Final answer:
Broad, smooth structures such as metal rings or shells are used on electric power pylons to minimize corona discharge. These structures reduce the electric field strength at the surface of the conductor and distribute charge concentration more evenly. High-voltage transmission lines employ smooth surfaces to prevent charge leakage into the air.
Step-by-step explanation:
Corona discharge is minimized in power pylons by using broad, smooth structures such as metal rings or shells to shroud connectors and other sharp features. These smooth structures prevent corona discharge by reducing the electric field strength at the surface of the conductor. When a conductor has a smoothly curving surface with a large radius of curvature, the charge concentration is distributed more evenly, reducing the likelihood of charge leakage into the air.
For example, high-voltage transmission lines use smooth surfaces to prevent leakage of charge into the air. The smooth, broad design helps dissipate any excess charge more evenly along the surface of the conductor, minimizing corona discharge. By shrouding connectors and other sharp features with smoothly curving metal rings or shells, the electric field is weakened, preventing corona discharge from occurring.