Corona losses between wires at high voltages

Much has been written within the last few years upon the subject of atmospheric or so-called “corona” losses between wires at high voltages. Particular interest has been aroused in connection with this loss because of the fact that since the advent of the suspension insulator and the condenser type of transformer bushing the loss due to corona has become the limiting factor in the increase of transmission line voltages. The number of tests which have been made to determine the exact value of such loss under varying conditions of line construction, weather conditions, etc., which have been recognized to be free from a relatively large probability of error, have been too small to warrant final conclusions, particularly with regard to the accuracy of empirical formulas derived therefrom. The formulas suggested for the determination of corona loss and critical voltage have not been applied to other available tests nor a comparative summary made of such tests upon a common basis.