Calculating the Surface Potential Gradient of Overhead Line Conductors

The surface potential gradient is a critical design parameter for planning overhead lines since it determines the level of corona loss, radio interference, and audible noise. The majority of existing surface gradient calculations are based on analytical methods which restrict their application in simulating complex surface geometry. This paper proposes a novel method which utilizes both analytical and numerical procedures to predict the surface gradient. With this method, stranding shape, protrusions, the proximity of tower, the type of tower, bundle spacing, and bundle arrangement can be taken into consideration when calculating surface potential gradients. A sensitivity study on the factors affecting surface gradient distribution is performed.