Electric energy is produced at electric power generating stations and transported over high-voltage transmission lines to utilization points. The trend toward using higher voltages is motivated by the increased line capacity while reducing line losses per unit of power transmitted. The reduction in losses is significant and is an important aspect of energy conservation. Better use of land is a benefit of the larger transmission capacity of the lines.
Corona has many advantages and disadvantages. In the correct design of a high voltage overhead line, a balance should be struck between the advantages and disadvantages. ADVANTAGES (i) Due to corona formation, the air surrounding the conductor becomes conducting and hence virtual diameter of the conductor is increased. The increased diameter reduces the electrostatic stresses between the conductors. (ii) Corona reduces the effects of transients produced by surges. DIS-ADVANTAGES (i) Corona is accompanied by a loss of energy. This affects the transmission efficiency of the line. (ii) Ozone is produced by corona and may cause corrosion of the conductor due to chemical action. (iii) The current drawn by the line due to corona is non-sinusoidal and hence non-sinusoidal voltage drop occurs in the line. This may cause inductive interference with neighboring communication lines.
Comments