Harmonic State Estimation in Distribution Network
Based on Fifth Harmonic Current Characteristic
Naotaka Okada, Member, IEEE
System Engineering Research Laboratory
Central Research Institute of Electric Power Industry
Tokyo, Japan
naotaka@ieee.org
Abstract— Reproductive simulation of the measurement data by
the harmonic analyze is start point to understand harmonic
voltage distortion mechanism, but the method to estimate the
harmonics distribution among the many utility customers has
not been established. In the last decade, harmonic analysis of
Japanese middle voltage customer and low voltage customer has
been done, the distribution of the fifth harmonic current can be
classified middle voltage customer’s single phase load, low
voltage customer’s three phase and single phase load named
group A and middle voltage three phase load named group B,
and the amplitude per load kW has been investigated from sum
of each current vector. By the application of this knowledge,
there is a possibility to estimate the harmonic distribution with
many harmonic source in the distribution network. In this paper,
we developed a harmonic state estimation method with limited
measurement condition by using the fifth harmonic current
phase angle classification model. Numerical experiments are
conducted in seven node distribution network to test the
proposed method. The results show that the proposed harmonic
state estimation by using the fifth harmonic current phase angle
classification model approach can reliably identify harmonic
distribution in the change of load conditions, background
harmonic voltage phase angle and series inductance of shunt
capacitors.
Index Terms—Harmonic state estimation, fifth harmonic,
harmonic phase angle, harmonic current model, distribution
network.
I. INTRODUCTION
The harmonic voltage distortion in Japan is a downward
trend slightly in recent years. However, there are some
distribution feeder with high harmonic voltage distortion
level in an inner-city area. In these distribution feeders,
although it is necessary to consider rational solutions, there
are unclear points in these voltage distortion mechanisms at
present. Therefore, elucidation of the mechanisms by analysis
of measurement data is important.
Harmonic voltage distribution can be calculated by using
harmonic current source of non-linear load as input data.
Based on this calculation, helpful information can be obtained
978-1-4673-6487-4/14/$31.00 ©2014 IEEE
566
Kenji Yukihira
System Engineering Research Laboratory
Central Research Institute of Electric Power Industry
Tokyo, Japan
for analysis and understanding of measurement data. This
harmonic voltage analysis procedure is simple and powerful
and it is able to obtain useful knowledge. However, by the
spray of power electronics technology, harmonic situation has
changed to be generated from many utility customer. It is
difficult to measure all utility customer in a distribution
feeder at same time. However, there is a number of harmonic
current conditions in the utility customers, therefore, under
the terms of low number of measurement, it is difficult to
determine effectual combination to conform calculation
closely to measurement.
State estimation technique of power systems was
originally developed for transmission networks [1]-[2]. These
techniques have been adapted for distribution networks [3].
And three phase state estimation algorithm were developed
for distribution networks [4]-[5]. Impact of measurement
location on accuracy was demonstrated for utility service area
model [6] and 95-bus test model [7]. Extended Kalman Filter
technique [8] has been tested for distribution networks. And,
the bad data detection method has been mainly discussed for
power transmission networks [9]-[11].
Harmonic state estimation (HSE) is used to estimate
harmonic distributions in power transmission networks [12],
[13]. This will enable to locate harmonic sources. Kalman
Filter technique has been also applied to HSE [14]-[16]. As
basic HSE method, the weighted least squares (WLS) based
