SUBSCRIBE

TOPICS NEW PRODUCTS ONLINE TRAINING RESEARCH RESOURCES AWARDS ADVERTISE

ELECTRICAL, POWER

Your questions answered:

Power quality: How to mitigate
harmonics
Understand the causes, code requirements for compliance and mitigation techniques for
harmonics in these additional responses
BY REMI BOLDUC MAY 13, 2020

Courtesy: Schneider Electric

Magazines and Newsletters
Remi Bolduc, Competency Center Manager for Digital Power, Schneider Electric, responded to questions left
unanswered from the May 5 webcast on Power quality: How to mitigate harmonics. SUBSCRIBE
Can you review de6nition of harmonics? Sign Up Today!

RECENT CONTENT
WELL success stories
Remi Bolduc: Harmonics are multiple of the fundamental frequency that when added together result in a
SMITH SECKMAN REID INC.
distorted waveform. Basically, in North America our power frequency (fundamental) is 60 Hz, so harmonics will
be multiple of 60 Hz. For example, the 3rd harmonic order will be 3 x 60 Hz, so equal to 180 Hz. The 7th
harmonic order would be equal to 7 x 60 Hz, so equal to 420 Hz. Designing healthy buildings with WELL
HANNAH WALTER
The harmonics generated by equipment within a building are often dependent on the speci6c
manufacturer/model used but this isn’t usually known during the design stage. Is there a good way to estimate
during the design stage?
Strategic planning in a post-vaccine world:
Remi Bolduc: Ideally, you would obtain the nonlinear loads data sheets that indicate the THDi level. Some Do some firms…
harmonic mitigation solution suppliers have sizing tool that can help estimate the THDi of an installation. MORRISSEY GOODALE
Schneider Electric has such a tool free of charge if you are interested. For a rough estimate you could also use a
30% THDi, where you multiply your installation nominal current by 30% (in x 0.3) that will give you the harmonic
RMS in current (H RMS), from there you could evaluate your compliance against table 2 of the IEEE 519. Building envelope assessments: From pre-
design to construction
Is it smart to add harmonic mitigation without modelling the full electrical system (like in SKM) and testing JOSE COLON
response? What is your experience with the how well real-life testing and observations match with software
models?
Taking Shape: The Evolution of AB 841 to
Remi Bolduc: It’s smart to use simulation software and in some cases, it might be mandatory to prove to the
utility that you meet their grid code requirement. Based on my experience, a good model with good input data CalSHAPE
DOMINIC CARDENAS
normally gets withing 5% to 10% of real-life results.

How can it be determined if the harmonics are almost strong enough to trip a breaker?
Weekly merger and acquisition update: July
Remi Bolduc: This is tricky because other factors come into play, like the type of breaker (thermal magnetic or 23, 2021
equipped with an electronic trip), ambient temperature and how the breaker is integration in the distribution MORRISSEY GOODALE
panel. As a guide, we normally oversize circuit breakers when they are supplying harmonic generating loads, 1.25
x in = CB ampere rating.
Top 5 Consulting-Specifying Engineer
Just a comment, harmonics can also cause misoperation or nonoperation of protective relays.
articles: July 16-22,…
Remi Bolduc: Good point, I agree. CHRIS VAVRA

When a variable frequency drive is installed with an energy eRcient motor it creates a harmonic effect of sort.
The correct motor to install is an inverted duty motor. Right?

Remi Bolduc: Good point, I agree. The harmonic effect is caused by the variable frequency drive inverter pulse
width modulation output, the effect is refected on the motor the variable frequency drive is controlling, not on
the upstream alternating current supply.

Can harmonics on a system cause vibration in switchgear and therefore noise? If yes, can that noise vary in
decibel level as well as not be consistent on location of noise and sometimes no noise at all?

Remi Bolduc: For sure, harmonics in switchgear will create additional heating and stress on switchgear and
busways. I would tend to say yes, harmonics could create humming noise in switchgear. However, I don’t have
concrete data on the subject.

Courtesy: Schneider Electric

Is harmonic negative impact only a thermal issue? If so, what is the method of calculating duration of
harmonics situation that will lead to a problem?

