What is corona loss?

Corona loss refers to the phenomenon that occurs when a high voltage electrical field ionizes the surrounding air, leading to the formation of a conductive path that allows current to leak from the conductors to the surrounding atmosphere. This ionization process generates a visible bluish glow and produces audible noise, often described as a hissing or crackling sound. The loss results in reduced efficiency in power transmission as energy is dissipated in the form of heat and light rather than being transmitted effectively along the electrical lines.

This ionization occurs notably under high voltage conditions and can be influenced by factors such as humidity, temperature, and the shape of the conductor. Understanding corona loss is crucial for the design and operation of high voltage transmission systems, as minimizing this loss can significantly impact the overall efficiency of power delivery.