Radio-Noise Levels of EHY Transmission Lines

IEEE TRANSACTIONS ON POWER APPARATUS AND SYSTEMS
VOL.
PAS-85,
NO. 12
DECEMBER, 1966
Levels of EHY Transmission Lines

Based on Project EHV Research
Radio-Noise
J. J. LAFOREST,
M. BARETSKY, JR.,
D. D. MACCARTHY, FELLOW, IEEE
SENIOR MEMBER, IEEE,
Abstract-The results of three years of experimental and theoretical research on transmission-line radio noise at Project EHV
are presented. Computer programs were developed to process the
data on a statistical basis, and as output provide both histograms
and regression analyses for four test configurations operated at the
500- and 700-kV levels. Fair weather radio-noise levels were found
to be significantly affected by relative humidity, relative air density,
and absolute value of wind velocity, and these relationships are
discussed. Wet-weather effects are presented and discussed. Both
fair-weather and wet-weather experimental results are incorporated
in a theoretical analysis of transmission-line radio noise resulting
in a procedure which enables the transmission-line designer to
predict, in advance of construction, average fair-weather and wetweather radio-noise profiles for EHV transmission lines.
MEMBER, IEEE, AND
The meters are arranged to yield three points on the

lateral profile together with an additional meter down the
line and another for readings at 150 kc/s. The measuring
frequency for the data reported is 1.04 mc/s. Operational
details of these measurement locations were described in
previous papers [4]-[5].
DATA HANDLING AND STATISTICAL ANALYSIS PROCEDURE

During the 21/2 years of testing, 12 million electrical,
mechanical, and meteorological measurements were recorded. A valuable addition to the processing procedures
previously described [4 ]- [5 ] was to assign to each data scan
a numeric weather code which was useful for computer
INTRODUCTION
analysis of the data. Table II gives the coding scheme.
RESEARCH on radio-noise (RI) at Project EHV has Because of infrequent occurrence, not all of the weather
been directed toward establishing procedures to conditions listed are discussed in this paper.
predict the average RI levels of EHV lines during fair
Master files of electrical and meteorological recordings
weather and rain. Theoretical studies were made first to at the three data-acquisition centers were grouped into
provide a framework for the experimental studies to single records covering the entire length of line. These
follow [1]-[3]. The experimental studies were performed master files contained only data that was pertinent to the
during 21/2 years of testing [4]-[5]. The purpose of this analysis and had met specific editing requirements depaper is to outline the experimental research and to termined by preliminary analysis.
present procedures for predicting average RI levels in
Computer programs were written to accept the master
fair weather or in rain.
files as input and to provide the following output items:
Theoretical studies of the following three basic aspects
1) reports
were necessary to attain the goal of predicting RI levels:
2) histograms
1) RI generation
3) regression analyses.
2) propagation
3) field factors.
The propagation and field factor characteristics have
been investigated on other lines [6 ]- [7 ]. With the exception
of short-to-long-line ratios and lateral profiles, most of
the experimental work at Project EHV concerned factors
which influence the RI generation characteristics of conductors during fair weather and rain.
TEST SETUP
RI data were recorded at three measuring locations on
the Project EHV line for a 21/2-year period. The configurations tested and the line conditions are listed in
Table I. A typical arrangement of the RI meters at a
measuring location called Station 1 is shown in Fig. 1.
These outputs provided information on the effect of

the weather variables on RI generation. Special tests of
short duration, such as voltage runs, were analyzed from
the reports.
The report output has been described in a previous
paper [4]. Values of 19 selected measurements were
printed out for all configurations for the entire testing
period listed in Table I. Study of these printouts provided
valuable insight in calling for histograms and regression
analyses. The printouts were also valuable in setting
limits and controls for these outputs and in eliminating
bad data.
Two-way histograms were one of the basic tools of the
analysis procedure. The size and description of the ordinate
and abscissa were set by input controls, as were other
constraints to limit data within certain bounds. Figure 2
is a typical histogram used in this analysis to relate 3phase corona loss (CL3PHA) in kW/mile to RI in decibels
measured 100 feet from the outside phase at Station 1
(RNSY14). The data in this histogram were recorded
Paper 31 TP 65-706, recommended and approved by the Transmission and Distribution Committee of the IEEE Power Group for
presentation at the IEEE Summer Power Meeting, Detroit, Mich.,
June 27-July 2, 1965. Manuscript submitted March 29, 1965;
made available for printing April 28, 1965.
The authors are with General Electric Company, Pittsfield, Mass.
1213
1214
DESCRIPTION
Test
No.
Ni
N2,3
N4
N7
N8
N12
N13
N20
S1
Year
013
030
121
195
282
352
094
047
144
201
215
0000
1200
0744
1640
0820
1630
1740
1700
1350
1640
1640
030
121
150
282
329
047
099
060
197
211
226
1140
0740
1040
0800
1020
1240
0800
1320
0720
1440
0840
1962
1962
1962
1962,1963
094
187
311
351
1720
1620
1400
1020
165
228
330
073
1500
1300
0840
0840
TABLE I
TEST CONDITIONS FOR RADIO-NOISE ANALYSIS
OF
Gradients
Conductor Phase
Length
kV,/cm
Code Spacing,
of Line,
E0
feet
Name
Remarks
miles
Eo
Lines Energized From North Station
0.6
38.5 22.86 22.21
483
0.6
500
1-Special 38.5 23.66 22.99
0.6
525
38.5 24.84 24.14
4.3
500
38.5 23.31 22.46
4.3
38.5 24.48 23.58
525
0.6
500
2-Plover
20.0 27.01 25.02
20.0 27.01 25.02
500
0.6
500
20.0 27.01 25.02
0.6
1035 ampere heating-current
0.6
45.5 23.80 22.79
700
45.5 23.80 22.79
700
3-Plover
0.6
700
45.5 23.80 22.79
0.6
Lines Energized From South Station
525
38.5 24.48 23.58
3.7
525
38.5 24.48 23.58
3.7
38.5 24.48 23.58
525
2-Plover
3.7
38.5 24.48 23.58
3.7
525
Line
Voltage,
kV
To
From
Day Hour Day Hour
1961
1961
1961
1961
1961
1961,1962
1962
1962
1962
1962
1962
DECEMBER
Notes:
Test conditions not always continuous during interval because other tests may have been introduced.
1-Special: Single expanded ACSR conductor 2.32-inch diameter per phase.
2-Plover: Two ACSR 1.465-inch diameter conductors per phase, intrabundle spacing 18 inches.
3-Plover: Three ACSR 1.465-inch diameter conductors per phase, intrabundle spacing 18 inches, triangle apex up.
E1-Average surface gradient of center-phase bundle.
Eo-Average surface gradient of outside-phase bundles.
E
w
3 _I
QRI METER
F
0 38.5 FT-20 FT FOR T
SOOKV CONF
=45.5 FT FOR
700 KV CONE
#6
#51
I,i1.04 Mc
#7_
I-r1.O4MC237 FT1.04MC' FOA1150KC

F
iDFT
Fig. 1. Position of RI meters relative to
test line at Station 1 (north end of line).
17T04 MC
WT
6o 260 300 460 500 600 700 800 900

DISTANCE FROM NORTH STATION WAVE TRAPS (FEET)
TABLE II
WEATHER CODE
No.
01
02
03
04
05
06
07
08
09
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
Description
Rain-Heavy-Steady
Rain-Heavy-Intermittent
Rain-Medium-Steady
Rain-Medium-Intermittent
Rain-Light-Steady
Rain-Light-Intermittent
Rain-Trace-Steady
Rain-Trace-Intermittent
Snow-Heavy-Steady
Snow-Heavy-Intermittent
Snow-Medium-Steady
Snow-Medium-Intermittent
Snow-Light-Steady
Snow-Light-Intermittent
Snow-Trace-Steady
Snow-Trace-Intermittent
Frost-Heavy
No.
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
31
32
33
34
Description
Frost-Medium
Frost-Light
Dew-Heavy
Dew-Medium
Dew-Light
Fog-Heavy
Fog-Medium
Fog-Light
Fair-Cloudy
Haze
Freezing Rain
Sleet
Hail
Ice after Freezing Rain
Wet Conductor after Rain
Snowy/Wet Conductor after Snow
Wet Conductor after Frost Melt
1966
1215
LAFOREST ET AL.: RADIO-NOISE OF EHV LINES
09/28/64 RADIO NOISE ANALYSIS-ROUND 5

SINGLE SPECILAL CONDUCTOR AT 500 KV - H126 TO H137
HISTOGRAM OF RNSY14 VERSUS CL3PHA FROM 10971540. THROUGH 11210740.
DATA INCLUDED FOR LAGWT FROM
1.000 THROUGH
8.000
DATA INCLUDED FOR VOLTP1 FROM 490.000 THROUGH 510.000
CL3PHA MAXIMUM 236.771 AT TIME 11151108.
MINIMUM
0.632 AT TIME 11080846.
RNSY14 MAXIMWM 72.500 AT TIME 11151104.
51.400 AT TIME 11080848.
MINIMM
CL3PHA 20.000
60.000
100.000
140.000
180.000
220.000
40.000
80.000
120.000
160.000
200.000
240.000
RNSY14
0.
0.
0.
0.
0.
0.
0.
0.
0.
0.0006 0.
0.
0.
M BARETSKY
72.000
70.000
68.000
66.000
0.
TOTAL
0.0006
0.
0.
0.0018 0.0054 0.0036 0.0006 0.0018 0.0006 0.0024 0.0024 0.
0.0186
0.
0.
0.0066 0.0318 0.1416 0.0840 0.0270 0.0138 0.0114 0.0060 0.0006 0.0012 0.
0.3239
0.
0.0048 0.0198 0.0834 0.1062 0.0444 0.0216 0.0048 0.
0.
0.0048 0.0348 0.0372 0.0420 0.0120 0.0012 0.