Remi Bolduc: Many factors would come into play for calculating the duration that will cause a problem, like
ambient temperature, loading on the equipment, equipment cooling means and so forth, so it’s dihcult to have a
precise algorithm. A good example to follow is K-rating calculation on transformers.

Is it more important to measure/consider voltage or current harmonics?

Remi Bolduc: Both are interlinked and both are equally important.

What percentage of a distribution transformers load can be nonlinear without accruing any signi6cant damage
or shortening the life of the transformer?

Remi Bolduc: It’s best to follow the recommendations of the IEEE C57.110-2018 when establishing transformers
capability when supplying nonlinear loads.

What would you do to reduce capacitors from deteriorating by the harmonics generated from the distribution
network? TRENDING TOPICS
Remi Bolduc: For electrical systems with a THDi equal or below to 20%, I would equip the capacitor banks with Automation, Controls
detuning reactors. When the THDi is superior to 20%, I would use an active harmonic ilter to correct the power
factor and/or reduce the harmonic level.
Building Envelope
How do you avoid the resonance when we have several harmonics like 5th, 7th, 13th and 17th for variable
frequency drives?
Building Types
Remi Bolduc: Resonance will occur when you have capacitance in an electrical system. The main capacitance
source is normally a capacitor bank. For these cases, use detuned type capacitor banks to control the resonant
frequency and force it below the 5th harmonic order. Detuned type capacitor banks are readily available on the Codes and Standards
market. Alternatively, you can resolve all resonance issue by using an active harmonic ilter to correct power
factor and to mitigate harmonics.
Commissioning
For variable frequency drives used to modulate fans and pumps up to 100 horsepower in commercial
operations, what solutions do you recommend to minimize harmonic distortions?
Electrical
Remi Bolduc: Use variable frequency drives with built in >3% direct current bus choke or >3% line reactor, then if
Codes & Standards: Lighting
you have a large quantity of variable frequency drives add an active harmonic ilter at the distribution board to
bring the TDD as per IEEE 519 table 2.

I have a cap bank with three steps to power factor correction, so I will have three different resonance frequency
in my system. Those resonance are 13th, 16th and 22nd. So, is that resonance frequency an issue for my
Energy Efficiency
industry if I have only 6-pulse drives? Do I need a 6lter to correct any harmonic issue with a THDV of 10.5% for
worst case? Codes & Standards: Fire, Life Safety
Remi Bolduc: For your case, I would worry mostly about the 13th resonance frequency because 6-pulse variable
frequency drives will produce a fair level of 11th and 13th harmonic order. I can see magniication of the 11th HVAC
and 13th harmonic order happening. That can be resolved by the use of detuned type capacitor banks or the use
of active harmonic ilters. At a minimum I would apply 3% direct current bus choke or line reactors on all your
variable frequency drives. By the way, a 10.5% THDv level is alarming, consider reducing this level below 8%, a Power
THDv of 5% or less would be my recommendation.

Are direct current bus chokes typically part of variable frequency drives?

Remi Bolduc: It’s more and more common to have variable frequency drives with built-in direct current bus
choke, for example, the Schneider Electric Altivar Process range of variable frequency drives all have direct
current bus choke. Most good variable frequency drives supplier have options for direct current bus choke or line
reactors, I recommend that you ask for it in your speciications. Ask for >3% line reactor or >3% direct current
bus choke.

Are 6lters built in to variable frequency drives?

Remi Bolduc: Sometimes. Line reactors or direct current bus choke sold with some variable frequency drives is a
form of iltering, it can reduce the THDi by 50%; it’s the irst line of defense. Some other form of variable
frequency drives referred to as low harmonic drive have low harmonic emission, these variable frequency drives
are also known as active front end variable frequency drives. These variable frequency drives are typically much
larger and much more expensive.

Can you review why the 5th harmonic is the predominant harmonic in 3-phase and not the 3rd?

Remi Bolduc: Without going into advanced signal calculations, 6 pulses rectiier (6 diode bridge) generate
dominant 5th, 7th, 11th and 13th harmonic order and 4 pulses (4 diodes bridge) generate dominant 3rd, 5th, 7th
and 9th harmonic order.

