Understanding of Harmonics
in Power Distribution System
Dr. Aravind P
Department of Electrical &
Computer Engineering
Mattu University
What are Power System Harmonics?
Harmonic: a mathematical definition, generally used when
talking about Integral orders of Fundamental frequencies
Power system harmonics: currents or voltages with
frequencies that are integer multiples (h=0,1,2,…N) of the
fundamental power frequency [1]
1st harmonic: 60Hz
2nd harmonic: 120Hz
3rd harmonic: 180Hz
Figure: 1 [2]
06/18/24 2
How are Harmonics Produced ?
Power system harmonics: presenting deviations from a perfect
sinusoidal-waveform (voltage
( or current waveform).
The distortion comes from a Nonlinearity caused by saturation,
electronic-switching and nonlinear electric loads,
Inrush/Temporal/Arc/Converter/Limiter/Threshold Type Loads.
Figure: 2 [1]
06/18/24 3
Why Bother about Harmonics?
50-60% of all electrical Ac Systems in North
America operate with non-linear type loads
Power-Quality-PQ Issues & Problems
Damage to Power Factor Correction capacitors
Waveform Distortion can create
SAG/SWELL/NOTCHING/RINGING/…
All can cause damage effects to consumer loads and
power systems due to Over-Current/Over-Voltage
or Waveform Distortion
Additional Power/Energy Losses
06/18/24 4
Loads Producing Harmonic Currents
Electronic lighting ballasts/Controls
Adjustable speed Motor-Drives
Electric Arc Welding Equipment
Solid state Industrial Rectifiers
Industrial Process Control Systems
Uninterruptible Power Supplies ( UPS )systems
Saturated Inductors/Transformers
LAN/Computer Networks
06/18/24 5
Current vs. Voltage Harmonics
Harmonic current flowing through the AC Power
System impedance result in harmonic voltage-
drop at the load bus and along the Feeder!!
Figure: 3 [3]
06/18/24 6
How to Quantify Harmonic Distortion?
Total Harmonic Distortion-THD: the contribution
of all harmonic frequency Currents/Voltages to
the fundamental current. [3]
The level of THD-for Current or Voltage is
directly related to the frequencies and amplitudes
of the Offending Quasi-Steady State persistent
Harmonics.
Individual Distortion Factor-(DF)-h quantify
Distortion at h –harmonic-order
06/18/24 7
Calculation of THD
THD: Ratio of the RMS of the harmonic
content to the RMS of the Fundamental [3]
(Eq-1)
Current THD-I
(Eq-2)
Voltage THD-V
(Eq-3)
06/18/24 8
Harmonics and Parallel Resonance Circuit
Harmonic currents produced by variable speed motor-drives: can be
amplified up to 10-15 times in parallel resonance circuit formed by the
capacitance bank and network inductance [5]
Amplified/intensified harmonic currents: leading to internal
overheating of the capacitor unit.
Higher frequency currents: causing more losses than 60hz currents
having same amplitude
Figure 4: Parallel resonance circuit and its equivalent circuit [5]
06/18/24 9
Harmonics and Series Resonance Circuit
The voltage of upstream AC Network can be also
distorted due to series/parallel resonance formed by
capacitance of the capacitor bank and System/load
inductance : Ca cause high harmonic current circulation
through the capacitors [5]
Parallel Resonance can also lead to high voltage distortion.
Figure 5: Series resonance circuit and its equivalent circuit [5]
06/18/24 10
Measure Equipments of Harmonics
Digital Oscilloscope:
Wave shape, THD and Amplitude of each harmonic
“True RMS” Multi-Meter:
Giving correct readings for distortion-free sine waves and typically
reading low when the current waveform is distorted
Use of Harmonic Meters-Single Phase or three Phase
Figure 6: “True RMS” Multi-Meter [3]
06/18/24 11
Mitigation Of Harmonics [1]
Ranging from variable frequency motor- drive to other
nonlinear loads and equipments
Power System Design:
Limiting the non-linear load penetration to 30% of the maximum
transformer’s capacity
Limiting non-linear loads to 15% of the transformer’s capacity,
when power factor correction capacitors are installed.
Avoiding/Detuning resonant conditions on the AC System:
(Eq-4)
hr = resonant frequency as a multiple of the fundamental frequency
kVAsc = short circuit current as the point of study
kVARc = capacitor rating at the system voltage
06/18/24 12
Mitigation the Effects of Harmonics [1]
(cont’d)
Delta-Delta and Delta-Wye Transformers
Using two separate utility feed transformers with equal
non-linear loads
Shifting the phase relationship to various six-pulse
converters through cancellation techniques
Figure 7: Delta-Delta and Delta-Wye Transformers [1]
06/18/24 13
Mitigation the Effects of Harmonics [1]
(cont’d)
Isolation-Interface Transformers
The potential to “voltage match” by stepping up or
stepping down the system voltage, and by providing a
neutral ground reference for nuisance ground faults
The best solution when utilizing AC or DC drives that
use SCR/GTO/SSR.. as bridge rectifiers
Line Isolation-Reactors
More commonly used for their low cost
Adding a small reactor in series with capacitor bank
forms a Blocking series Filter.
Use diode bridge rectifier as a front end to avoid severe
harmonic power quality problems
06/18/24 14
Mitigation the Effects of Harmonics [1]
(cont’d)
Harmonic-Shunt or Trap Filters:
Used in applications with a high non-linear ratio to
system to eliminate harmonic currents
Sized to withstand the RMS current as well as the value
of current for the harmonics
Providing true distortion power factor correction
Figure 8: Typical Harmonic Trap Filter [1]
06/18/24 15
Conclusions
The harmonic distortion principally comes from
Nonlinear-Type Loads.
The application of power electronics is causing
increased level of harmonics due to Switching!!
Harmonic distortion can cause serious
Failure/Damage problems.
Harmonics are important aspect of power
operation that requires Mitigation!!
Over-Sizing and Power Filtering methods are
commonly used to limit Overheating Effects of
Sustained Harmonics.
06/18/24 16
