The Corona and Radio Interference Performance of the Nelson River HVDC Transmission Lines

Prior to construction of the Manitoba Hydro Nelson River DC system, the HVDC corona performance of the transmission lines was predicted from test line measurements made at NRC Ottawa in 1967-69. Radio interference, corona power loss and the effect of drag stringing were studied [1,2]. Since completion of the two 895 km (556 mile) lines in Manitoba in March 1971, radio interference measurements were made at various system voltages. This paper gives radio interference results and compares them with test line predictions. Measurements of combined corona and insulator leakage loss on the 895 km line were made also in April 1978. The results of loss tests are presented and compared with 1967-69 predictions.