Comparisons of ground level measurements of ion concentration and potential gradient upwind and downwind of HV power lines in corona

Abstract: Simultaneous ion concentration and potential gradient measurements were made at AC high voltage power lines using ion mobility spectrometers and electric field mills. A significant (p < 0.01) change in central tendency and variability of ion concentration and potential gradient can occur downwind of power lines. In 3 out of 8 downwind measurements, there was a discrepancy of sign between the overall mean of these quantities, attributed to ion dispersion and ion–aerosol attachment. While ion concentrations give a greater indication of personal exposure, potential gradient measurements are more appropriate for assessment of the behaviour of a power line. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]