0.
0.
62.000
0
60- 0.0504 0.0114 0.
0.
0.
0.
0.
0.
0.
0.
O.
60.000 0.0378 0.0036 0.
5.000.0198 0.
0.
0.
0.
0.
0.
56.000
0.0042 0.
0.
0.
0.
0.
0.
54.000
0.0024 0.
0.
0.
0.
0.
0.
52*0000.0006 0.
0.
0.
0.
0.
0.
50.000
0.
0.
0.
0.
0.
0.
0.
TOTALS 0.1740 0.0936 0.0786 0.1590 0.2615 0.1350 0.0522
OBSERVATIONS
1667.
TWO-MINUTE EQUIVALENTS
1667.
Fig. 2. Two-way histogram relating RI
64.0000.0540 0.0390 0.0150 0.0018 0.
during the time period from day 097 at 1540 hours in 1961
to day 121 at 0740 in 1961.
Further restrictions imposed on this histogram were:
1) Only those data were included when the weather
could be classified as one of eight possible rain conditions,
LGWTHR 1 to 8 (Table II).
2) Only scans were included where the voltage was
within the range of 490 to 510 kY.
For this particular case, the ordinate and abscissa were
divided into 11 increments between an upper and lower
limit. Values larger and smaller than the limits were recorded at the extreme of each axis, resulting in a 13 by 13
matrix. Values given in this histogram are in per-unit
where 1 pu is equal to the total number of 2-minute
equivalent scans listed at the bottom of Fig. 2. The twoway histogram is advantageous in analyzing the large
quantities of data accumulated during the various tests.
The frequency of simultaneous occurrence of two events,
in this case values of RI and corona loss, helps in recognizing correlations between variables and in choosing the
form of the variables to be investigated by regression
analysis. Restricting other coincident variables to specified
bounds strengthens recognition of the correlation between
variables, if one exists. Care must be used in restricting
data, or the sample may become too small to yield reliable
results.
To provide a satisfactory final analysis where several
0.
0.
0.
0.
0.
0.
0.
0.
0.
0.
0.
0.
0.
0.
0.
0.
0.
0.
0.
0.2849
0.
0.
0.
0.
0.
0.
0.
0.
0.1320
0.1098
0.
0.
0.
0.
0.
0.
0.
0.
0.
0.
0.
0.
0.
0.
0.
0.
0.
0.
0.
0.
0.0618
0.0414
0.0198
0.0042
0.
0.
0.
0.
0.
0.
0.
0.
0.
0.
0.0192 0.0132 0.0072 0.0030 0.0036 0.
0.
0.0024
0.0006
0.
with coincident 3-phase corona loss.
variables were to be analyzed simultaneously, a regression

program was prepared containing the same constraint
controls for data acceptance as described for the histogram. The histograms assisted in postulating mathematical
models describing radio noise as a function of independent
variables. Knowledge of the physics of the system aided in
recognizing chance relationships which were then omitted
from the model.
The regression analysis was used to solve for the coefficients of the independent variables of the model based
on the recorded data available. Coefficients for the independent terms were determined by the method of least
squares using a computer program which incorporates
features of the Weighted Regression Analysis Program
(WRAP) [8]. The output of the regression provided a
mathematical expression with the coefficients of each term
defined by the expression:
RI = ao + aix + a2y + a3z +.
where
RI-radio noise, dB
x,y,z. . -independent variables from model
an,... -coefficients as determined by regression analysis.
The regression program allows a selection of up to 5
dependent and 15 independent variables for each of up to
1216
DECEMBER
10 separate regression analyses for each pass of the master

file tapes. A'weighted, multiple, linear regression is performed for each of the dependent variables using the independent variables initially specified. Selectivity of variables is possible, and transformation of the original data
into appropriate forms, for example wind speed to a
specified power, is permitted before the final analysis.
Elimination of nonsignificant variables is made, based on
a control-card input of minimum acceptable probability
level. Each expression with nonsignificant terms removed
is provided in the output along with the probability level
of the deleted term. This process terminates when all
remaining terms meet the required probability level,
usually specified as 98 percent.
The printed output contains the important data used in
the calculations of the final expressions. These are valuable
in understanding the final expression and relation between
terms. The output also lists for each regression analysis the
correlation coefficients, sum of the squares, degrees of
freedom, and significance tests. The mean values of all
variables are provided as well as matrices computed in
the regression analysis.
The regression analysis was the main basis for determining the quantitative relationships between the weather
variables and the RI level. The economy and speed of this
program permitted a complete study of each configuration.
One difficulty in using this analysis is that statistical
significance can be indicated between two variables even
though a causal relationship may not exist. As an example,
statistical analysis could indicate that persons who wear
top hats are generally healthier than the rest of the population [9]. The truth is that wearing top hats does not
improve health, but that wealthy people can afford both
top hats and superior medical care. An example of a
purely statistical relationship is discussed in the section
Effect of Fluctuations in Nominal Voltage. Erroneous
conclusions, based on such relations, were avoided by
careful examination of physics of the system, experience,
and study of data, both in histogram and report form.
RI METER 4, STATION I
DAY 075 1963
SUNRISE - 0604
SUNSET- 1800
RI CALIBRATION AT:
70
65
0020,0420,0820
1220,1620,2020
451
40
3C
0000
0400
0800
1200
1600
TIME OF DAY
2000
2400
Fig. 3. Background noise in fair weather, meter 100 feet from

outside phase of unenergized line.
were carefully examined to eliminate measurements contaminated by nighttime reception.

The background level can best be determined from the
meters when the line is unenergized, see Fig. 3 for an
example. Here, large extraneous signals were received
during the night hours and large changes occurred at sunrise and sunset. The amount of extraneous signal received
at night varies considerably from date-to-date, sometimes
there is none present. The daytime background for this
day was fairly low, around 32 dB, approximately the
average daytime background for all of the configurations
tested.
RESULTS OF STATISTICAL ANALYSIS OF DATA

General Considerations
The primary objective is to identify and determine the
effect of the variables which influence RI generation and
to develop a usable prediction procedure. The variables
found to significantly affect RI generation in fair weather
and rain are:
1) voltage
2) relative humidity (rh)
3) relative air density (RAD)
4) wind speed (absolute value of wind velocity).
All three outputs-reports, histograms, and regression
equations, were used to establish the effects.
BACKGROUND NOISE
The background level is an important consideration in
any RI measurement. A high background limits the
accuracy of readings of noise emanating from the line.
Background noise includes both extraneous random noise
and signals from broadcast stations. An initial investigation of the frequencies around 1 mc/s led to the choice of
1.04 mc/s as a measuring frequency reasonably free of
background during the daytime. At night, skip-transmission may markedly enhance reception from distant
transmitters and inundate the measuring frequency
chosen for low background during the day. This was true
at 1.04 mc/s.
Radio-noise readings with high backgrounds were Effect of Voltage
One of the important variables affecting RI generation
deleted during the weather-coding procedure. Particular
attention was paid to the period between sundown and and the RI level of transmission lines is the electric field
sunup and to the differences in readings between the three at the surface of the conductor, a field directly proportional
meters measuring the lateral profile (Fig. 1). The RI data to voltage.
1966
1217
TABLE III
,3 FACTORS FROM FAIR-WEATHER VOLTAGE RUNS
74
70
_-
66-l
0-up
x
DOWN
/6
i0
It
IH 5c
Line Voltage,
kV
500
500
500
700
Configuration
Single Special
2-Plover at 38.5 feet
2-Plover at 20 feet
,
V/cm/dB
4640
4850
5940
3560
TABLE IV
,B FACTORS FROM VOLTAGE RUNS DURING RAIN
400
450
500
550
600
650
700
750
LINE VOLTAGE (KV)

Fig. 4. RI measured 100 feet from outside phase at
Station 1 during fair-weather voltage run. Two Plovers,
spaced 38.5 feet. Test N7.
From Appendix II
G-Go A2-s
SD[GD]
KG10
(1)
for the other
fair weather and rain is
SD [GD] spectral density of the generation density

G conductor surface gradient
Go corona-starting gradient
!3,KG empirical constants.
Equation (1) on a decibel basis would be
V/cm/dB
4640
4490
8080
4110
The values of are much higher for two Plovers spaced

20 feet than for the other configurations and may be
atypical of conductor arrangements of practical interest.
The average value of
where
Line Voltage,
kV
500
500
500
700
Configuration
Single Special
2-Plover at 20 feet
4380
configurations
V/cm/dB.
This value of : is suggested for
use
in both
(4)
in calculating radio
noise.
Continuous Operation at Various Voltages, Aging, and

Seasonal Effects
(10)((G - G0) + 10 log KG dB. (2)
SD[GD]dB
The line configurations were operated at constant voltages for relatively long periods, and then voltage was
The empirical constants and KG must be determined changed by about five percent to determine the effect of
by experiment. Differention of (2) provides an expression normal excursions from a nominal transmission-line
for determining from voltage-run data.
voltage (Table I). Seasonal and aging effects occurred
concurrently
making it difficult to isolate the effect of
d(SD[GD]dB) 10
(3)
It would be necessary to test each convoltage
changes.
dG
figuration for more than one year to separate these effects.
Figure 4 shows a typical voltage run for the 2-Plover, The fair-weather RI measurements taken 100 feet
38.5-foot configuration. Data, taken on voltage rise and from the outside conductor are given in Figs. 5 and 6 for
tests in which the voltage was varied and in Figs. 7-9 for
fall, plot reasonably close to a straight line. The value of
in (3) can be obtained from the slope of the voltage-run other tests at constant voltage. The points shown in these
curve because gradient is proportional to voltage. Average figures are fair-weather averages for periods of approxivalues of for fair weather are listed in Table III, and mately 20 days. The rectangular boxes indicate the averagfor rain in Table IV.
ing period and the nominal line voltage held. Since seaThe values of A in Tables III and IV were obtained sonal and aging effects also occurred, the effects of voltage
from quasi-peak measurements of line noise. Equation (1) is best determined by comparing the average RI values
is predicated on a power argument which implies that directly before and after a voltage change. Values of ,B
measurements were made with a meter having a rms computed in this way are 3440 for the Single Special
detector. Because RI data from the test lines were meas- conductor and 5150 for two Plovers spaced 38.5 feet. These
ured with quasi-peak meters, the authors made a labora- are to be compared with values of 4640 and 4850 from
tory experiment (unpublished) comparing rms and quasi- voltage runs (Table III). Possibly the differences are
peak meters. Data from both meters gave comparable caused by effects of wind and RAD. It is concluded that
results for changes in generation for the range and experi- the factors are best obtained from voltage runs which
mental conditions investigated. More work needs to be were made in a time short enough to minimize changes in
other conditions.
done to investigate this point.
=
1218
DECEMBER
54
-_
__
-~~
I--I __-\
SC-
=4I__/
o
H
__
AI
46
42
LINE VOLTAGE - KV (NOM)

