Desert Measurements of Corona Loss on Conductors for Operation Above 230 Kv

This paper reports corona loss measurements made under desert conditions on 1.25-inch and 1.4-inch type-HH copper conductor and 1.4-inch conductor. The variations from wattmeter equipment are discussed. Conditions and losses measured indicate that factors, yet unknown, exist in some desert areas that cause corona loss values to occur at considerably lower voltages than would have been anticipated from previous tests in coastal climates. The tests indicate the necessity for use of added liberality in selecting conductor diameter or confirmation by extended field tests of the existence or absence of the phenomena described. The 1.4-inch type-HH conductor showed adequate liberality for desert operation. The 1.4-inch stranded cable, though adequate in coastal or under normal climatic conditions, showed losses which might prove uneconomical under conditions encountered in the desert areas. The 1.25-type-HH cable appeared definitely inadequate for use in desert areas.