ADVANTAGES AND DISADVANTAGES OF CORONA EFFECT IN TRANSMISSION LINES | ELECTRICAL ENGINEERING GUIDE

Advantages and Disadvantages of Corona Effect in Power Systems

In high-voltage overhead transmission lines, the corona effect plays a critical role in system performance. Corona occurs when the air around a conductor becomes ionized due to high electric stress. While often seen as a drawback because of power losses and interference, it also provides certain engineering benefits.

This article explains the advantages and disadvantages of corona effect in detail, with examples relevant to modern electrical power systems.

✅ Advantages of Corona Effect

Increase in Virtual Conductor Diameter
- Due to corona formation, the surrounding air becomes partially conductive, increasing the virtual diameter of the conductor.
- This reduces electrostatic stress between conductors and minimizes insulation breakdown risks.
- Related Reading: Electrostatic Fields in High Voltage Engineering
Reduction of Transient Surges
- Corona acts like a natural cushion for sudden voltage surges caused by lightning or switching.
- This helps in improving the stability of power systems.
- You may also check: Factors Affecting Transient Stability
Improved Voltage Distribution
- It assists in achieving a more uniform voltage gradient along the conductor, especially in bundled conductors used in EHV and UHV systems.

❌ Disadvantages of Corona Effect

Power Loss in Transmission Lines
- Corona discharges lead to energy loss, reducing the transmission efficiency of high-voltage lines.
- Must Read: AC Transmission Line and Reactive Power
Ozone Production and Conductor Corrosion
- Corona generates ozone (O₃) due to ionization, which can chemically attack and corrode conductor surfaces, reducing conductor life.
- Related Topic: Electrical Insulating Materials
Radio and Inductive Interference
- The corona current is non-sinusoidal, leading to distorted voltage waveforms.
- This distortion can cause inductive interference with nearby communication lines and power quality problems.
- Suggested Reading: Harmonics in Power Systems
Audible Noise and Visual Glow
- At high voltages, corona produces a hissing sound and visible bluish glow, which may cause noise pollution near residential or industrial areas.

⚡ Balancing the Advantages and Disadvantages

While corona effect introduces losses and interference, engineers sometimes design systems to utilize its benefits (like surge reduction). The goal is to strike a balance through:

Proper conductor sizing
Use of bundled conductors
Efficient insulation materials

For more technical insights, check:

🔍 Conclusion

The corona effect in transmission lines is both a challenge and a benefit in electrical power engineering. By understanding its advantages and disadvantages, engineers can design more efficient, reliable, and long-lasting transmission networks.

If you’re studying power quality, high voltage engineering, or power system stability, the corona effect remains a fundamental concept.

👉 Suggested Readings for You:

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