500 1 500 1500 15251
1483 I S
I
II
44JANt
FEB. I
60D
40
MAR. I APRIL
100
5251
IMAY
I
10
40
44
500
160
40180 JULY
200
200
-1
54
Llrz
-I
441-
r-
340
360
-120
I
,
.)
280
300
320
1
340
360
__ _
__I
4C i
I I
LINE VOLTAGE -525 KV (NOM.)
FEB.
-1
40
44
42
(NO)
I
DEC. I JAN.
NOV.
I OCT.
co 146
LINE VOLTAGE- 500 KV
AS
00-
AUG. I SEPT.
,I
240 260
220
-I
1-
-52~
-\-
5251525
DAY OF YEAR-1961
Fig. 6. RI vs. time. Two-Plover, 38.5 feet. Tests N7, 8.
Station 1, meter 4. Fair-weather average values.
Fig. 5. RI vs.
5)
(NOM)
Ao.L
DAY OF YEAR -1961

time. Single Special. Tests Nl, 2, 3, 4.
52
LINE VOLTAGE -KV

500 1 500 1 500
-_
I-
60
60
DAY OF YEAR-1961,1962
44 -LINE VOLTAGE - 700 KV (N OM.)-
100
MAY IJUNEIJULY AUG.I

140
-i7
IAPRLIMAYIJUNEIJULYI AUGISEP1 OCTINOVUI DECGI JAN.I FEEI

15 55
100 140 IBO 220 260 300 340
DAY OF YEAR 1962, 1963
95
Fig. 8. RI vs. time. Two-Plover, 38.5 feet. Test SI. Station

5 (meter 100 feet east of outside conductor). Fairweather average values.
Fig. 7. RI vs. time. Two-Plover, 20 feet. Test N12.

40
1 1
180
220
260
300
DAY OF YEAR-1962
Fig. 9. RI vs. time. Three-Plover, 45.5 feet. Test N20.
1966
1219
Conductor aginig could be observed from the data on the

Single Special conductor and on the 2-Plover configuration. The 3-Plover configuration was constructed of the
six aged conductors from the 2-Plover configuration plus
three new conductors and, therefore, was not suitable for
aging studies.
The Single Special conductor (Fig. 5) shows an appreciable decrease in RI during the initial period, even
though the voltage was 483 kV during the initial period.
If the average RI value at this voltage is adjusted upward
to the 500-kY level in the same proportion as indicated by
changing from 500 to 525 kV, a decrease of approximately
7 dB is obtained for the 3-month period. The situation is
complicated by a seasonal effect in January and February
where a decrease of approximately 4 dB was found. It is
doubtful whether all of this can be subtracted from the
7-dB drop; thus, the aging effect for the Single Special
configuration is apparently 3 to 7 dB for the 3-month
winter period. The 2-Plover, 38.5-foot configuration was
energized during the summer when the seasonal effect was
highest (Fig. 6). Evidently this predominated, since the
RI level rose some 2 to 3 dB during this period.
The eff ect of season on average RI levels is best seen in
Fig. 8. These data were taken from the meter located 100
feet from the outside phase at the south end of the line.
A substantial increase of approximately 5 dB occurred
during the summer. There are no comparable data for the
fall period, which was used for other tests. A sharp drop is
evident in January and February. These results are consistent with the observation of relatively high, fairweather audible noise during the summer and very little in
January. Most of this line passes through swampy land,
and it is believed that the high summer level of RI is
caused by insects and airborne particles in contact with
the line. The 2-Plover, 20-foot configuration (Fig. 7) also
shows a drop of about 4.5 dB during the winter months.
Data from the 3-Plover, 700-kV configuration (Fig. 9)
shows about 1 dB rise entering the summer period. In
summary, the data show higher fair-weather RI in summer
than in winter, which is believed to be caused by the
presence of insect and plant material on the conductors.
Effect of Fluctuations in Nominal Voltage

In the preceding sections, the effects of relatively large
changes in line voltage on RI level were examined. This
section discusses the effect of the small changes in voltage
which occur when holding a nominal level. Such changes
were investigated by M\Iather and Bailey [10], who found
they had little effect on RI.
Voltage was one of the independent variables examined
in the first regression analyses of tests holding nominally
constant voltage that was examined to see if small (t2.5
percent) changes confirmed the effects observed during
voltage runs. The results of these regression analyses
indicated a statistically significant but inverse relation
between RI and voltage; i.e., as the voltage went up the
RI went down. This result is counter to all experience
with intentionally changed voltage, and it raises the
question whether a causal relationship exists between RI

and small voltage changes.
The problem was re-examined by tabulating data to
show changes of 3 kV or more between sequential 20minute data scans, and to show whether the RI reading
and the voltage went up or down. This gave the following
results:
Number of changes of 3 kV or greater between sequential readings -81
Number of RI changes in the same direction as the
voltage change - 53
Number of RI changes inversely related to the voltage
change - 28.
The value of Chi squared (x2), a standard statistical
function, was used to estimate the probability (p) that the
distribution of these observations might result from
chance. The value of x2 for the above data is
x2 = (12.5) 2
(12.5) - 7.71
From a table of the x2 distribution

p {X2 > 7.71} < 1 percent.
This probability yields a reasonable assurance that, for
the data presented, voltage and radio noise are causally,
rather than randomly, related. According to this data the
inference is clear; voltage and RI are not inversely related.
If the data in the above list was restricted to voltage
changes of 3.5 kV or more, the probability that the
observed distribution results from chance is less than
0.1 percent. Thus, restricting the data to higher levels of
voltage change increases assurance that voltage and RI
changes are directly related and not randomly related.
The inverse relation obtained by regression probably
indicates a statistical and not a causal relationship. The
most practical way to recognize the effect of the variations
in nominally constant voltage was to include them in the
dependent variable in the regression analyses. This was
done to reveal more sharply the effects of the other variables. The relation established from voltage-run data was
RI = C1(V - Vav) + C2
hence the dependent variable used in regression analysis

for meter n was
[RIn Cl(V
-
Vav)]
where Va, is the voltage mean obtained by conmputer

analysis of the data.
Effect of rh, RAD, and Wind Speed on Fair-Weather RI

In addition to voltage, relative humidity, relative air
density, and wind speed affect RI levels. Since line
noise is primarily caused by corona generated at discontinuities on the surface of the conductors, these
weather variables affect the generation from points already
in corona and the number of points which are in corona.
Both season and aging affect the number of surface dis-
POWER APPARATUS
IEEE TRANSACTIONS ON
1220
AND SYSTEMS
DECEMBER
TABLE V
FAIR-WEATHER REGRESSION COEFFICIENTS*
[RI - C,(V- Vav)] = Ko + Kj(rh
Configuration
(See Table I)
Single Special
38.5feetspacing
2-PloverT
38.5 ft. spacing

2-Plover
20 feet spacing
3-Plover
45.5 feet spacing
Station
Data
From
To
Day Day
121
21
500
50
Meter
Loc.t
100
0
121121150
150
525
525
100
199
282
50
100
099
500
SingleSpl
030
11
00
1
352
2-Plover
(3.7 mile)
38.5 feet spacing
38.5 spacing
feet
5
Volt
kV
Ko4
rh,a) + K2(RAD-RADav) + K3(Wind Speed)0-3

K1
dB
dB/%c
+46.1
+0.0120
+0.0296
+23.71
-20.8
+0.0150
-60.7
-16.5
+56.9
+51.6
+68.4
+0.0193
+0.0181
100
0
+45.0
+61.2
+44.0
+59.6
+0.0190
-0.0433 I!
+0.0906
+0.0429
K2
dB
+0.0325
+0.1116
+0.0929
-41.5
-67.8
-23.7
-29.9
-59.8
K3
dB/
(m/h)0.3
+1.17
+3.22
+0.76
+1.27
+2.91
+3.75
+1.83
+1.74
+3.81
+3.78
+1.82
+1.06
No. of Std. Dev.

Data
Scans
2798
278
1206
2579
7
r
560
Dep. Var.
dB
5.17
5.22
2.98
2.05
3.10
4.44
3.38
3.25
1487
3.24
3.78
313
2.05
3.34
4.36
3.38
146
225
095
25a
55
210 30
100
0
100
0
+40.4
+57.3
+44.0
+66.4
07
100
0
+40.7
+56.5
+0.0521
+0.0309
-24.5
+0.82
+1.86
095
210
525
~~1000
+46.0
+62.1
+0.05'51
+0.0688
-57.0
-50.3
+2.87
+1. 73
889
2.76
312
070
525
100
0
+41.3
+55.5
+0.0936
+0.0998
-7.41
-25.5
+1.69
+2.29
684
64
2.78
2.48
700
-13.6**
-42.9
-103.4
3.11
* All variables have probabilities equal to or greater than 0.98, except where noted.
t Distance east of east phase (feet).
$ Does not include short-to-long line adder.
Standard deviation of dependent variables.
51 Anomalous values
1 4.3-mile long line.
** Probability = 0.93.
tt Low probability.
I+ Probability = 0.96.
continuities and their character as well; hence, it is not

surprising that the effects of the weather variables on RI
change somewhat from time to time. The complete
equation finally tested by regression analyses was
[RI - 1(V - Vav)] = Ko + Ki(rh - rhav) +
K2(RAD - RADav) + K3(Wind Speed)0.3 (5)
where C1 was obtained from analyses of voltage-run data.
The variables finally used in (5) were selected by studying histograms, report listings, and trial regression runs of
the measured quantities: infrared, conductor temperature,
vapor pressure, and others. RAD, rh, and wind speed
were chosen as having both statistical and causal significance on the fair-weather noise level. Table V lists the
results of the final regression runs for selected periods of
measurement of Project EHV configurations.
In Table V all of the terms in the regression equation
meet a minimum significance level of at least 98 percent,
except as noted. Many of the regression coefficients are
different for the meter at the 100-foot lateral point than
for the nmeter under the line. There is an apparent trend
for the meter under the line to be more sensitive to the
variables. This sensitivity is most evident in the RAD
coefficients. Ideally, a linear field would result in the same
coefficients for both these meters, except for the normal
lateral profile drop as evidenced by the term Ko of (5).
However, for any particular set of data, differences occur,

