Power System Harmonics

Explain Reactive Power Compensation?

• Active power produces effective work in electrical appliances at
the same time
• Around the world 70% loads are inductive in nature which
requires reactive power without reactive power magnetization of
core is not possible.
• Active and reactive both power generation possible from
generating stations and each device except resistive component
require reactive power
• Inductive component like motors, inductors etc. absorbs reactive
power
• Capacitive component generates reactive power
• Transmission line can generate and absorb reactive depend on
line loading and voltage level.
• Each generating station having its own generation limit of
reactive power that ‘s why sometime extremal source-"sink of
reactive power is needed.
• Reactive power compensation in power systems can be either
 Overview
• Harmonics are a Power Quality problem.
• Harmonics are distortion on a power system caused by
non-linear type loads such as Variable Frequency Drives
(VFDs), large computer systems, SCADA systems, etc.
They are a sinusoidal component of a periodic wave or
quantity having a frequency that is an integral multiple of
the fundamental frequency.
• These load types are comprising an increasing portion of
the total load for various facilities.
• IEEE Standard 519 creates limits for harmonic
distortion.
• Harmonic distortion can be mitigated.
 What are Harmonics?

• Mathematical way of describing distortion to a voltage or

current waveform.

• Steady state phenomenon that repeats with every cycle.

• Not to be confused with transient dips, spikes, impulses:

oscillations etc.
 What are Harmonics?

• Harmonics have frequencies that are integer multiples of

the waveform’s fundamental frequency.
• Harmonic distortion is the degree to which a waveform
deviates from its pure sinusoidal values as a result of the
summation of all the harmonic elements.
• For a 60Hz fundamental frequency waveform, the 2nd , 3rd,
4th , and 5th harmonic components will be at 120Hz, 180Hz,
240Hz, and 300Hz, respectively.
• An ideal sine wave has zero harmonic components
Harmonic Distortion
 Non-linear Waveforms
• Non-linear loads typically have “clipped” waveforms.
• When sine waves are distorted symmetrically about their
average values, then they are composed of odd harmonics
only.
 3rd order harmonics
• Each phase for a three-phase system is 120 degrees
apart.
• The 3rd harmonics between the phases add together,
which leads to oscillating current.
• Causes sharp increase in the zero sequence current,
thereby increasing the current in the neutral conductor.
• Delta connections are used to prevent the summation of
harmonic currents.
 Interhamonics
The IEC defines interharmonics as: “Between the
harmonics of the power frequency voltage and current,
further. frequencies can be observed which are not an
integer of the fundamental. They can. appear as discrete
frequencies or as a wide-band spectrum.”
Interharmonics are usually created by one of three
phenomena. The first is rapid non-periodic changes in
current or voltage caused by temporary or permanent
operation of load or generation in a transient state.
Depending on the process and controls used, these changes
can be quite random or fairly consistent. The second is
communication signals sent on power lines to control or
monitor system components. The third and increasingly
common source of interharmonics is static converter
switching not synchronized to the power system frequency.
Interharmonics
What is Harmonic Spectra?
Interharmonics and Harmonics
 Causes of Harmonics

• Caused by non-linear type loads

• Power sources act as non-linear loads, drawing a
distorted waveform that contains harmonics.
• 75% of all electrical devices in North America operate
with non-linear current draw.
 Sources of Harmonics
• Variable Frequency Drives (VFDs)
• Universal Power Supply (UPS)systems
• DC converters
• Solid State Rectifiers
• Arc Welders
• Heater Units/ Furnaces
• Switch Mode Power Supplies (such as those used for
computers)
• Electronic lighting ballasts
• PLC systems, SCADA systems, Computer systems, etc
 Effects of Harmonics

•Increase of line current within power system.

