The effect of weather on corona ion emission from AC high voltage power lines

There is a natural potential gradient caused by global thunderstorm activity that can be measured from the ground using electric field mill meters. High voltage power lines can produce corona ions by ionising the air, depending on the ambient weather conditions. A fixed site monitoring station recorded atmospheric potential gradient and weather conditions near to two AC high voltage power lines throughout 2008. High humidity correlated with negative potential gradient both upwind and downwind of power lines and high wind speed correlated with greater potential gradient disruption. Rain caused the greatest disruption to potential gradient, causing negative fields and an increased standard deviation. Multiple regression analysis also showed that humidity and wind speed have an effect on the production of corona ions and quantile regression plots indicate a clear trend of decreasing mean potential gradient with increasing wind speed and relative humidity.

► Atmospheric potential gradient and weather were measured near two power lines.
► Electrostatic disturbance downwind of a power line indicates corona ion production.
► Greater potential gradient fluctuations downwind of power lines were found in the rain.
► Rain, increasing wind speed and humidity increased negative potential gradient.