Abstract: Corona loss is an important content in the research of conductor characteristics.In order to establish a calculation model for corona loss of a conductor in a corona cage,the charge simulation method was applied.An AC conductor was simulated by line charges,which were mirrored by square section cage walls.As simulation charge exceeded corona onset charge,every simulation charge point launched charge to space respectively.Considering the impact of space charges,the total electric field strength in the corona cage was calculated.Charges’ emission,migration and recombination were simulated;space charge’s motion in the corona cage was calculated;and energy loss of charge movement was calculated.Corona losses of the single smooth conductor,the single stranded conductor LGJ-300/40,and the single stranded conductor LGJ-400/35,were measured in the corona cage.Comparison shows that simulation results are basically in agreement with test results;and therefore,the charge simulation method could be adopted to establish the corona loss calculation model for single conductors.