and what constitutes reasonable variations in the coefficients is unknown. The assumption of a linear field is
not quite exact because the meter directly under the line
may be influenced by the localized field of a corona discharge on the line overhead. This may cause the meter
under the line to be more responsive. As another possibility, the discrepancy between the coefficients may
increase for lower rates of change in the weather variables.
This may be particularly true for RAD which does not
change rapidly.
Analysis of the data in Table V suggests that the character of the discontinuities, which cause RI, change
seasonally; this is reasonable, particularly between summer and winter. Three of the coefficients in Table V,
marked have anomalous values, not yet explained.
Since it is probable that conductor surface conditions
change over the year, it becomes a problem to properly
describe the fair-weather RI level of a line. Ideally,
it is desirable to estimate RI levels for any particular
day, or time of day, during any season of the year.
This would require a working knowledge of conductor surface conditions at that particular time to estimate the fairweather RI for the base weather conditions. It also
requires knowledge of the applicable set of weather
coefficients K1, K2, and K3 in (5) and of magnitudes of the
weather variables. At present, conductor surface conditions
1966
1221
are not known to any high degree of accuracy. A foreseeable goal is to predict RI levels on an average monthly
basis. The METIFOR technique would be employed to
produce hourly estimates of fair-weather radio noise, using
a statistical distribution of surface factors from an appropriate monthly forecast and the hourly estimate of weather
conditions [11]. These hourly estimates of RI would be
'~-I
averaged over a month.
In our present state of knowledge the fair-weather RI
level can be predicted as an average value on a yearly
80 90 100
50 60
70
20
30 40
10
-O
basis. Further investigations will enable more precise
RELATIVE HUMIDITY (PERCENT)
definitions of surface conditions and weather coefficients,
Fig. 10. Effect of relative humidity on fair-weather RI.
so techniques such as METIFOR can be employed. A
predicted yearly average does not preclude estimates of
seasonal variations of RI.
4KWith the present approach of describing the fairweather level on an average yearly basis, the regression
coefficients for rh, RAD, and wind speed were averaged
RI ADDER :-42.7(IRAD- 1.00)
(excluding three anomalous values from Table V) and the
results plotted in Figs. 10-12. These curves will be used
UJ0
later in the Prediction Procedure section.
Figure 10 shows that an increase of 10 percent in rh
CM
caused an increase of 0.5 dB in RI. Recently, Japanese
investigators reported that as rh increased up to about
85 percent, RI decreased, but a large increase in RI
-Ioccurred for rh values above 85 percent [12]. A much
smaller effect was found by Knudsen on Swedish test lines.
ag90 0.92 94 Q96 098 100 1.02
I6 1.08 .10 U2
He reported a decrease of 2 to 3 dB in RI when rh in(PU.)
RELATIVE AIR DENSITY
creased from 45 to 95 percent [13]. Figure 11 shows that an
11.
Fig.
Effect
of
relative air density on fair-weather RI.
increase in RAD of 10 percent decreased RI by 4 dB.
This is in good agreement with a decrease of 4.6 dB for an
increase of 10 percent in RAD reported from the Japanese
investigation.
The correlation between wind speed and RI was first
observed around sundown on fair-weather days. Examples
of variation of radio noise with wind speed are shown in
Figs. 13 and 14. The many coincident changes of RI and
wind speed strongly suggest correlation, even though other
variables affecting RI level are undoubtedly changing concurrently. Histograms of RI and wind indicated a tendency
for saturation in the effect of wind on RI. The expression
chosen for regression analysis represented a reasonable fit
with curves derived from the histograms and does not
imply an exact physical relation. Figure 15 shows that
WIND SPEED (MPH)
the correlation between RI and wind also exists when the
Fig. 12. Effect of wind speed on fair-weather RI.
line carries a heating current of 1035 amperes per conductor. Three reasons are suggested why an increase in
wind may increase RI generation. Increase of wind velocity
1) voltage
can bring more airborne contaminants to the conductors,
relative air density
2)
blow space charge away from them, and reduce the RAD
rate of rain.
3)
on the lee sides while increasing it on the windward sides.
Since the best correlation with wind was obtained in
The A factors derived from voltage runs are listed in
winter when there are fewer airborne particles, the second Table IV to define the effect of voltage change on RI for
effect may be predominant.
the various configurations when wet. The average 3,
excluding the value for two Plovers spaced 20 feet, is 4410
Factors Affecting RI Levels With Wet Conductors
wet, which does not differ significantly from an average of
The variables found to affect the RI level when the line 4350 for dry conductors. Hence, changes in voltage or
gradients in the range of design interest have the same
was wet are
-
1222
II
10
49 |
48
4.'
DECEMBER
RI METER 4,STATION i
bWIND,STATION I
DAY 035, 1962

500 KV
RI CALIBRATION AT
1220 AND 1620
_- \
\__
-6
5
ui
*z
cn
C- 1.
-I4
RI
WIND SPEED
Ck'
M4
3:-3
42
\_~v
:4
3,
0'
1200
__
0.96
-~
12
4c:
H
CL-
5C
--
RI METER 4, STATION I
WIND, STATION I DAY 281,1961
-500 KV
RI CALIBRATION
AT 1220 AND 1620
48
Z-
47
^s
-0
44
43
42
tI
- -7
WIND SPEED
41
0900
00
1000
1100
1200
1400
1300
TIME OF DAY
1500
tV\I
1600
1700
Fig. 14. Daytime variation of RI and wind speed in fair weather.

Two-Plover, 38.5 feet, 4.3 miles. Test N7.
RI METER 6 STATION 1
WIND STATIO1 I
65
141
DAY
054
1962
500 KV
X IEAST PHASE HEATING CURRENT- 1035 AMP
RI CALIBRATION
AT 1220
eaTA
63
o..I0
0.04
^1M
0I16
Q.20
Q24
^Q
0.Q12
0.08
RUN
U.28 U3ZM
on
wet-weather RI.
[RI
C2(V
Va)]
Ao + A1(RAD
RADav) +
A2[1_ -CCsR (6)

when C2 was derived from foul-weather voltage runs and
=
rate of rain, in/hr.
The exponential term in (6) was used to recognize a

strong saturation effect shown by the histogram. Both
variables met a significance level of 98 percent.
60
0900
1100
1000
1200
1300
1400
1500
TIME OF DAY
15.
effect on wet as on dry conductors. However, RI for wet

conductors is handled differently from dry conductors
because corona caused by water drops is concentrated at
the bottom of the conductors.
The average regression coefficient for the RAD effect is
plotted in Fig. 16. An increase of 10 percent in RAD
reduced RI by 5.4 dB, whereas it caused a reduction of
4.3 dB for dry conductors (Fig. 11). The average effect of
rate of rain on the wet conductor RI level is given in Fig.
17. This curve was derived from histograms for the various
configurations. The regression equation used to establish
that the effects of RAD and rain rate are statistically
significant is
Fig.
RATE OF RAIN (INCHES/HOUR)
In
____
AA
Fig. 17. Effect of rate of rain
H0 46
I-I
-I
49
LU,
1.10
m
In
II
LU
108
1700
1600
1500
I-7
CL
1D4 ID6
1.02
TIME OF DAY
Fig. 13. Daytime variation of RI and wind speed in fair weather.
Two-Plover, 20 feet. Test N12.
10
Q98 1.00
RELATIVE AIR DENSITY(PU.)
Fig. 16. Effect of relative air density on RI in rain.
__
1400
1300
0.90 0.92 0.94
Daytime variation
of RI and wind
Heated east
phase.
speed
Test N13.
in
fair weather.
Snow, Fog, and Frost