method has been developed [17] and tested [18] in a
transmission network in Japan. Here eight synchronous
meters are used to estimate seven harmonic current sources.
Due to high expense of harmonic measurement system,
only limited number of harmonic meter are available in
power transmission network. To solve this problem, optimal
meter placement method has been developed [19], [20].
However, in case of the number of meter less than the
harmonic sources, these HSE cannot estimate harmonic
sources. On the other hand, sparsity maximization method
has been proposed to solve this estimation problem supposing
spatial sparsity of harmonic current in power transmission group A (supplied by line-to-line single and delta-delta
network [21]. In case of distribution network with many transformer) and middle voltage three phase load named
harmonic source, there is possibility spatial evenness of group B (supplied by Y-delta transformer) [22], [23].
harmonic current. B. Amplitude
In this paper, we developed a harmonic state estimation
Root mean square (RMS) currents of the fifth harmonic
method with limited measurement condition by using the fifth
converted middle voltage distribution line phase current are
harmonic current phase angle classification model. And
discussed here.
numerical experiments are conducted in seven node
In middle voltage utility customer, the RMS current per
distribution network to test the proposed method. The results
load kW has been investigated from sum of each current
show that the proposed harmonic state estimation by using
vector. RMS of fifth harmonic current per 1kW of load are
the fifth harmonic current phase angle classification model
3.5 ~ 7.5mA/kW for single phase transformer and 5 ~
approach can reliably identify harmonic distribution in the
11mA/kW for three phase transformer [22].
change of load conditions, back ground harmonic voltage
In low voltage utility customer, RMS of fifth harmonic
phase angle and series inductance of shunt capacitors.
current per 1kW of load are 4 ~ 8mA/kW for single phase
II. CHARACTERISTICS OF FIFTH HARMONIC CURRENT ON load and 27.1mA/kW for three phase load [23].
UTILITY CUSTOMER IN JAPAN The RMS harmonic current of three phase load in low
A. Phase Angle voltage customer was 4.5 times for single phase load. This
result may be caused by low load level for only three phase
First of all, the analysis has been performed for fifth
load of low voltage customer, in this investigation. An
harmonic current which generate failure mainly. The fifth
investigation of harmonics attenuation and diversity among
harmonic current of 81 single phase transformer and 87 three
distributed single-phase power electronic loads is shown in
phase transformer in middle voltage utility customer have
reference [24].
been analyzed in reference [22]. And also the fifth harmonic
current of 30 single phase transformer in low voltage utility III. HARMONIC STATE ESTIMATION
customer have been analyzed in reference [23]. The WLS method is a powerful tool to determine most
JIS C 4304-2005 “6 kV Oil-immersed distribution probably system state from measurement data with random
transformers” (Japanese Industrial Standards) specify the noise. We use the WLS method for harmonic state estimation
three phase transformer of the capacity from 75kVA to (HSE) of distribution network.
500kVA Y-delta connection for primary-secondary. A. Estimation by the Weighted Least Squares (WLS)
Therefore, the three phase load of the middle voltage
customer supplied from this Y-delta transformer. On the other Generally, the relation with measurement z, power system
hand, single phase loads and low voltage three phase loads or measurement equation h(x), state variables x and random
were supplied form line-to-line single phase transformer and noise n are shown as the following.
delta-delta transformer. z = h (x ) + n (1)
Group A Group B
50 Estimated state variables xe are given by the state x which
45 3 phase (6.6kV)
1 phase (6.6kV)
minimize the following equation J.
40 3 phase (200V)
J = [z − h (x )] R −1 [z − h(x )]
T
Relative frequency (%)

