the average RMS magnetic field from large datasets, in order to handle complex scenarios and validate real-world models.
In conclusion, the developed model represents a valuable tool for preliminary analyses and supports the design of safe and sustainable railway infrastructure. Nevertheless, technical refinements and regulatory clarifications are required to ensure greater methodological consistency and reliability of the results, laying the groundwork for future developments and improved electromagnetic risk management.
The analysis was conducted using railway modelling software, which enabled the creation of a detailed model of the line and station, including all data required for electromechanical simulations. From these simulations, conductor currents were estimated, followed by the distribution and intensity of magnetic fields under various operational scenarios. The result is the production of exposure maps specifically tailored to the urban environment of Lugano station—an uncommon application in this field.
The obtained values were compared with the limits set by Swiss regulations, verifying compliance and identifying any potential issues. It was found that the station’s infrastructure meets the standards; however, to further reduce the impact, several mitigation strategies were analyzed, including rail isolation and repositioning of return conductors near bypasses—a solution that effectively reduces the spread of magnetic fields.
The study highlighted the need for software tools capable of automatically calculating the average RMS magnetic field from large datasets, in order to handle complex scenarios and validate real-world models.
In conclusion, the developed model represents a valuable tool for preliminary analyses and supports the design of safe and sustainable railway infrastructure. Nevertheless, technical refinements and regulatory clarifications are required to ensure greater methodological consistency and reliability of the results, laying the groundwork for future developments and improved electromagnetic risk management.