50kv@250khz characteristics and control.?

Question

I need to know approximately how an uninsulated wire is going to behave at 50kv@250khz in air. I know 50kvdc will jump 50mm.

Specifically how much energy will i loose as electromagnetic radiation and how do i prevent these losses. I am also worried about corona discharge into the air.

Answer 1

Use a cage structure of parallel wires to reduce the E field and avoid corona. You will see this used in HV power lines.

A single wire in free space will act as an antenna. The way to avoid this loss, (and the FCC) is to use a pair of wires with differential drive so the radiation is minimized. A coaxial structure is ideal if your project can handle the complexity. This way there is virtually no radiation loss, and if the diameter is large enough the corona loss will be low. Put ground on the outside for safety. Put a light in the middle and you have a bug zapper! Be careful!