35 1 phase (100V/200V) (2)

30
25 R is noise covariance matrix. Here, the diagonal elements Rii
20 set to σi2. The σi is standard deviation of noise for
15
10 measurement zi. For example, we assumed deviation 2σi as
5 maximum error guaranteed by measurement zi.
0 In convergence calculation, under the condition of
30～60

60～90

90～120

120～150

150～180

180～210

210～240

240～270

270～300

300～330

330～360
0～30

∂J (3)
=0
Phase angle of 5th harmonic current (deg) ∂x
from equation (2), state variable xk update following equation.
Figure 1. Relative frequency of phase angle of fifth harmonic current in
Japan.
xk +1 = xk + P( xk )H (xk ) R −1 [z − h (xk )]
T

For these reason, the phase angle distribution of fifth

harmonic current, as shown in figure 1, are divided into two [
P (x ) = H ( x ) R −1H ( x )
T
]
−1
(4)
groups. The distribution of the fifth harmonic current can be ∂h (x )
classified middle voltage customer’s single phase load, low H (x ) =
∂x
voltage customer’s three phase and single phase load named

567
B. Fifth Harmonic Current Model on Customer C. Voltage Measurement Equation
The fifth harmonic current angle characteristic at node i For the node voltage measurement, the measurement
utility customer in the distribution network modeled average equation h(x) for real and imaginary part of fifth harmonic
μθ5i and standard deviation σθ5i by reference to Figure 1. voltage V5i at node i are
Similarly, the RMS of harmonic current amplitude modeled
average μA5i and standard deviation σA5i. Re(V 5i ) = E 5i (9)
Im(V 5i ) = F 5i
μA5i = K 5i
(P max i + P mini )
2 (5) The measurement noise assume 2σVz5i as maximum error
(P max i − P mini ) guaranteed by measurement Vz5i.
σA5i = K 5i
4 D. Line Current Measurements Equation
where K5i is harmonic current per load kW. Pmaxi set based For the current measurement from node i to node j, the
on maximum or contract capacity of customer for each measurement equation h(x) for real and imaginary part of fifth
harmonic current group at node i. Similarly, Pmini set zero or harmonic current I5ij are
minimum capacity of customer for each harmonic current
Re(I 5ij ) = G5ij E 5 j + B5ij F 5 j − G5ij E 5i − B5ij F 5i
group at node i. (10)
Figure 2 shows normal distribution model for fifth Im(I 5ij ) = − B5ij E 5 j + G5ij F 5 j + B5ij E 5i − G5ij F 5i
harmonic current phase angle and RMS of amplitude.
The measurement noise assume 2σIz5ij as maximum error
Group A
guaranteed by measurement Iz5ij.
Middle voltage customer
Single phase load E. Fifth Harmonic Node Admittance Matrix
Low voltage customer 90°
Three phase load (
N μ,σ2 ) The formation of fifth harmonic node admittance matrix
Single phase load
Y5 is needed to calculate harmonic measurement equation.
This formation realize 5 times for inductive reactance and 1/5
180° 0°
Phase angle times for capacitive reactance based on branch information of
2σ
fundamental harmonic, where 5 is harmonic order focused on
Group B in this paper.
Middle voltage customer
Three phase load 270° μ −2σ μ μ +2σ
F. Consideration of Fundamental Harmonic Voltage Phase
Figure 2. Normal distribution model for fifth harmonic current phase angle Angles
and RMS of amplitude. By the component of line inductive reactance, when
increase of load flow, the voltage phase angle of fundamental
The measurement equation h(x) for RMS of harmonic
harmonic at end of feeder lag to bus voltage angle. Because
current at node i is
of non-linear load generate harmonic current for fundamental
voltage angle, fifth harmonic current shift 5 times for
I 5i = C 5i2 + D5i2 fundamental voltage angle shifting in fifth harmonic space.
N (6) This phase shift of fundamental voltage make influence for
C 5i = ∑ (G5ij E 5 j + B5ij F 5 j ) estimation result of harmonic when unconsidered this phase
j =1
N
shift.
D5i = ∑ (G5ij F 5 j − B5ij E 5 j ) In this HSE, by using measurement at distribution
j =1 substation, fundamental voltage phase angle was estimated by
, where, E5i and F5i are real and imaginary part of node i the power flow state estimation method of reference [25]
voltage V5i and indicate state variables x. G5ij and B5ij are before HSE. Average phase angle μθ5i of harmonic current
element of fifth harmonic nodal admittance matrix Y5. model is corrected by following equation.
Following form were used in this paper.
μθ 5′i = μθ 5i + 5 ⋅ Δθ 1i (11)
V 5i = E 5i + jF 5i (7) where μθ5’ is corrected phase angle of harmonic current
i
Y 5ij = G5ij − jB5ij
model at utility customer and Δθ1i is phase difference of
On the other hand, the measurement equation h(x) for fundamental voltage at node i for norm voltage angle.
phase angle of fifth harmonic current at node i is G. Formation of Estimation Model
D5i A formation of z, h(x), diag(R) (diagonal elements of
∠I 5i = arctan (8)
C 5i matrix R) and x are shown in figure 3. The average μA5i and
μθ5’i of fifth harmonic current model are set in measurement
vector z with real measurement Vz5i and Iz5ij. Standard
deviation σA5i and σθ5i of fifth harmonic current model are