As discussed in the companion paper [14], it was
difficult to measure snow rates accurately so these rates
have been classified qualitatively as shown in Table II.
1966
1223
PREDICTION PROCEDURE
Fair Weather
The fair-weather RI performance of a line is intimately
OBSERVATIONS~~
linked with conductor surface conditions. Lines operated
at voltages considerably below their theoretical corona
A SNOW~~~~~~~~~~~~-A
level may cause appreciable RI. Such noise is
starting
I-i
RAIN 1,667
CK
caused
by
conductor surface irregularities rather than by
SNOW- 882
g/
applied
insulators in good condition.
properly
__II-t
'6
The effects of rh, RAD, and wind speed on fair-weather
RI are given in Figs. 10-12. These effects can be interpreted as resulting from modification of the intensity of
60A ._
corona discharges at discontinuities on the conductor
surface, or as modification of the number of active disSO
loo 120 140 160 1O 200 220
o 20 4o 60
continuities.
No general attempt has been made to inCORONA LOSS- (KW/THREE PHASE MILE)
the
density of discontinuities on the test lines,
vestigate
Fig. 18. RI vs. corona loss for snow and rain. Single Special, 38.5
although this would have been worthwhile.
feet. Test N3.
The prediction technique is based on the theoretical
calculation procedure outlined in Appendix II. Knowledge
6C8
~
of the following factors is required:
FROSTDR
~~~CONDUC O
d empirical constant inversely proportional to rate
Lz
LO 50
of change of RI (dB) with gradient
I
CL
KG empirical constant needed to place the generation
function on an absolute unit base for base fairLL40
5C
2.0
I=
weather conditions
3:30 HKQ empirical constant needed to convert rms indica1-1152 -1-.2
Y
C
tion to quasi-peak values
48uCRONA
SF conductor surface factor.
2 20
CK
The average value of for both fair weather and rain
<
_4
0__
was
determined to be 4380 V/cm/dB. A value of surface
40O o
factor was determined from voltage-run and other data as
0700
70 percent. Separate values of KG and KQ are not known;
0600
0500
TIME OF DAY
however, a value of 28.7 X 10-6 for (KG)'"2KQ was obtained from Project EHV data for the base weather
Daytime variations of RI, corona loss, and infrared during
Fig. 19.
frost. Test N3.
conditions in prediction 3 below. This product, as seen in
Appendix II, is sufficient for prediction purposes.
Having estimates of the factors ,B, (KG)"12KQ, and SF,
However, for the same value of corona loss, the RI levels the method of fair-weather prediction is as follows:
in snow and in rain are about the same. This is illustrated
1) Compute the lateral profile using the method shown
by Fig. 18, which is based on 1667 observations in rain and
in Appendix II.
882 in snow.
2) Determine for the area traversed by the line, average
Although many measurements of RI were made in fog
and frost, these weather conditions were not measured values of relative humidity, relative air density, and wind
quantitatively. The companion paper on corona loss con- speed.
3) From Figs. 10-12, determine the necessary decibel
tains an example of the effect of fog on RI during tests
adders over the base case variables, which are:
with 550 amperes of heating current [14].
An example of the effect of frost is given in Fig. 19.
rh 50 percent
During a relatively short interval, RI measurements were
RAD = 1. 00
obtained for three different conditions of conductor surface. With frost on the conductors, the radio noise appears
wind speed = 0
to be approximately half way between the levels for dry
and wet conductors. During the period labeled melting
4) Combine the results of 3) with 1) for an expected
frost, the conductors were wet with water drops, and the average yearly RI profile.
RI level is about 16 dB higher than for the dry-conductor
period. This difference closely agrees with the increase of Rain
The problem of estimating RI levels in rain is somewhat
17 dB cited later as the effect of going from dry conductors
to wet conductors at zero rain rate, which was established different in nature because the generation picture is
different than for fair weather. Most of the generation
by statistical analysis of the data.
I
7C ____
NO
OF
MELTING
LIGHT FROST
-j
RI~
C)
.6
C-,
10
L.)
71
INFRARED
0800
1224
takes place on the bottom of the conductor where water

drops concentrate and tend to run down the catenary,
producing both angular and lineal asymmetry. This is in
contrast to the uniform distribution of discontinuities
assumed in calculating fair-weather RI, thus (1) was not
used for calculating RI in rain. There are two alternatives.
First, make laboratory measurements of the wetweather generation SD [GI in (7) for use in predicting RI in
rain. Laboratory measurements made for one special case
gave a generation value of 20.1 X 10-1' A2-s/m, which is in
excellent agreement with expected field results.
Second, determine adders from data on the experimental
lines which, applied to the average fair-weather levels,
will give the RI levels in rain. The main effort was devoted
to this alternative. As discussed previously, voltage,
RAD, and rate of rain affect RI. In using the rate-of-rain
variable to describe wet-weather RI, the meaning of a
rate-of-rain value of zero must be defined, since it could
either indicate a dry conductor just before rain begins or a
wet conductor when rain stops. This was resolved by defining two classes of RI levels; one for fair-weather, and
another for wet conductors at rain rates below the minimum measurable value of 0.015 inches per hour. The prediction for rain is then made in two steps: an adder is
applied for the change in class from fair to wet; then
adders given in Figs. 16 and 17 are applied for the effects
of RAD and rain rate. The adder for changing from dry to
wet at zero rate of rain is 17 dB for the Project EHV configurations. Since changes in voltage have approximately
the same effect for either rain or fair weather, the effects of
voltage variation during rain are automatically taken care
of when fixed adders are used to derive wet levels from dryconductor RI levels.
In summary the calculation of RI in rain requires these
steps:
DECEMBER
triple conductors operated at the 500- or 700-kV levels,

and give information needed to estimate the RI from
EHV transmission lines.
6) The observations from this investigation support the
theoretical relationships presently used in the calculation
of transmission-line RI.
7) Procedures and empirical parameters necessary for
the calculation of RI levels in fair weather or in rain are
given.
APPENDIX I
LIST OF COMPANIES PARTICIPATING IN PROJECT EHV
Contribution
Name
Line conductors, spacers,
Alcoa (Aluminum Co.
of America)
and hardware; station structures and buses; one aluminum tower, lightning rods
Guyed aluminum tower
Aluminum Co. of Canada,
Ltd.
Design of steel towers
American Bridge Division
of U.S. Steel
One steel tower
Anchor Metals, Inc.
Corona shields and other
Brewer-Titchener Corp.
hardware
Commonwealth Associates, Design of two steel towers
Inc.
Proj ect management; apGeneral Electric Co.
paratus and instrumentation; system design, construction, and operation;
data evaluation
Tension-stringing equipPetersen Engineering Co.
ment
Prestressed concrete tower
Prestresses Concrete Inst.
Right-of-way acquisition,
Stone & Webster
line design and erection
Engineering Corp.
1) Calculate the fair-weather level for the base fairElectric power; consultaWestern Massachusetts
weather variables.
tion for system design and
Electric Co.
2) Add 17 dB for a change from dry to wet conductor.
operation
3) From Figs. 16 and 17 obtain the RAD and rate-ofLaminated wood tower.
rain adders.
Weyerhaeuser Co.,
Wood Products Div.
4) Combine the results of 3 with 2 and add to 1.
CONCLUSIONS
1) Fair-weather RI levels were found to be significantly
APPENDIX II
CALCULATION OF TRANSMISSION-LINE RADIO-NOISE
LEVELS
affected by relative humidity, relative air density, and
absolute value of wind velocity; the relationships are General
presented.
2) Fair-weather RI levels vary with season of the year.
The method of calculation summarized here has been

essentially outlined in other papers [1]-[3], [15]. This
In winter they are about 5 dB lower than in summer.
3) The level of RI in rain is 17 dB or more, higher than analysis is based on rms considerations. The symbols are
in fair weather; but the slope of the RI vs. voltage relation defined at the end of the development.
is substantially the same.
4) RI levels during rain were found to be significantly Generation
The RI generation equation is
affected by relative air density and rate of rain. Relationships describing the effect of these variables are presented.
5) The relationships between RI and meteorological
SD[GD] = KGl10 0 A2,s
(7)
m2
quantities were derived from tests on single, double, and
1966
1225
where
B
-C
Go = (SF) 30000(1+00301) v
with SF = surface factor.
The generation per-unit length of conductor is
SD[G]
= r
hab
hc
I_
II
cos(O)j SD [GD ]dO A
(1 + ,p
nb na-
o00
(8)
X= POINT OF OBSERVATION
Fig. 20. Diagram to give nomenclature for field-factor calculation.
where
Electric Field
From the work in [1]- [31 and [15], the following equation was derived to give the spectral density of the electric
field intensity for a single mode at point X in Fig. 20:
= (m - 1) sin(-9.
m
Propagation
The propagation of RI energy along the line is described by means of a system of n propagation modes
where n is the number of conductors in the system. A SD[E(n)] = (ZO) (Qxy)) {SD[GA](A (n))2 +
bundled-conductor phase is treated as one virtual conSD [GB ] (B(n))2 + SD [GC](C(n))2} (12)
ductor since the bundle spacing is small and spacers are
present; thus, a 1-circuit line would have three propagation where
modes, and a 2-circuit line, six modes. One of the major
advantages of the modal system is that the modes are
A(n)2ha
B(n)2h
+
independent of each other. To determine these modes, a
ha2 +(X la )2 hb2 + (x-1b)2
set of eigenroots is formed from the potential coefficient
C(n)2hc
matrix as follows:
Pii - X
P21
P31
where
P12
P22
hc2 + (X - lc)2
P13
P32
P23
P33
0 (9)
- x
a(n) = modal attenuation constant in nepers/meter

from [3].
The total field for n modes would be
Pii = log, 2h
r
P21
SD[E] = E SD[E(n)f.
1
log, Ri.
Rij'
For an n conductor system, n eigenroots would be

generated. In addition to the eigenroots, a set of eigenvectors is goenerated with the following properties:
(A (1)) 2 --(B ()) 2
(C(1)) 2
and
(13)
At this point it is assumed that for conductor corona an

RI value on a quasi-peak basis (NEMA) is proportional to
the square root of SD[E] in (13).
Thus
RI
KQ(SD[E])1/2 V/m.
(14)
1)
2 7rA (1)
In summary, if the line geometry, modal attenuation

factors, and line voltage are known, then knowledge of the
(A"()2 + (B(2))2 + (C(2))2 = 2wX2)
(10) factors A, SF, KG, and KQ will permit calculation of the
RI field for a transmission line. In fact, for the latter
two factors only the product (KG)112KQ need be known.
2
(A(3))2 + (B(3)) 2 + (C(3))2
All of the above developments plus gradient calculations
have been embodied in a computer program, and this proThe calculation of a similar set of eigenvectors, N(n), is gram has been used at Project EHV to facilitate calculaoutlined in [16] and the relation between these two sets is tion of RI levels.
=
1
2 wX
(n)
The eigenvectors in set (10) enable the apportionment

of the generation in (8) into modal currents for each phase
conductor.
NOMENCLATURE
(11)
SD [GD]
A2-s
spectral density of generation density, 2
A2Ks
1226
Go
SF
r
SD [GA]
S
z
X\(n)
ha
Ri5
R88
(n)
A (n)
N(n)
SD[E(n)]
gradient, V/cm
corona-starting gradient, V/cm
empirical constant, V/cm/dB
surface factor, per-unit value
conductor radius, m
spectral density of generation for phase A,
A2-s
m
bundle spacing, m
gradient distribution factor
number of conductors per bundle
potential coefficient
eigenroot for mode n
conductor height for phase A, m
distance between actual conductor i and
image conductor j, m
distance betweerL conductor i and j, m
modal number superscript
eigenvector for phase A, mode n
eigenvector set [16]
spectral density of electric-field intensity for
