A laboratory investigation into the effect of sugar cane fires on corona noise

In sugar cane producing areas, it is accepted practice to burn sugar cane fields prior to cutting. These fires cause problems on nearby power lines by polluting insulators and degrading air insulation, consequently leading to flashovers which cause voltage dips. A further effect is an increase in corona activity on the conductors. Laboratory tests are conducted that show that the increase in electromagnetic noise in the power line carrier circuits, caused by corona, can possibly be used to assist in detecting the presence of fires under or near power lines