568
set on the diag(R) with the measurement noise 2σVz5i and TABLE II. CHARACTERISTICS OF FIFTH HARMONIC CURRENT OF
GROUP A AND GROUP B
2σIz5ij as measurement error guaranteed by measurement
device of Vz5i and Iz5ij. Group K5 (mA/kW) μθ5(deg) σθ5(deg)
A 6.5 150 7.5
B 8 315 7.5
Measurement part ⎡ Re(Vz 5i )⎤ ⎡ Re(V 5i )⎤ ⎡σVz5i2 ⎤
⎢ ⎥ ⎢ 2⎥ State variable
⎢ Im(V 5i )⎥
⎢ ⎥
⎢Im(Vz 5i )⎥ ⎢σVz5i ⎥ In this test model, group A customer assume node 2, 4 and
⎢ Re(Iz5ij )⎥ ⎢ Re(I 5ij )⎥ ⎢ ⎥
2
σIz 5ij ⎡ # ⎤
⎢ ⎥ ⎢ ⎥ ⎢ 2 ⎥
Im(Iz 5ij )⎥ h ( x ) = ⎢ Im(I 5ij )⎥ diag(R ) = ⎢ σIz 5ij ⎥
⎢ E5 ⎥ 5. And group B customer assume node 3, 6 and 7. Table III
⎢ = ⎢ i⎥
z=
⎢ # ⎥ ⎢ # ⎥ ⎢ # ⎥
x
⎢ F 5i ⎥ and IV show setting of customer capacity in this simulation.
⎢ ⎥ ⎢ ⎥ ⎢ 2
⎥ ⎢ ⎥
Harmonic current
⎢ μA5i ⎥ ⎢ I 5i ⎥ ⎢ σA5i ⎥ ⎣ # ⎦
model (Pseudo ⎢ μθ 5′ ⎥ ⎢ ∠I 5 ⎥ ⎢ σθ 52 ⎥ TABLE III. CUSTOMER CAPACITY OF GROUP A
measurement part) ⎢ i
⎥ ⎢ i
⎥ ⎢ i
⎥
⎢⎣ # ⎥⎦ ⎣⎢ # ⎦⎥ ⎣⎢ # ⎦⎥ Node Pmax Pmin Qmax Qmin
(kW) (kW) ( kvar) ( kvar)
Figure 3. Formation of z , h(x), diag(R) and x.
2 600 0 300 0
4 700 0 300 0
IV. SIMULATION 5 600 0 300 0

Numerical experiments are conducted in seven node TABLE IV. CUSTOMER CAPACITY OF GROUP B
distribution network model to test the proposed method.
Node Pmax Pmin Qmax Qmin
A. A Distribution Network Model (kW) (kW) ( kvar) ( kvar)
Medium voltage distribution feeders are mainly 3 500 0 300 0
6 200 0 100 0
constructed by overhead 6.6kV distribution network, in 7 1200 0 600 0
Japan. Figure 4 shows a simple overhead 6.6kV distribution
network model which feeds six areas by one feeder. And the To compensate reactive power of load, shunt capacitor
feeder operation and maximum capacity are assumed 3MVA (SC) are installed mainly middle voltage customer in
and 4MVA, respectively. Japanese 6.6kV distribution network. Table V shows SC
capacity of middle voltage customer at node 3, 6 and 7.
6 B Group A: Low voltage load
I56 Group B: Middle voltage three phase load
Measurement TABLE V. SC CAPACITY OF UTILITY CUSTOMER
SC with inductor
Vz51
B A A
Node SC capacity (kvar) Series inductor (%)
Upper
1 2 3
I53
4
I54
5
I55 3 300 0
6 100 6
I52 7 600 0
Iz512 A B
7
Measurement SC without inductor I57

C. Result and Considerations

Distribution substation SC without inductor
Numerical experiments are conducted by using fifth
Figure 4. A distribution network model. harmonic voltage distortion of upper back network shown in
table VI and customer load condition shown in table VII for
Voltage measurement Vz51 is obtained at secondary bus of true value calculation.
distribution substation transformer. Line current measurement
Iz512 is obtained at feeder from the bus. Table I shows line TABLE VI. DISTORTION RATIO AND PHASE ANGLE OF UPPER VOLTAGE
impedances of the distribution network model in figure 4. Voltage distortion (%) Phase angle (deg)
1.0 0
TABLE I. LINE IMPEDANCES
TABLE VII. A CUSTOMER LOAD CONDITION FOR TRUE VALUES
Connection R (Ω) X (Ω) Remarks CALUCUATION
1 0 0.327 Transformer
1-2 0.239 0.402 Trunk Node Group A Group B
2-3 0.225 0.384 Trunk P (kW) Q (kvar) P (kW) Q (kvar)
3-4 0.225 0.384 Trunk 2 300 200 - -
4-5 0.186 0.265 Trunk 3 - - 300 200
2-6 0.129 0.221 Branch 4 400 200 - -
3-7 0.253 0.337 Branch 5 200 100 - -
6 - - 150 70
7 - - 1000 500
B. Condition of Utility Customer
Table II shows setting of characteristics of fifth harmonic Table VIII shows comparison of true and estimated value
current of group A and group B. of fifth harmonic voltage. And Table IX shows comparison of
true and estimated value of fifth harmonic current. The results

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