Is dynamic braking the same thing as regenerative braking. What is the bene6t?

Remi Bolduc: Correct, dynamic braking and regenerative braking are the same thing. It allows you to reinject
power onto the power grid, which reduces your overall kilowatt/hour consumption. It’s a way to save energy. And
obviously it also helps brake (stop) the load connected to the variable frequency drive.

Any recommendations to prevent or mitigate power quality issues with LED lighting?

Remi Bolduc: Use LED lights with low harmonic emission or use harmonic mitigation methods at the distribution
board, like a 3-phase 4-wire active harmonic ilter.

Do harmonics cause an issue at a water pump station, where high-voltage motors are used? Will it cause
SCADA data from a programmable logic controller to be distorted, by interfering with the programmable logic
controller data?

Remi Bolduc: If you have medium-voltage variable frequency drives, use variable frequency drives with
multipulsing rectiier bridges to reduce harmonic emission and/or other form of iltering. There is a possibility
that harmonic create communication issues with your SCADA/programmable logic controller (PLC) system. Use
shielded cables on your variable frequency drives and communications cables and keep your communication
cables away from your power cables as much as possible in order to reduce EMC interference.

What is the typical total cost to implement a 6-pulse versus a 12-pulse versus an 18-pulse recti6cation for
variable frequency drives?

Remi Bolduc: From 6 to 12 pulses, approximately 50% price adder and from 6 to 18 pulses, approximately 65%
price adder. The use of multipulsing technology makes sense when you have one or two variable frequency
drives that create issues and in medium-voltage application. When you have multiple variable frequency drives,
it’s more cost effective to meet a 5% TDD with the use of standard variable frequency drives with line reactor or
direct current bus choke and have an active harmonic ilter mitigating the remaining harmonics from all the
drives.

If you have a large standard (not detuned) capacitor bank at a facility’s electric main, can you install a new
separate active harmonic 6lter? Or will it 6ght with the old detuned capacitor bank?

Remi Bolduc: It’s possible to have an active harmonic ilter operate with a standard capacitor bank, however
special considerations must be taken, like adding CT’s at the capacitor bank feeder breaker. It’s best to get your
case reviewed by a Schneider Electric specialist.

How much load does an active harmonic 6lter consume? How much do you have to oversize your distribution
to account for active harmonic 6lter load?

Remi Bolduc: Active harmonic ilters are normally ~97% ehcient and add very little kilowatt load to your system.
For example, a 300 ampere active harmonic ilter that can inject 250 kVAR at 480 V has 7.1 kilowatt of losses.
Normally active harmonic ilters are NOT considered in load calculation because they reduce loading in the
electrical distribution by correcting the power factor and reducing the effective (RMS) current due to harmonic
mitigation, not to mention the load-balancing beneit.

12- and 18-pulse variable frequency drives reduce common mode voltage and so reduce motor bearing
currents and damage. Does harmonic mitigation generally decrease motor bearing current damage?

Remi Bolduc: I am not aware that 12 and 18 pulses can reduce common mode voltage. My understanding is
that it’s the variable frequency drive IGBT inverters that can create common mode voltage issue and the best
way to eliminate bearing damage due to current fow is the use of microiber motor shaft grounding ring.

If we know the fundamental RMS neutral current, what would be the worst case (maximum) TrueRMS in theory
and in experience?

Remi Bolduc: The maximum current fow in the neutral due to zero sequence harmonic is 1.732 time the phase
current. You may have seen some electrical speciications in data centers or computer rooms that ask for 200%
rated neutral for that reason.

Can you elaborate on how to add THD (for current and voltage) for different nonlinear devices?

Remi Bolduc: Example for current: load A with 100 A of fundamental with a 15% THDi has 15 A of HRMS, load B
with 300 A of fundamental current with a 25% THDi has 75 A H RMS. The total fundamental current is 400 A with
90 A harmonic RMS, so the new THDi is 90/400 A, so a THDi of 22.5%. THDv would be equivalent but with
voltage drop.

What is the relationship between harmonics and voltage unbalance?

Remi Bolduc: To my knowledge, there is no real relationship. What creates unbalance voltage is unbalance
current that comes from negative and zero sequence current.

