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Research Paper | Agricultural Engineering | Volume 15 Issue 4, April 2026 | Pages: 775 - 791 | Denmark
Displacement Current from VFD Common-Mode Voltage and Biological Influence on Dairy Cattle
Abstract: This study examines displacement currents generated by variable frequency drives (VFDs) in dairy barns and evaluates their potential biological impact on cattle. The work combines electromagnetic modeling based on Maxwellian theory with field measurements conducted at three commercial farms. Measured displacement currents at animal contact points ranged from 462 to 731 ?A under controlled conditions. A multi-scale analysis is applied to assess how externally induced fields interact with biological tissue, including amplification effects at the cell membrane level and possible influence on voltage-gated calcium channels. The results indicate that conventional 50 and 60 Hz stray voltage assessment methods do not capture high-frequency capacitive coupling effects associated with VFD operation. The study suggests that current regulatory frameworks may underestimate exposure and highlights the need for revised measurement approaches and further experimental validation of biological outcomes.
Keywords: variable frequency drive, common-mode voltage, displacement current, dairy cattle, electromagnetic exposure, bioelectromagnetics, capacitive coupling, power electronics, Maxwell equations
How to Cite?: Kim Horsevad, "Displacement Current from VFD Common-Mode Voltage and Biological Influence on Dairy Cattle", Volume 15 Issue 4, April 2026, International Journal of Science and Research (IJSR), Pages: 775-791, https://www.ijsr.net/getabstract.php?paperid=SR26408195341, DOI: https://dx.dx.doi.org/10.21275/SR26408195341