Acoustic Noise from High Voltage Power Lines under Conditions of High Humidity

The main objectives of the study focused on identifying the physical mechanisms of acoustic noise generation by high-voltage power lines under conditions of high humidity and quantitatively assessing associated energy losses. To achieve these objectives, the following tasks were accomplished: a physical-mathematical model was developed considering two complementary mechanisms - the motion of polarized water droplets in the non-uniform electric field of the wire and their subsequent destruction upon contact with the conductor; calculations were performed of the electric field strength near the wire, induced dipole moment of droplets, and the acting force; an assessment was made of droplet impact velocity on the wire and conditions for their micro-explosive destruction; and a methodology was developed for calculating additional leakage currents and power losses. The most important results are the theoretical substantiation of a new combined physical mechanism for noise generation, based on droplet polarization, acceleration, and micro-explosive destruction, and the development of a methodology for quantitative assessment of additional energy losses. The significance of the obtained results lies in proposing a comprehensive physical explanation of the acoustic phenomenon that establishes a connection between power line noise characteristics and electrophysical processes in the surface area under conditions of high humidity, as well as identifying a new mechanism of energy losses that is essential for optimizing operational regimes of high-voltage power transmission lines. The scientific novelty of the work is the proposal of this new mechanism and the established analytical relationships between key parameters. The practical significance lies in the developed methodology for assessing additional losses, which is important for improving the accuracy of loss forecasting and optimizing line operation in adverse weather conditions.