Does active harmonic 6ltering translate into kilowatt-hour savings?

Remi Bolduc: Some small amount because it will reduce losses in the electrical distribution. The major beneit of
active harmonic iltering is more related to the reduction of down time, expending electrical equipment life span,
reduction of maintenance and to meet the utility grid code requirement.

Should we use active harmonic 6lter for 480 Vac motor control center?

Remi Bolduc: If the motor control center has multiple variable frequency drives, you should consider active
harmonic ilter for harmonic mitigation and/or power factor correction.

If you experience harmonic resonance (capacitors are damaged), what are your options to mitigate it?

Remi Bolduc: I would replace the damaged capacitors and I would add de-tuning reactors to the capacitor
stages. In the event where the harmonics are still too high, I would also add an active harmonic ilter to reduce
the harmonic distortion.

What is the typical recommended THD for a service size of 480V/4,000 amps? Is there a threshold?

Remi Bolduc: You would normally target a TDD of 5% or 8% and a THDv of 5% (best practice) or less. The best
ohcial reference is the IEEE 519-2014, you can refer to table 1 and 2 of the standard.

You mentioned earlier the effects of harmonics on large capacitors — do they also have an effect on line
capacitance?

Remi Bolduc: Line capacitance can also create resonance, which will magnify harmonic in voltage and current at
the resonant frequency. I have seen harmonic magniication issues created by LONG runs of buried cables at
airport and solar farms.

What kind of commercial applications are most critical for IGBT active harmonic 6lters? My head goes to
hospital equipment.

Remi Bolduc: Active harmonic ilters are used in most segments because nonlinear loads are everywhere.
Hospital is a good segment for active harmonic ilter application.

Are active harmonic 6lters only for + and – sequence harmonics?

Remi Bolduc: No, they can mitigate ALL the harmonics from the 2nd order to the 51st order.

How does one calculate the appropriate size for the active harmonic 6lter rating? Is it based on overall system
rating or the measured/calculated harmonics in the system?

Remi Bolduc: In existing installations, the active harmonic ilter sizing is normally based on measurements. In
new installations/projects, the harmonic level is evaluated via sizing tool (software). Schneider Electric has a
sizing tool available free of charge if you are interested.

My plant has seen an unexplained increase in utility bill from year to year (20 megawatt load). I noticed some
areas have 33% THDi.

Remi Bolduc: Unless the utility applies a penalty for noncompliance to their grid code, the THDi level should not
infuence your billing. We have a special department in Schneider Electric that assist customer with evaluating
customers service provider, you can contact your local Schneider Electric ohce for support.

What minimum horsepower rating would it be recommended to add an active harmonic 6lter?

Remi Bolduc: It’s dihcult to evaluate the need for active harmonic ilter only on horsepower rating. It’s best to
follow the IEEE 519-2014 table 2 guide lines and apply them on your low-voltage bus (example 480 V bus).

During electrical planning stage, we don’t have any information about motor characteristics, except its rated
voltage and horsepower, how do we size or pick the right harmonic mitigation equipment?

Remi Bolduc: Sizing tools are existing to assist with sizing harmonic mitigation (active harmonic ilter) for new
projects. Schneider Electric has a tool available free of charge if you are interested.

Regarding facilities who experience an abnormally high number of electronic huorescent ballast or LED driver
failures, is there typically a speci6c harmonic (3rd, 5th, 7th, etc.) that is suspect as the root cause.

Remi Bolduc: There is no speciic harmonic spectrum that could affect the LED driver, but a THDv superior to 5%
could affect the life span of the light ixture. There could also be other causes for the LED’s premature failure, like
voltage transient or simply poor product quality. For transient issues, it’s recommended to install TVSS on the
distribution board.

There was a mention of more impact on generators, rather than from utility supply. Should the harmonic 6lter
be placed only on the GE bus feed?

Remi Bolduc: For the same amount of harmonic current, the voltage drop at harmonic orders will be higher on a
generator due to its high impedance. You need harmonic iltering on both type of supply, utility or generator.
When on utility supply it allows you to meet their grid code and keep a clean source of power and on genset to
off load them from the harmonic stress.

