Introduction-to-Harmonics App-Note EN V01

APPLICATION NOTE
Introduction to harmonics
There is a great deal of importance placed on harmonics. We know that excessive harmonic distortion
can cause power quality problems due to the heat generated. These power quality problems can include
neutral wires, transformers as well as motors overheating.
But what exactly are harmonics?
• IEEE 519 defines a harmonic as a component of order greater than one of the Fourier series of a
periodic quantity
• IEC 61000-4-30 defines a harmonic frequency as a frequency which is an integer multiple of the
fundamental frequency
• IEC 61000-4-30 defines a harmonic component as any of the components having a harmonic
frequency
Linear Loads such as incandescent light and motors draw current equally throughout the waveform. In
short, a harmonic is a waveform distortion that has sinusoidal components that are multiples of the
fundamental frequency.
For example, in a 60 Hz system, the harmonic order 3, also known as the “third order harmonic,” is 180
Hz. (3 x 60 = 180). For example, in a 50 Hz system, the harmonic order 3, also known as the “third order
harmonic,” is 150 Hz. (3 x 50 = 150).
Figure 1
Why do we identify harmonic distortions based on their harmonic order?
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APPLICATION NOTE
A waveform can be represented in two different ways. We can represent a waveform in the time domain.
In the time domain we look at the instantaneous waveform amplitude over a given time period, as shown
in Figure 2. This is how we commonly plot a waveform.
Figure 2
The X axis = time.
The Y axis = magnitude.
So in the time domain we look at magnitude over a period of time.
Figure 3 shows a distorted waveform viewed in the time domain. Viewing this waveform does not help us
understand the nature and possible causes of the distortion.

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Figure 3
A waveform can also be defined as the sum of different frequencies. For example, figure 4 shows a
waveform that is the sum of a 60Hz waveform at 100V and a 180Hz waveform at 20V.

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APPLICATION NOTE
Figure 4
We can view a waveform in the frequency domain as a sum of various frequencies at different
amplitudes.

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APPLICATION NOTE
If we examine our distorted waveform in figure 3 in the frequency domain, we see a much different image
of the waveform.
Figure 5
The X Axis = Harmonic Order
The Y Axis = Magnitude of each harmonic as a percentage of the fundamental
By examining the waveform in the frequency domain we can easily see that the harmonic distortion is
due to 5th order harmonics and 7th order harmonics.
What causes harmonics?

Harmonics are caused by non-linear loads such as switching power supplies draw current only at the
peaks of the wave. When an AC voltage is applied to a linear load such as a motor or an incandescent
light the current drawn by that load tracks the wave shape of the AC voltage. This is because the
impedance of a linear load in general remains relatively constant.
So if we look at Ohms Law, we see that if the impedance remains constant then the current must track
the voltage. See figure 6.

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APPLICATION NOTE
Figure 6
When an AC voltage is applied to a non-linear load such as a power supply the current is primarily drawn
at the peak of the waveform. The non-linear load does not draw current evenly throughout the voltage
waveform. This is because the non-linear load could have rectifiers that only draw current in one
direction or the non-linear load could have switching devices like transistors that turn on and off, only
conducting current at specific times. (Figure 7) This means the impedance of the load is not constant.
Figure 7
Figure 7 displays current harmonic distortion.

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APPLICATION NOTE
All non-linear loads create current distortion to a degree. The larger the load, the higher the magnitude of
the distortion. The higher the switching rate of the load, the higher the harmonic order. Most loads today
are non-linear, so it is common to see current harmonics. If the magnitude of the current harmonics do
not get too high you will not see the harmonic distortion on the voltage waveform. However, if the
magnitude of the current harmonics get too high then they will start loading down the voltage. This is
where we see voltage harmonic distortion (Figure 8).
Figure 8
A common form of voltage distortion is referred to as flat topping. (Figure 8) This occurs due to excessive
third order harmonic on the current which clips the peak of the voltage waveform. This induces third
harmonic in the voltage. When harmonics mitigate over to the voltage waveform they can now propagate
through transformers. A distorted waveform in means a distorted waveform out.
Why do harmonics generate heat in cables, transformers and motors?

When a current passes through a wire it generates a magnetic field. In turn when an alternating
magnetic field crosses a wire it induces a current though that wire. The changing magnetic field can
cause current loops in the conductors. These are referred to as eddy currents (Figure 9).

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APPLICATION NOTE
Figure 9
Eddy currents induce magnetic fields that oppose the magnetic fields that created them. The repulsion of
the magnetic fields increases the resistance in the wire. This in turn creates heat and loss of power.
Higher frequency harmonics will increase the energy of the eddy current.
Categorizing harmonics
Harmonics are categorized based on similar attributes. Harmonics can be categorized based on their
order. When categorized by their order they would be listed as Odd Harmonics, Even Harmonics and
Triplens.
Odd Harmonics are harmonics with odd order numbers. Odd harmonics are symmetrical and would be
normally produced from non-linear loads (Figure 10).

