A quasi-one-dimensional model for ion-aerosol interactions and aerosol charge state downwind of corona-producing alternating current (AC) HVPL under stable atmospheric conditions

Corona ions produced by high voltage power lines (HVPL) can alter the local atmospheric electrical environment downwind, potentially increasing electrostatic charge on airborne particulates via ion-aerosol attachment. However, previous epidemiological assessments attempting to assess this 'corona ion hypothesis' have used proxies e.g. ion concentration or distance from HVPL, rather than aerosol charge state directly, due to difficulties in modeling this quantity. We present a quasi-1D model incorporating both Gaussian plume dynamics and ion-aerosol and ion-ion interaction microphysics which could be applied to future studies of charged aerosol near HVPL. The response of the model to changes in a range of input parameters is characterized, and validation is attempted by means of comparison with previous work where ion-and aerosol concentrations and properties (including electrical mobility and electric charge states) upwind and downwind of HVPL are measured.

Automated summary

Corona ions from high voltage power lines can affect the local atmospheric electrical environment by increasing the electrostatic charge on airborne particulates. Previous studies have attempted to assess this hypothesis using proxies, such as ion concentration or distance from the power lines, rather than directly measuring aerosol charge state. In this study, a quasi-1D model incorporating plume dynamics and ion-aerosol and ion-ion interactions is developed to enhance future research on charged aerosol near high voltage power lines.