Activation of a solenoid via induction

[Dan Feerst]

First and foremost, I admit that this was not my strong point in physics. I am trying to construct a realistic model in excel or maple which could be used to predict induced voltage in a solenoid based on it's distance to a virtually infinite extremely high voltage, power source.

The source is a transmission powerline, the span between towers would be about 1/5 of a mile, but the circiut continues in a roughly straight line for many miles. The maximum rated voltage of the line is 2MV. In theory the solenoid should never be closer than 40 feet.

I did a lot of searching, and it seems like the most direct way to solve this would be the neumann equation, slightly modified. but I'm worried if this would be accurate at all. Also is there any other factors I should be considering, or is there a better way about going about this.

I realize that this might seem like a pretty basic question, but I'm posting it here because I need something that is relatively accurate.

Thanks
Dan

 

[eljose79]

Dear Dan,

Thank you for your question and for acknowledging that this may not be your strong point in physics. Constructing a realistic model in excel or maple to predict induced voltage in a solenoid can be a challenging task, but I will try my best to guide you in the right direction.

Firstly, you are correct in considering the Neumann equation for this scenario. The Neumann equation, also known as Faraday's law of induction, is commonly used to calculate the induced voltage in a conductor. However, as you mentioned, it may need to be slightly modified to account for the distance between the solenoid and the powerline.

One factor to consider is the magnetic field created by the powerline. The strength of the magnetic field will decrease as the distance from the powerline increases. This means that the induced voltage in the solenoid will also decrease with distance. You can incorporate this into your model by using the inverse square law, which states that the strength of a field is inversely proportional to the square of the distance from the source.

Another factor to consider is the orientation of the solenoid with respect to the powerline. If the solenoid is perpendicular to the powerline, it will experience the maximum induced voltage. However, if the solenoid is parallel to the powerline, the induced voltage will be significantly lower. This can also be incorporated into your model by using the cosine law to calculate the angle between the solenoid and the powerline.

In addition to these factors, you may also want to consider the material of the solenoid and its dimensions. Different materials have different conductivities, which can affect the induced voltage. The dimensions of the solenoid, such as its length and number of windings, can also impact the induced voltage.

I would recommend doing some further research on the Neumann equation and the factors mentioned above to develop a more accurate model for your specific scenario. You can also consult with other experts in the field or seek guidance from a physics professor.

I hope this helps and good luck with your model!