Modeling of Antenna Systems From High-Voltage Power Lines to Investigate the Influence of Their Radiation on the Formation of PLHR Radiation in the Ionosphere

Satellite research has revealed the effect of power line harmonic radiation (PLHR) reflection in the ionosphere. It has been established that powerful consumers of electricity generate technogenic signals at frequencies related to the frequency of the power grid and its harmonics. They cause changes in the parameters of the plasma and the electromagnetic field in the ionosphere. However, despite repeated attempts, there is no explanation for the PLHR effect to date. The aim of the article is a partial qualitative study using a numerical method of the influence of radiation from high-voltage power lines on the mechanism of formation of harmonic radiation in the ionosphere, based on the theories of the electromagnetic field, antennas, and the propagation of electromagnetic waves in the atmosphere. High-voltage power lines are considered as an antenna system consisting of emitters equivalent to horizontal elementary electric vibrators, which are raised above the earth's surface by means of supports. The numerical method has been used to simulate overhead power lines of various classes and configurations as antenna systems in the MMANA software environment. In particular, the change in the gain of antenna systems of the corresponding models of overhead power lines in the frequency band of harmonic radiation of PLHR power networks. The directivity diagram of a horizontal elementary electric vibrator has a petal-like character with a certain depth of dips depending on the parameters of the Earth and its surface, along which radiation is absent. The phenomenon of interference affects the change in the gain depending on the frequency and height of the antenna installation. The class of the overhead line model and its geometric dimensions also matter. Numerical modeling does not contradict the conclusions of the analytical research method – the theory of the electromagnetic field, antennas, and the propagation of electromagnetic waves in the atmosphere. The intensity of PLHR lines necessary for registering multiplets is achieved, in particular, due to the significant volumetric energy density of the power grid field, the change of which was studied by numerical modeling (analysis of the change in the gain of antenna systems of the corresponding models of overhead power lines in a certain frequency band). In the case of high volumetric energy density of the electric grid field, multiplets with a large number of satellites (up to ten or more) with an interval of 50 Hz arise. This feature is qualitatively confirmed by the change in the gain coefficient with frequency changes of 50 Hz, which takes on sufficiently large values. In the case of low energy density of the electric grid field and high concentrations of free electrons, a new electromagnetic field generation mode is possible, which explains the possibility of the formation of multiplets with an interval of 100 Hz between lines. This feature is qualitatively confirmed by the values of the gain at frequencies multiples of 100 Hz, which are not less than 2 dBi.