Should we follow IEEE 519 if the generator is the prime source?

Remi Bolduc: I would say yes, alternatively follow the generator manufacturer recommendations for TDD level.

Can you elaborate in how to add THD (for V&I) for different nonlinear loads?

Remi Bolduc: Example for current: load A with 100 A of fundamental with a 15% THDi has 15 A of HRMS, load B
with 300 A of fundamental current with a 25% THDi has 75 A H RMS. The total fundamental current is 400 A with
90 A harmonic RMS, so the new THDi is 90/400 A, so a THDi of 22.5%. THDv would be equivalent but with
voltage drop.

Do server rooms bene6t from active harmonic 6lter application?

Remi Bolduc: There are two sets of problem with data centers. First, if your blade servers are power with SMPS
that yields a high level of THDi (typically older technology or cheaper design) then your power distribution units
and/or uninterruptible power supply could beneit from harmonic iltering from an active harmonic ilter. Second,
if your blade servers are powered by compensated (built-in iltering capacitors) SMPS then a high concentration
of these SMPS can cause a leading power factor on the electrical distribution. The main issue with leading
power factor is that your backup generator may refuse to start (governor issue) if the leading power factor is
outside their operating window. Then an active harmonic ilter can be used to correct the power factor and bring
the power factor back lagging to allow for proper gen set operation.

Does harmonics have a signi6cant impact on localized equipment (assumed energized), i.e., neighboring
variable frequency drives or controls equipment even though overall TDD may be within limits?

Remi Bolduc: Potentially, yes, if the localized THDv is high.

When should consultants recommend adding active harmonic 6lter, in terms of size in horsepower and
quantity of motors connected to a distribution system they have dedicated to mech loads?

Remi Bolduc: When the installation is projected to be outside the set limits recommended by the IEEE 519-2014
table 1 and table 2.

I have a lot of RCCBs installed in a building, on all distribution boards that I’m managing. The primary purpose
of the space is for a customer service center so there are a lot of computers. Random RCCBs across the
building keep tripping and this is disrupting the operations in the building. A consultant has suggested that the
cause might be harmonics and a capacitor bank may be required. Is there any way to con6rm that the RCCBs
are tripping due to harmonics?

Remi Bolduc: The consultant is correct; it could be caused by harmonics. To be sure, an audit would have to be
performed. Schneider Electric could assist with the power monitoring audit if you are interested. The solution is
likely to be a 3-phase 4-wire active harmonic ilter instead of a capacitor bank though.

Inverters used commonly to convert a direct current source to alternating current power can introduce
harmonics into a power system. Will the direct current bus in the inverter have voltage harmonics or can
sometimes be called ripple? Can you characterize the order of harmonics that might exist on the direct current
bus?

Remi Bolduc: The term that power electronic engineers use normally is direct current ripple and they will look at
the ripple frequencies to help with their component design, however I don’t know if they refer to these
frequencies as harmonic though.

What size of active harmonic 6lter is cost effective? What amount of energy can save through installing active
harmonic 6lter?

Remi Bolduc: Active harmonic ilters are scalable (60, 120, 200 and 300 A ratings) and are normally cost
effective if you are trying to mitigate harmonic for more than three nonlinear loads on a particular low-voltage
bus. Active harmonic ilters will help reduce losses on an electrical system, however active harmonic ilter’s
primary purpose is not for energy savings.

Which harmonic mitigation method do you recommend?

Remi Bolduc: I would always recommend the use of direct current bus choke or line reactors on all types of
rectiier loads. If you have two variable frequency drives or less that are causing harmonic distortions, then the
use of multipulsing technologies or active front end variable frequency drives would be good. In a case where
you have three nonlinear loads (example variable frequency drives) or more, then a system approach with an
active harmonic Filter is more appropriate and cost-effective.

The harmonic has the same effect at 50 to 60Hz.

Remi Bolduc: Correct, harmonics have the same effects on 50 or 60 Hz networks.

Is it possible to measure high harmonic at a variable frequency drive, but low at PCC? Can harmonics at the
variable frequency drive be ignored here?