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Figure 10
Even Harmonics are harmonics with even order numbers. Even harmonics are Non-symmetrical. These
should not be present in any significant value. Even harmonics are typically due to faulty rectifiers in non-
linear loads. This is why they are non-symmetrical (Figure 11).
Figure 11

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Triplens are odd harmonics that are multiples of 3 (Figure 12).
Figure 12
The significance of triplens they will cause high neutral currents. Waveforms consist of peaks and
valleys. Different frequency waveforms will typically partially cancel. This is because the peaks and
valleys do not align. Triplens do not cancel out. They will add together to create larger values. This will
be seen as high neutral currents.
Harmonics can also be characterized by their sequence. This is based on the rotation of their magnetic
field. Positive sequence harmonics creates a magnetic field that rotate in the same direction as the
fundamental. The fundamental frequency is considered to be a positive sequence harmonic.
Negative sequence harmonics have magnetic fields that rotate in the opposite direction of the
fundamental. This reduces torque and increases the current required for motor loads.
Zero sequence harmonics have magnetic fields that do not have a phase rotation. These harmonics can
increase overall current demand and generate heat. In three-phase systems, the fundamental currents
will cancel each other out, add up to zero amps in the neutral line. Zero sequence harmonic (such as the
third harmonic) will be in phase with the other currents of the three-phase system. Since they are in
phase they will sum together and can lead to high neutral currents.

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APPLICATION NOTE
Figure 13
How do we identify the sequence of the different harmonic orders?
The positive, negative, and zero sequence harmonics run in sequential order (positive, negative, and
then zero).Since the fundamental frequency is positive, this means that the second order harmonic is a
negative sequence harmonic. The third harmonic is a zero sequence harmonic.
Figure 14

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APPLICATION NOTE
The below chart shows the phase rotation for a 60Hz 3 phase wye system. Phase A displays multiple
angles 0°, 360°, 720°, 1080°……etc. All of these angles are phase A, they are all the same. They just
represents a different number of rotations around the circle. One full rotation produces 360° another full
rotation produces 720° and so forth. The same is true for the phase B angles and the phase C angles.
We can use this diagram to understand harmonic sequences.
Figure 15
To understand the phase rotation of positive, negative and zero sequence harmonics let’s use a 60Hz
system as an example. The fundamental (60Hz) is considered to be the 1st order harmonic, phase A is
at 0°, phase B is at 120° and phase C is at 240°. This is the positive sequence rotation. If we examine
this phase rotation below we see it produces a counter clockwise rotation.

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APPLICATION NOTE
Let’s examine the 5th order harmonic which is a negative sequence harmonic. To determine the phase
rotations for this angle we take the phase angles for phase A, B and C and multiply them by the
harmonic order, in this case 5.
Phase A (0° * 5) = 0°
Phase B (120° * 5) = 600°
Phase C (240° * 5) = 1200°
If we examine this phase rotation below we see it produces a clockwise rotation. This is opposite the
fundamental, hence it is a negative sequence.
Let’s examine the 3rd order harmonic which is a zero sequence harmonic. To determine the phase
rotations for this angle we take the phase angles for phase A, B and C and multiply them by the
harmonic order, in this case 3.
Phase A (0° * 3) = 0°
Phase B (120° * 3) = 360°
Phase C (240° * 3) = 720°
If we examine this phase rotation below we see it produces no rotation. They are all in phase, hence this
is a zero sequence harmonic. The table below shows the harmonic sequence of some common
harmonics we see on power systems.
Figure 16

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Summary
In the modern electrical grid we see a multitude of different types of loads. The number of non linear
loads are steadily increasing. Understanding the cause and effect of different harmonic orders is
essential in solving various power quality problems. In our next paper we will discuss the effects
harmonics have on transformers and motors. We will also discuss how to de-rate transformers using a K
factor.

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APPLICATION NOTE

neutral wires, transformers as well as motors overheating.

But what exactly are harmonics?

harmonic,” is 150 Hz. (3 x 50 = 150).

Why do we identify harmonic distortions based on their harmonic order?

Megger USA,SA, Pennsylvania,

in Figure 2. This is how we commonly plot a waveform.

The X axis = time.

The Y axis = magnitude.

So in the time domain we look at magnitude over a period of time.

understand the nature and possible causes of the distortion.

Megger USA,SA, Pennsylvania,

Megger USA,SA, Pennsylvania,

Megger USA,SA, Pennsylvania,

The X Axis = Harmonic Order

The Y Axis = Magnitude of each harmonic as a percentage of the fundamental

due to 5th order harmonics and 7th order harmonics.

What causes harmonics?

impedance of a linear load in general remains relatively constant.

the voltage. See figure 6.

Megger USA,SA, Pennsylvania,

Figure 7 displays current harmonic distortion.

Megger USA,SA, Pennsylvania,

where we see voltage harmonic distortion (Figure 8).

through transformers. A distorted waveform in means a distorted waveform out.

Why do harmonics generate heat in cables, transformers and motors?

Megger USA,SA, Pennsylvania,

normally produced from non-linear loads (Figure 10).

Megger USA,SA, Pennsylvania,

linear loads. This is why they are non-symmetrical (Figure 11).

Megger USA,SA, Pennsylvania,

Triplens are odd harmonics that are multiples of 3 (Figure 12).

be seen as high neutral currents.

fundamental. The fundamental frequency is considered to be a positive sequence harmonic.

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Technical support:+1-214-330-3519 P10

How do we identify the sequence of the different harmonic orders?

negative sequence harmonic. The third harmonic is a zero sequence harmonic.

Megger USA,SA, Pennsylvania,

We can use this diagram to understand harmonic sequences.

this phase rotation below we see it produces a counter clockwise rotation.

Megger USA,SA, Pennsylvania,

Technical support:+1-214-330-3519 P12

harmonic order, in this case 5.

Phase B (120° * 5) = 600°

Phase C (240° * 5) = 1200°

fundamental, hence it is a negative sequence.

harmonic order, in this case 3.

Phase B (120° * 3) = 360°

Phase C (240° * 3) = 720°

harmonics we see on power systems.

Megger USA,SA, Pennsylvania,

Technical support:+1-214-330-3519 P13

Megger USA,SA, Pennsylvania,

Technical support: +1-214-330-3519 P14

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