V2-s
mode ni,
m2
la
377 ohms
attenuation factor for mode (n), Np/m
field factor for mode (n) at point x, m-1
horizontal distance to axis from phase A
KQ
ratio of quasi-peak to rms field strengths.
zo
of (n)
yZ (n)
DECEMBER
[6] G. E. Adams, T. W. Liao, M. G. Poland, and F. J. Trebby,

"Radio-noise propagation and attenuation tests on Bonneville
Power Administration McNary-Ross 345-kV line," Trans. AIEE
(Power Apparatus and Systems), vol. 78, pp. 380-388, June
1959.
[7] L. 0. Barthold, J. J. LaForest, R. H. Schlomann, and F. J.
Trebby, "Radio-frequency propagation and attenuation on the
American Electric Power Dequine-Olive 345-kV line," Trans.
AIEE (Power Apparatus and Systems), vol. 79, pp. 303-309,
June 1960.
[8] M. D. Fimple, "WRAP (Weighted Regression Analysis Program)" IBM Corporation, White Plains, N. Y., SHARE,
Distribution G2 TJ WRAP 1336, 1961.
[9] J. Hald, Statistical Theory with Engineering Applications.
New York: Wiley, London: Chapman, 1952.
[10] R. J. Mather and B. M. Bailey, "Radio interference from highvoltage lines," Trans. AIEE (Power Apparatus and Systems),
vol. 80, pp. 890-896, December 1961.
[11] J. G. Anderson and L. 0. Barthold, "METIFOR-A statistical
method for insulation design of EHV lines," IEEE Trans. on
Power Apparatus and Systems, vol. 83, pp. 271-280, March
1964.
[12] T. Yamada, S. Fujii, H. Kondo, and K. Okubo, "Experimental
investigation of corona on the 800-kV Tanashi test transmission
line," CIGRE, Techl. Rept. 404, 1964.
[13] N. Knudsen, "Corona loss and radio interference measurement at high-voltage ac on test lines in Sweden," CIGRE,
Tech. Rept. 411, 1964.
[14] J. G. Anderson, M. Baretsky, and D. D. MacCarthy, "Corona
loss characteristics of EHV transmission lines based on Project
EHV research," this issue, page 1196.
[15] A. K. Abboushi and L. 0. Barthold, "Digital calculation of
radio-noise levels," Trans. AIEE (Power Apparatus and
Systems), vol. 80, pp. 841-847, December 1961.
[16] L. 0. Barthold, "Radio-frequency propagation on polyphase
lines," IEEE Trans. on Power Apparatus and Systems, vol.
83, pp. 665-671, July 1964.
(Fig. 20), m
ACKNOWLEDGMENT
The authors gratefully acknowledge the support of the
Project EHV research effort by the eleven cooperating
companies listed in Appendix I, and the support of four
utilities who assigned engineers for periods of work at the
Project. The guidance of the engineers on the Project
EHY Advisory Council and the Consulting Engineers
Council is also appreciated. The technical and management personnel of General Electric who made this work
possible are too numerous to cite, although the contributions of Dr. P. A. Abetti were unique in organizing the
Project.
REFERENCES
[1] G. E. Adams, "The calculation of the radio interference level
of transmission lines caused by corona discharges," Trans.
AIEE (Power Apparatus and Systems), vol. 75, pp. 411-419,
June 1956.
, "Radio interference from high-voltage transmission lines
[21
as influenced by the line design," Trans. AIEE (Power Apparatus and Systems), vol. 77, pp. 54-63, April 1958.
[3] G. E. Adams and L. 0. Barthold, "The calculation of attenuation constants for radio-noise analysis of overhead lines,"
Trans. AIEE (Power Apparatus and Systems), vol. 79. pp.
975-981, December 1960.
[4] P. A. Abetti, J. J. LaForest, C. B. Lindh, and D. D. MacCarthy, "Results from the first year operation of Project
EHV," Trans. AIEE (Power Apparatus and Systems), vol. 81,
pp. 968-977, February 1963.
[5] J. J. Laforest, C. B. Lindh, D. D. MacCarthy, F. Olsen, and
M. Schulz, Jr., "Radio noise and corona loss results from Project EHV," Trans. AIEE (Power Apparatus and Systems),
vol. 82, pp. 735-750, October 1963.
Discussion
R. J. Mather and B. M. Bailey (Bonneville Power Administration,
Portland, Ore.): This paper makes a significant contribution to the
statistical evaluation of RI generation. The analysis of 12 million
measurements is a prodigious task even with the aid of a digital computer. Clearly, a screening of questionable data is essential to avoid
erroneous conclusions, but statisticians will question the propriety
of data selection. Improper rejection of data can seriously bias the
statistical results. However, it is possible to avoid this bias if the
conclusions are clearly identified with respect to their limited
application. For example, the data on which Figs. 2 and 18 are based
were collected over a short period (24 days). This period apparently
included a great variety of weather conditions. Had the weather
been more stable; that is, the periods of clear weather, rain, etc.,
been of longer duration, would the observed relationships still hold?
Spurious broadcast station carriers seriously hamper the study of
RI values in the broadcast band. The authors indicated that data
judged to be abnormally high, especially at night time, were not
included in the analysis. However, the arbitrary elimination of all
high values may result in an average computed level for the line
somewhat lower than the true value. Therefore, where such data
rejection occurred, the computed results should be identified as
line performance during daylight hours only.
Several years ago, the Bonneville Power Administration made
similar statistical analyses using continuously recorded chart data,
as contrasted to the intermittent digital records reported in this
paper. It was possible from the pattern of the recording trace to
identify broadcast carriers which were overriding the interference.
Even with this method, there were periods when it became difficult
to identify the pattern.
Manuscript received July 16, 1965.
1966
1227
With RI, which is influenced by many interrelated variables, it is

necessary to predicate a mathematical model which later can be
modified and refined as dictated by the test results. The authors
have given us that framework on which to base statistical analyses.
However, we question the reason for developing the model around
the difference between the absolute values and the average. The
variables are smaller and result in larger correlation coefficients
than would result if the absolute values were used. It is necessary to
know the average value prior to the analysis, and this knowledge
would be lacking in most applications.
The paper highlights a factor which should be more clearly defined
in all RI literature; namely, the term fair weather. Dry sunny
weather during summer months is distinctly different from dry
sunny weather in winter months. This difference apparently results
from the higher concentration of airborne particles during the
summer period. Our analyses have confirmed that the average RI
level during rain is higher than the average in dry weather. But it
is significant that occasional readings in dry weather reach values
equal to or in excess of the average during rain.
The foregoing comment regarding airborne particles raises the
question as to whether the test results were correlated with aerosol
readings taken at the EHV project. Why was this factor not included in the mathematical model?
It does not appear logical that changing relative air density
should produce a different effect on a wet and dry conductor. Could
the difference in slope of the curves in Figs. 11 and 16 be due to
instrumentation errors?
Beta values are indicated for single-, two-, and three-conductor
bundle configurations. The values were combined into a single
average, which does not appear reasonable since the physical size of
the phase conductor influences the amount of foreign particles
intercepted and the consequent RI level.
The equations are complex and tedious to solve. It is hoped that
additional knowledge will permit the authors to reduce these equations to a more simple form.
As a partial solution, the Apple Grove Project utilized a frequency

below the broadcast band and atmospherical disturbances were
eliminated by a comparison with an ambient meter reading [2].
It is interesting that the authors do not include, although discussed, temperature and a measure of air contaminants in their
variables found to significantly affect RI generation. Temperature
is, of course, implied in the relative air density as is barometric
pressure. Of these two, temperature has been found by other investigators to be the more important on the starting gradient, since
it shows such a large variation as compared with pressure [3].
It is indicated in earlier papers that only one phase of the test
sections was heated. A drop of the unheated conductor temperature
to the dew point, depending upon the humidity, would cause condensation on the cold conductors thereby raising the RI level [2].
Possibly this effect is not mentioned because of the elimination of
nighttime readings as indicated earlier.
The conductor surface conditions are indicated as not being known
to any high degree of accuracy. This appears to be one of the most
important factors, (together with the contaminants in the air) in the
evaluation of RI, since it can vary so widely from one location to
another [3].
With regard to the RI levels given in the paper, do the authors
feel these represent, in the main, the contribution from the nearest
outside phase, or the center phase? It would be suspected that the
two other unheated phases might dominate with dew conditions.
A comparison of the appropriate value of Table III with Fig. 4
apparently indicates that the authors consider the center phase to be
the main contributor at 100 feet, since the slope of the line calculated
on the center phase gradients is closer to the value of Table III than
is that calculated on the outside phase gradients.
To compare this paper with results from other tests given in terms
of the maximum surface gradient on the conductor, the discussers
have converted the gradients of Table I, given as average peak
values, into the estimated maximum gradients based on a calculation
of the maximum and minimum surface gradients for the 2- and 3conductor bundles spaced 18 inches. The ratio of average rms
gradient to maximum rms gradient is 0.924 for the 2-conductor
bundle and 0.86 for the 3, from the approximate relationship of
minimum to maximum gradients of
1 -e
I + e
E. R. Taylor, Jr. and W. E. Pakala (Westinghouse Electric Corp.,

East Pittsburgh, Pa.): This paper discusses several of the wellknown factors affecting radio influence (RI) and provides some
measure of this effect. The authors develop a method for predicting
radio influence performance from measured results from EHV testline configurations in one location, which are based on the average
values of relative humidity, relative air density, and wind speed for
the area to be traversed by the line. This prediction is based on
empirical constants derived from some 12 000 data scans out of a
number required to obtain 12 million electrical, mechanical, and
where
e
(n-1)
and n is the number of subconductors in the bundle, d is subconductor diameter (1.465') and A, the subconductor spacing (18').
The resulting gradients in terms of maximum rms kV per centimeter
and compared to Peek's critical gradient for the conductor sizes are
meteorological measurements.
The authors outline the methods by which this mass of statistical

data was handled and indicate that a preliminary analysis was used
to edit the data. In analyzing data from the Apple Grove 750-kV
Project, a computer-plotted chart of the data against time was
found valuable as a quick means to visually peruse the data to
eliminate obviously erroneous data [1].
The RI measurements have apparently been made at 1.04 mc/s,
and the authors point out their difficulty in the choice of 1.04 me/s
as a measuring frequency, particularly for nighttime readings.
This would imply that data taken from sundown to sunup was almost
consistently eliminated. Since this can represent an important part
of the day's data, will the authors indicate how much of the time
it was necessary to eliminate nighttime data because of broadcast
station interference?
Ec
Special Single
16.72
2-Plover at 38.5 ft 17.8
2-Plover at 20 ft 20.6
3-Plover at 45.5 ft 19.6
Percent of
Critical
