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Definition: Harmonics are integral multiples of some fundamental frequency that, when added together, result in a distorted waveform.
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sin(5x) f(x) = sin(x) f(x) = 5 The resulting wave shows a strong departure from the smooth waves comprising it:
What are Harmonics? In fact, any function may be constructed from a sine wave and some number of its harmonics:
Where do they come from? The power company typically supplies a reasonably smooth sinusoidal waveform:
Where do they come from? ...but nonlinear devices will draw distorted waveforms, which are comprised of harmonics of the source:
UPS systems
AC and DC drives
Converter
Inverter
AFC
AFC
Power correction capacitors can cause series and parallel resonance effects on a power system. If a harmonic is generated which excites a system resonance, amplification of that harmonic may occur.
Calculation of the harmonic resonance frequency for the system can give an indication of potential resonance problems.
600 kVAC
The harmonic resonance frequency is defined by: kVAsc kVAC = 1500 / 0.0575 = 6.6 600
hr =
Individual harmonic number (odd harmonics) 11<h<17 17<h<23 23<h<35 2.0 1.5 0.6 3.5 2.5 1.0 4.5 4.0 1.5 5.5 5.0 2.0 7.0 6.0 2.5
Maximum short-circuit current at the Point of Common Coupling (PCC). Maximum demand load current (fundamental) at the PCC.
Attenuation of Harmonics
Inductive Reactance Method: Benefits: Add a line reactor or isolation transformer to attenuate harmonics. Low cost. Technically simple. Concerns: Tends to offer reductions in only higher order harmonics. Has little effect on the 5th and 7th harmonics. Because of the associated voltage drop, there are limits to the amount of reactance that may be added.
Attenuation of Harmonics
Passive Filters Method: Benefits: Provide a low-impedance path to ground for the harmonic frequencies. May be tuned to a frequency between two prevalent harmonics so as to help attenuate both. Tuning the filters may be a labor-intensive process. Filters are difficult to size, because they offer a path for harmonics from any source. Quite sensitive to any future system changes.
Concerns:
Attenuation of Harmonics
Active Filters Method: Inject equal and opposite harmonics onto the power system to cancel those generated by other equipment. Have proven very effective in reducing harmonics well below required levels.
Benefits:
Concerns:
The high performance inverter required for the harmonic injection is costly. Power transistors are exposed to conditions of the line, so reliability may be a problem.
Attenuation of Harmonics
12-pulse Rectifiers Method: Two separate rectifier bridges supply a single DC bus. The two bridges are fed from phaseshifted supplies. Very effective in the elimination of 5th and 7th harmonics. Stops harmonics at the source. Insensitive to future system changes. May not meet the IEEE standards in every case. Does little to attenuate the 11th and 13th harmonics.
Benefits:
Concerns:
Attenuation of Harmonics
18-pulse Rectifier Method: An integral phase-shift transformer and rectifier Input which draws an almost purely sinusoidal waveform from the source. Meets the IEEE standards in every case! Attenuates all harmonics up to the 35th. Stops harmonics at the source. Insensitive to future system changes. Concerns: Can be expensive at smaller HPs
Benefits:
Comparison of waveforms
6-pulse converter
note the level of distortion and steep current rise.
12-pulse converter
the waveform appears more sinusoidal, but still not very smooth.
18-pulse converter
virtually indistinguishable from the source current waveform.