Remi Bolduc: Yes, it’s possible to have high THDi at the variable frequency drive terminals and a low THDi at the
PCC. In cases like this, if you meet the grid code requirements and your THDv is below 5% on your LV bus, then it
can be ignored.

How does an energy-eRcient motor installed with a variable frequency drive impact motor harmonics?

Remi Bolduc: I would imagine the voltage distortion would be slightly lower since the motor impedance is lower,
however I cannot conirm because I don’t have concrete data on the subject.

When do you correct harmonics at individual equipment versus the substation switchgear?

Remi Bolduc: If you have one or two nonlinear loads that is causing most of the harmonic distortion on the
network, then it’s a good practice to mitigate the harmonics at the load level. If you have three or more nonlinear
loads, then it’s a good practice to compensate at the switchgear level or at the motor control center level. Note:
Active harmonic ilter is ideal for system level compensation.

Can modern active front end uninterruptible power supply systems signi6cantly affect the system’s power
factor and generator systems especially if you have multiple ups modules?

Remi Bolduc: The new generation of uninterruptible power supply equipped with active front end rectiier bridge
normally maintain a unity power factor and have a THDi below 5%, so normally they don’t impact the low-voltage
network power quality signiicantly. The active front end technology is normally used on medium and large size
uninterruptible power supplies.

What are the pros and cons of using an isolation transformer versus a line reactor?

Remi Bolduc: Both devices will reduce THDi from approximately 80% to 90% to 35% to 40%, they will both
protect the variable frequency drives against transient and they will both reduce the short circuit current at the
variable frequency drive terminals. The line reactors are normally smaller and cheaper. The isolation
transformers are mostly larger and more expensive and they have the beneit of giving a galvanic isolation to the
load.

What is the most common/recommended software to run harmonic system analysis?

Remi Bolduc: I would say ETAP or SKM.

Would 6ltering be best at the main distribution or throughout the system at the subpanels?

Remi Bolduc: Technically speaking, harmonic iltering device would yield better overall performance at the
subpanels, but more often than not it will be more cost effective to install one larger piece of iltering device at
the main distribution board.

In a hydro power plant, how can harmonics show themselves as distortion in control signals?

Remi Bolduc: I would say that it’s possibly electromagnetic interference, make sure you keep control wiring away
from power cables (and don’t run them in parallel to each other), power sources and nonlinear loads. Also use
shielded control cables.

What is effect of harmonic to maintain power factor in system? What is true power factor?

Remi Bolduc: Harmonics has the effect of displacing the true power factor, for example, you can have a
displacement power of 98% lag but have a true power factor of 88% lag on an electrical system. The calculations
are well explained in the presentation, please refer to it for more details.

Related Articles
WELL success stories
Designing healthy buildings with WELL
Webcast: HVAC systems that achieve indoor air quality

Remi Bolduc
Author Bio: Remi Bolduc, Competency Center Manager for Digital Power, Schneider Electric

Search Products And Discover New Innovations In Your Industry

SEARCH

AGF Manufacturing Siemens Smart Concrete Fastening Greenheck MassRobotics

Infrastructure Systems, Inc
5450 Greenheck Model OPA MassRobotics
COLLECTanDRAIN FDA241 – Lithium-ion Confast Spike® Open Plenum Array Publishes World’s First
Heated Auxiliary Drain Battery Off-Gas Open Source
Cabinet Detector Autonomous Mobile
Robot Interoperability
Standards

SPONSORED SPONSORED
AutomationDirect Brown Machine KINEXON
Valley Forge & Bolt Lenze Group
CCEA Industrial LED KINEXON X-Tag - the
High Temperature i950 Servo Inverter Lighting BMG Advanced Digital world's most cost-
MaxBolt ® Readiness™ Platform efficient UWB sensor

ADVISORY BOARD CONTACT CONTRIBUTE TERMS OF USE PRIVACY POLICY

By using this website, you agree to our use of cookies. This may
3010 Highland include
Parkway personalization
Suite 325 | Downersof Grove,
content and ads,
IL 60515 | and
(630)trahc analytics.
571-4070 Review2021
| Copyright our Privacy Policy for more information. ACCEPT