Eo
16.24
17.2
19.1
18.7
at 500 kV
at 500 kV
at 500 kV
at 700 kV
68
69
80
76
66
66.6
74
72.4
Why did the authors tabulate , in volts per centimeter per decibel?
It would seem that a more adaptable figure is the inverse, decibel
per volt per centimeter, since this indicates readily the decibel
increase or decrease of RI with a change in gradient. In keeping
with this approach, the values of Table III become
1228
Single Special
2-Plover at 38.5 ft
2-Plover at 20 ft
3-Plover at 45.5 ft
2.16 dB/kV average peak/cm

Since the average peak gradient is approximately 1.31, (0.924 X

V/2), times the maximum rms gradient for the 2-conductor Plover
bundle and 1.22, (0.86 X a/2). for the 3-conductor bundle, the
values of Table III in terms of maximum rms gradient are
Single Special
2-Plover at 38.5 ft
2-Plover at 20 ft
3-Plover at 45.5 ft
3.06 dB/kV rms/cm

2.69 dB/kV rms/cm
2.19 dB/kV rms/cm
3.88 dB/kV rms/cm
DECEMBER
directly following the cessation of rain by this method? The value

of a maximum of 25 dB between fair- and foul-weather results compares well with the 26 dB of [2].
The authors' comments regarding laboratory correlation between
the rms and quasi-peak meters are interesting and we await their
results.
We concur with the authors that it is difficult to separate out the
aging effect from other seasonal changes without more than one
year's tests. It is interesting to note as much as 9 dB between
average values (Fig. 8) over an 11-month period. This is roughly in
agreement with [2] where the average values of two to three weeks
data over about a year's time varied by about 13 dB. It is interesting
that the authors were able to detect aging on the single- and twoconductor bundles. This is presumably short-time aging.
Figure 5 (as corrected in the text) may be compared with Fig. 7
of [2], wherein levels dropped from an average initially of 53 dB to
approximately 47 dB three months later, a decrease of 6 dB. We
could not attribute this directly to aging since there were a number of
foul-weather periods during this time tending to clean the conductor.
However, after re-energizing after an outage of several months the
average levels dropped from above 51 to 42 dB in two months, a decrease of over 9 dB.
The authors make no mention in this paper how Ko is to be corrected to long-line values. The indication is that the authors are
dealing with raw readings uncorrected to long line, being interested
here in the changes in levels and the factors involved in these changes.
However, the Prediction Procedure with Appendix II might lead the
reader to expect to be able to use the paper by itself to make a prediction of RI performance for his line. Is Table V with the aid of
(5) and the methods of Appendix II supposed to provide this RI
performance? It would appear that we must have such factors as
the long-line Ko to do this. Possibly the authors would comment on
the appropriateness of the constants given in the paper to the
environment of other locations.
In conclusion, what particular conductor size and phase spacing
do the authors recommend to be used at the 500- and 700- kV levels?
The discussers believe that this last tabulation compares the

conductors in a more useful manner. The average of these, excluding
the 2-Plover at 20 feet, is 3.2 dB per maximum kV rms/cm, which
lies in the range of 3 to 3.5 dB used by several investigators.
The value of 3.9 dB/kV/cm for the 3-conductor bundle at 700
kV appears to be high compared to the other values, particularly
for the operating gradients at 700 kV. The value of 2.2 dB/
kV/cm for the 2-conductor bundle at 20 feet, in contrast, seems low
but may be due to the relatively high operating gradients resulting
in operation in the saturated part of the RI vs. voltage curve. This
conclusion appears to be borne out by Table IV: the voltage runs
in rain for the 2-Plover at 20 feet show only 1.24 dB/kV/cm
(average peak) compared to the other values in Table IV. It may be
noted that the 3-conductor bundle also shows this trend. However,
the figure in foul weather in dB/kV/cm for the 2-Plovers at
38.5 feet is higher than that of Table III, in contrast to the others
in Table IV which are lower than or equal to those in Table III.
Possibly the authors will comment.
With regard to the f values in fair and foul weather, we would
REFERENCES
not agree that the slope of the RI vs. gradient relation is substan- [1] D. F. Shankle, S. B. Griscom, E. R. Taylor, and R. H. Schlotially the same for all gradients and surface conditions. A comparison
mann, "The Apple Grove 750-kV project-Equipment design
of Tables III and IV tends to bear this out. This slope may change
and instrumentation," IEEE Trans. on Power Apparatus and
Systems, vol. PAS-84, pp. 541-550, July 1965.
considerably between fair and foul weather at the lower operating
[2] E. R. Taylor, W. E. Pakala, and N. Kolcio, "The Apple Grove
gradients.
750-kV project-515-kV radio influence and corona loss inOperating gradients as percentage of critical for the 2-Plover
vestigations," IEEE Trans. on Power Apparatus and Systems,
at 38.5 feet are comparable to the 515-kV tests at Apple Grove [2].
vol. PAS-84, pp. 561-573, July 1965.
For a 1.602-inch conductor at 35-foot phase spacing, levels averaged [3] L. M. Robertson, D. F. Shankle, J. C. Smith, and J. E. O'Neil,
"Leadville high-altitude extra-high-voltage test project:Part
over a year's period at about 47 dB at 100 feet from the line. This
loss investigations," Trans. AIEE (Power ApII-Coronal
2for
the
V
Table
in
figure is comparable with the RI of 45 dB
paratus and Systems), vol. 80, pp. 709-715, December 1961.
Plover, which does not include the short-to-long line adder of 1.6 [4] W. E. Pakala and E. R. Taylor, Discussion of "A summary of
radio interference studies applied to EHV lines," by J. ReichdB given in [5] of the paper.
man and J. A. Leslie, IEEE Trans. on Power Apparatus and
In Table V there appears to be a change of 6.8 dB in the difference
Systems, vol. 83, p. 298, March 1964.
two
for
conductor
between the Ko's for 0 and 100 feet for the single
consecutive sets of data. Unless the conductor height had changed
appreciably, one would expect a smaller difference, as is evidenced
by a comparison for the other conductor configurations. Possibly
the authors will comment. Based on data from the authors' previous
papers, we calculated a theoretical difference of approximately 14
dB between the 0- and 100-foot positions. This calculation, however,
was made for uniform generation along the conductor rather than
with the standing wave of the short test line [2].
E. H. Gehrig and T. C. Rednour (Bonneville Power Administration,
The authors point out the effect of wind velocity. It is interesting Portland, Ore.): The authors have presented a most comprehensive
to note that the best correlation of RI with wind was obtained in the study of the parameters affecting the RI generation on transmission
winter. Is the direction of wind predominantly the sa,me the year lines. The vast amount of data accumulated, together with the
around? It is assumed that the correlation was a fair weather cor- computer analyses, establish correlations with these parameters
relation and not during, say, snow.
not previously defined.
The breakdown of the effect of rain into two components-17
Figure 3 illustrates a common source of error in RI testing, that is,
dB which describes the effect of going from dry conductors to wet interference from broadcasting stations during nighttime hours.
conductors at zero rain rate, and an adder of as much as 8 dB (Fig.
17) depending upon the rate of rainfall-is an unusual one. However, how would one account for the observed increase in RI level
1966
LAFOREST ET AL.: RADIO-NOISE OF
Nearly all test projects, at one time or another, have experienced

this difficulty. One method to eliminate this source of error is to
use only the daytime readings. However, this biases the results in
favor of only daytime conditions which are normally drier and
of higher temperatures. Many people listen to the radio at nighttime only. Will the authors please state approximately that percentage of the data used was from night conditions and at what level
of background is the reading considered to be invalid.
It is significant that the test results indicated relative humidity
and relative air density influence RI by several decibels. Also, wind
appeared to affect RI similarly. It has been assumed for years that
a relationship exists, but the exact nature of the relationship has
challenged measuring know-how.
Instrumentation accuracy is generally recognized to be only
42 dB when continuously calibrated. Further, variations in the

field due to other uncontrolled parameters, such as bugs, make
determination of small factors of influence most difficult. Statistics
provided a tool for identifying the influence of individual parameters
where instantaneous observations are almost futile. Only when one
parameter changes markedly can instantaneous observations provide
some insight to these relationships. Our observations of the instantaneous effect of wind on a HVDC test line identify it definitely
as an influence factor on dc line RI.1 This tends to support the authors' findings. We would like to know, in the authors' case, how
often the recording instruments were calibrated and by what technique.
We concur with the authors' findings in Fig. 18 of the paper which
shows RI and corona losses are related. We have found this to be a
nearly linear relation in fair weather on the dc test line. However,
it is not a direct relationship under precipitation conditions for dc,
since the RI normally decreases under these conditions while the
corona loss increases.
I E. H. Gehrig, A. C. Peterson, C. F. Clark, and T. C. Rednour,
"BPA's 1100-kV dc test project: Part II-Radio interference and
corona loss," IEEE Internat'l Conv. Rec., pt. 9, vol. 8, March 1965.
J. J. LaForest, M. Baretsky, Jr., and D. D. MacCarthy: Mr. Mather's

and Mr. Bailey's comments are most welcome. We agree that screening of data is essential; however, whether statisticians will question
the propriety of data screening depends on what the situation is.
If several data points in a population are known to be bad, a priori,
it would seem appropriate to eliminate them, since they can only
serve to increase the uncertainty of the results. With regard to
relationships determined for many short periods with similar weather
conditions or fewer long periods with similar weather conditions, it is
felt that substantial agreement would occur between sets of relationships for these two classes.
Data contaminated with spurious broadcast signals at night was
not eliminated on the basis that the RI readings were abnormally
high or any other arbitrary basis. As described in the text, particular attention was paid to the difference in readings between the
three meters measuring the lateral profile when determining whether
data should be rejected because of high background levels. It
was generally found that a high background level caused very low
differences in reading between these three meters.
The discussers question the reason for developing the model
around the difference between the absolute values and the average.
This was done for convenience only. We disagree that larger correlation coefficients would result if the absolute values were used.
Manuscript received August 17, 1965.
1229
EHY LINES
This can be seen from (5), reproduced below.
[RI
Co(V-Vav)]
Ko + Kl(rh-rhav) +
K2(RAD-RADaz) + K3 (wind speed)0-3
Assigning values to rha, and RADav other than 0 results in only a

change of the constant factor Ko. Thus, using the actual numerical
average values of rh and RAD causes no change in K1 and K2.
This would not be so if the exponents of the expressions (rh-rha0)
and (RAD-RADa,) were not equal to unity. In the analysis procedure used, the average values of RAD and rh were obtained before
the regression techniques were employed and, thus, these values
could be conveniently used. Data on aerosols were taken on Project
