Computational Assessment of Electrostatic Field Profiles Near High-Voltage Transmission Systems in Malaysia via Finite Difference and Crank-Nicolson Schemes

Unconstrained exposure of humans and their immediate environments to electrostatic fields generated by high-voltage transmission lines has raised a lot of concerns regarding public health safety. These transmission lines, often sited near human residential and urban areas, may pose long-term health risks depending on the strength and duration of exposure. Various studies have linked prolonged exposure to electromagnetic fields to various health conditions, including neuropsychological disorders, cardiovascular diseases, and central nervous system complications. While high-voltage transmission lines are essential for efficient power distribution, their proximity to populated areas necessitates regulatory policies to mitigate potential risks. This study aims to analyse the spatial variation and intensity of the electrostatic field distribution around high-voltage power transmission lines in Malaysia, using two numerical methods, considering the country’s infrastructure features and regulatory emphasis on public exposure limits. The Finite Difference Method (FDM) and the Crank-Nicolson Method (CNM) are applied to solve Laplace’s Equation, which governs electrostatic potential, field intensity and distribution. Factors such as voltage levels, tower configurations, and conductor height are considered in the analysis. The study compares the accuracy, convergence rate, computational efficiency, and execution time of both numerical techniques to determine which of the methods is more suitable to solve such a problem. Our result demonstrates that FDM is fundamentally more suited for solving the Laplace equation governing electrostatic potential, field intensity, and spatial distribution due to its direct discretisation of spatial derivatives while using CNM in this context only introduces unnecessary complexity and computational overhead without providing any benefits in returns. The study provides insights into safe management practices by identifying critical zones of elevated electrostatic field intensity, indicating minimum safe distances for human exposure, and supporting infrastructure planning in accordance with Malaysian regulatory standards.