EHV: however, at the time of this analysis, the interpretation of
these data was not sufficiently advanced for use. We concur with the
discussers that this could be an important variable, and more work
in this direction is contemplated. We are unable to state whether the
difference in slope of the RI vs. RAD curves in Figs. 11 and 16 for
fair and foul weather is real or accidental. In either case, the difference is relatively unimportant, as a change of 10 percent in RAD
causes a difference of only 0.10 (54 - 42.7) = 1.1 dB between the
fair- and foul-weather adders.
The use of the beta factor is seen in (1) of the text. Since it is
employed in a function describing the generation-per-unit area, the
size of the conductor or number of conductors per bundle is not
germane. These quantities are needed when the total generation is
desired; this can be seen in (7) and, say, the expression SD[GA]
which is defined as the spectral density of generation for phase A.
Mr. Taylor and Mr. Pakala indicate that they have used a computer-plotted chart of data against time to eliminate obviouslyerroneous data. As indicated in our paper, a report covering 19
selected measurements was provided for data scanning. All data in
this report were examined visually for obvious errors. This manual
scanning was in addition to several computer routines which also
eliminated bad data. One of the major reasons for manual scanning
using the 19-measurement form was to classify the data into 34
detailed weather categories. By study of this report, it was possible
to observe, qualitatively, the significance of any of the weather
variables on RI. Indeed, the effect of wind speed on RI was first
noticed by this procedure.
The measurement of fair-weather radio noise during nighttime
in the broadcast band is difficult because of skip transmission.
One might argue that if this is the case for a particular region then
radio noise ceases to be a problem for distant stations; however, the
problem for local stations still exists. When clear of noise, the nighttime period affords an opportunity for additional data. Approximately 30 percent of the fair-weather radio-noise data was eliminated
because of skip transmission. Foul-weather RI values were not
affected significantly. Nighttime readings, without high background,
afford an opportunity to study the effect of ultraviolet and infrared
radiation from the sun on RI generation. No detailed study of this
has yet been made on the Project EHV data.
The discussers raise the question of the effect of conductor temperature and air pressure on radio noise and cite a reference where
corona loss at the l-kW level is used to determine the coronastarting gradient as a function of temperature. Translating this
type of result based on low corona-loss values is hazardous. The
practical question to be answered is as follows: What are the effects
on radio-noise level at operating-line gradients of the several weather
variables for a reasonable amount of variation around the norm?
The results from the cited reference are interesting, but do not lend
themselves to the task of predicting RI levels. We found a higher
degree of correlation between RI and RAD than between RI and the
separate variables of temperature and air pressure.
The general effect of dew on R.I generation is known and is one of
the weather variables classified in Table II, Items 20-22. Thus, the
dew condition would not be included in the fair-weather data (Item
26) unless specifically called for. This, again, points out the advantage of a detailed weather classification of the data. Again,
it should be emphasized that the nighttime readings were not
1230
eliminated arbitrarily but rather on the basis described previously.

We concur with the discussers as to the importance of conductor
surface condition on RI generation. More study is needed as to the
type and number of surface discontinuities on a line and their effect
on RI generation. Our prediction procedure outlined in this paper
uses the concept of an average yearly value of surface factor.
Comparison of measured lateral profiles with those calculated
on the basis of all phases contributing to the RI field yielded good
agreement. The discussers present an interesting tabulation of the
gradient situation with respect to percent of critical gradient as
given by Peek. A slightly more meaningful comparison might be
made by including the stranding factor. As the discussers indicate, it
would be better to express the inverse of beta when discussing the
effect of gradient on RI. However, it would be advantageous to use
the peak gradient rather than the rms value shown in their table.
With regard to the use of a single value of beta for both fair- and
foul-weather conditions, we have presented an average value and the
text shows some variation around this value for these various
configurations. It can be expected that for large changes in surface
factor, the rate of change of RI with gradient should change; this
has been demonstrated in the laboratory by many investigators.
It will also change for large variations in operating gradients. It is
our intent in this paper to present a workable value of beta consistent
with our present state of knowledge of conductor surface conditions
and their variability. Further research will enable a more precise
evaluation for different states, but at the cost of increased complexity
in the prediction procedure. The difference in Ko values (6.0 dB)
for the 0- to 100-foot distances for the two consecutive sets of SingleSpecial data shown in Table V has, as yet, not been resolved. It is
thought that the difficulty lies with the first set of readings, and
analysis is in progress. The situation is somewhat comparable to the
case where an extraneous source of signal is present, such as occurs
with skip transmission (most of which has been eliminated).
With respect to wind effects, we found that wind speed, the
absolute value of wind velocity, gave a better correlation than the
components either parallel or perpendicular to the line. The correlations shown in Table V are for fair weather as coded in Table II.
We feel that breakdown of the effect of rain into two components
is a practical and desirable method of handling the wet-weather
prediction case. As stated in the paper, use of rate of rain as a weather
variable leads to the problem of defining the exact surface condition
for a 0 value of rate of rain. It would seem natural, as we have done,
to eliminate this problem by defining a dry- or wet-conductor case.
DECEMBER
Other advantages are that the transitory end effects, such as pointed
out by the discussers, are properly neglected in the wet-weather
prediction procedure. The agreement between our wet-weather
maximum values and those found by the discussers is satisfactory.
With respect to correction of Ko to long-line values, the method for
doing so is outlined in a previous paper [5]. Our main intent in
Table V was to illustrate the source of the weather-variable effects
used in the prediction procedure. Further, it is our intent to present
to the reader a method of predicting the average yearly RI performance for his line under the stated conditions and assumptions
outlined for the dry- and wet-weather conditions. We do point out
that the degree of accuracy is, of course, dependent on the user's
estimate of the average surface conditions. We have made some
excellent checks of RI levels of operating EHV lines using the
prediction procedure outlined in the body of the paper and the
Appendix. Obviously, an hour-by-hour prediction of the RI level of a
transmission line would entail an hour-by-hour description of the
conductor surface condition along with other variables. Perhaps this
degree of precision is not warranted. However, it is felt that average
predictions made on a monthly basis would be a reasonable goal to
work for.
With regard to particular conductor sizes and phase spacings for
500- and 700-kV levels, we emphasize that the choice of a particular
configuration from an RI viewpoint should be based on tolerable
signal-to-noise ratios for the region and population densities involved. Thus, not only RI level is involved, but radio-station signal
strengths as well.
Mr. Gehrig and Mr. Rednour bring out the point that daytime
fair-weather conditions reflect drier conditions and higher temperatures and, thus, the results are biased in this direction. This is
true in the sense of an average value computation. In the regression
analysis it is felt that there is enough of a variation in the daytime
to determine the coefficients to a useful degree of accuracy. As
stated previously, about 30 percent of the fair-weather RI data was
eliminated and almost none of the foul-weather data. With regard
to background level, we feel that at least a 6- to 10-dB difference
between RI and ambient noise should be maintained for valid data.
It is interesting to note that the discussers have found that wind
also affects RI generation on their dc test line. Our RI instruments
were calibrated every fourth hour during each 24-hour period, using
a small pulse generator built into each meter location. Additional
calibration checks and adjustment to the meters and pulse generators
were made approximately every two weeks.

Radio-Noise Levels of EHY Transmission Lines

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IEEE TRANSACTIONS ON POWER APPARATUS AND SYSTEMS

Levels of EHY Transmission Lines

SENIOR MEMBER, IEEE,

MEMBER, IEEE, AND

The meters are arranged to yield three points on the

DATA HANDLING AND STATISTICAL ANALYSIS PROCEDURE

These outputs provided information on the effect of

IEEE TRANSACTIONS ON POWER APPARATUS AND SYSTEMS

I-r1.O4MC237 FT1.04MC' FOA1150KC

6o 260 300 460 500 600 700 800 900

LAFOREST ET AL.: RADIO-NOISE OF EHV LINES

09/28/64 RADIO NOISE ANALYSIS-ROUND 5

0.0018 0.0054 0.0036 0.0006 0.0018 0.0006 0.0024 0.0024 0.

0.0048 0.0198 0.0834 0.1062 0.0444 0.0216 0.0048 0.

0.0048 0.0348 0.0372 0.0420 0.0120 0.0012 0.

64.0000.0540 0.0390 0.0150 0.0018 0.

with coincident 3-phase corona loss.

variables were to be analyzed simultaneously, a regression

IEEE TRANSACTIONS ON POWER APPARATUS AND SYSTEMS

10 separate regression analyses for each pass of the master

Fig. 3. Background noise in fair weather, meter 100 feet from

were carefully examined to eliminate measurements contaminated by nighttime reception.

RESULTS OF STATISTICAL ANALYSIS OF DATA

LAFOREST ET AL.: RADIO-NOISE OF EHV LINES

LINE VOLTAGE (KV)

for the other

fair weather and rain is

SD [GD] spectral density of the generation density

The values of are much higher for two Plovers spaced

This value of : is suggested for

Continuous Operation at Various Voltages, Aging, and

IEEE TRANSACTIONS ON POWER APPARATUS AND SYSTEMS

LINE VOLTAGE - KV (NOM)

LINE VOLTAGE -525 KV (NOM.)

LINE VOLTAGE- 500 KV

DAY OF YEAR -1961

LINE VOLTAGE -KV

44 -LINE VOLTAGE - 700 KV (N OM.)-

MAY IJUNEIJULY AUG.I

IAPRLIMAYIJUNEIJULYI AUGISEP1 OCTINOVUI DECGI JAN.I FEEI

Fig. 8. RI vs. time. Two-Plover, 38.5 feet. Test SI. Station

Fig. 7. RI vs. time. Two-Plover, 20 feet. Test N12.

LAFOREST ET AL.: RADIO-NOISE OF EHV LINES

Conductor aginig could be observed from the data on the

Effect of Fluctuations in Nominal Voltage

question whether a causal relationship exists between RI

From a table of the x2 distribution

hence the dependent variable used in regression analysis

where Va, is the voltage mean obtained by conmputer

Effect of rh, RAD, and Wind Speed on Fair-Weather RI

[RI - C,(V- Vav)] = Ko + Kj(rh

38.5 ft. spacing

rh,a) + K2(RAD-RADav) + K3(Wind Speed)0-3

No. of Std. Dev.

continuities and their character as well; hence, it is not

However, for any particular set of data, differences occur,

LAFOREST ET AL.: RADIO-NOISE OF EHV LINES

IEEE TRANSACTIONS ON POWER APPARATUS AND SYSTEMS

DAY 035, 1962

Fig. 14. Daytime variation of RI and wind speed in fair weather.

A2[1_ -CCsR (6)

rate of rain, in/hr.

The exponential term in (6) was used to recognize a

effect on wet as on dry conductors. However, RI for wet