•Overheating of transformers, motors, generators,
capacitors, cables, etc. which can cause pre-mature failure.
•Mis-operation of circuit breakers and other protective
devices.
•Malfunction of electronic equipment (relies on zero
voltage crossing detection or is sensitive to wave shape).
•Incorrect readings on meters.
•Malfunctions in instruments, including medical
instruments.
 Effects of Harmonics
• Premature failure of power supplies.
• Low power factor requiring transformer kVA upsizing or
neutral upsizing.
• Resonating and harmonic heating of power factor
correction capacitors, which can cause failure.
• The power quality of distribution systems has a drastic
effect on power regulation and consumption.
 Resonance
• Resonance occurs when a harmonic frequency produced
by a non-linear load closely coincides with a power
system natural frequency.
• The likelihood of effects from harmonics occurring
greatly increases if a resonant condition exists or occurs.
• Single largest cause of severe harmonic distortion is
resonance.
• A normal harmonic may be amplified 10 to 25 times if
resonance occurs at or near critical frequencies.
• Occurs mainly due to improper use of power factor
correction capacitors or because of incorrect application
of filters.
• Two forms: Parallel resonance and series resonance.
 Phase Sequences of Harmonics and
Interharmonics
Phase sequences of harmonics Harmonic Phase
vah (t )  2Vh sin( h0t   h ) Order Sequence
1 +
vbh (t )  2Vh sin(h0t  2h / 3   h )
2 -
vch (t )  2Vh sin(h0t  2h / 3   h ) 3 0
For variable frequency drives and motors 4 +
with fluctuating loads, interharmonics can 5 -
have either positive or negative sequence and
6 0
are rarely zero sequence. The general rule is
that the sequence of the interharmonc . .
component is the same as that of the supply 3h-1 -
system harmonic components being 3h 0
modulated. 3h+1 +

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 Phase Sequences of Harmonics and
Interharmonics

3h-1: negative sequence

3h: zero sequence
3h+1:positive sequence Zero
sequenc
Negative e Positive
h = 1, 2,… sequence sequence

20
 Parallel Resonance
• Occurs when the system inductance reactance (X ) and
capacitance reactance (Xc) are equal at some
frequency(5th, 7th , etc.).
• Harmonic currents that flow between capacitors and the
system inductance are significantly amplified (up to 10
-15 times).
• Can lead to capacitor fuse blowing or failure and or
transformer overheating.
 Series Resonance
Series Resonance
•A series combination of inductance and capacitance.
•Creates low impedance for harmonic currents at the
natural frequency.
•Results in high harmonic currents through the capacitors.
•Can result in a high voltage distortion level
 IEEE Standard 519: Overview
• IEEE Standard 519 was created to establish limits for harmonic
distortion and provide direction on dealing with harmonics.
• Defines limits for harmonic currents and voltages.
• Limits are defined at the Point of Common Coupling (PCC)
• Titled “Recommended Practice and Requirements for
Harmonic Control in Electric Power Systems".
• Current standard was released in 2014.
 IEEE Standard 519: Definitions
• Point of Common Coupling (PCC); It is defined as the
point in the power system closest to the user where the
system owner or operator could offer service to another
user. Frequently for service to industrial users (i.e.
manufacturing plants) via a dedicated service
transformer, the PCC is at the HV side of the
transformer. For commercial users (office parks,
shopping malls, etc.) supplied through a common service
transformer, the PCC is commonly at the LV side of the
transformer.
• The PCC is basically recognized as the point where any
harmonics could migrate onto the utility system and
cause problems for other customers.
Point of common coupling Examples
 More on Point of Common Coupling
• Intention is to prevent high level of harmonics (such as
that generated by non-linear loads) generated by one
customer from causing distortion at other customers on
the power grid.
• In considering the primary side of a power transformer
(that supplies only one customer), the transformer’s
impedance will decrease the short circuit ratio.
• This results in an increase in the harmonic current limits.
• The voltage distortion will be higher at the secondary of
the transformer.
 Short circuit ratio

 Short circuit ratio (SCR) is often used as an index of the system strength.
 IEEE Standard 519: Definitions
Short Circuit Ratio (ISC/IL): The ratio of the short circuit
current (ISC) available at the point of common coupling
(PCC) to the maximum fundamental load current (IL).
Maximum Load Current (IL): ls recommended to be the
average current of the maximum demand for the preceding
12 months. (Unfortunately, this value is inherently
ambiguous making it difficult to derive at the design stage
when measured load is not available).
 Isc/IL Ratio – utility power load
• High Isc
• Minimal Voltage Distortion
 Harmonic Indices
• Two important indices, THD and TDD, are used to
describe the effects of harmonics on power system
components and communication systems.
• These indices are used to measure the deviation of a
periodic waveform containing harmonics from a
perfect sine wave.
• For a perfect sine wave, the deviation (or the
distortion) is zero.
 IEEE
 IEEE standard specifies the allowable limits for voltage
and current distortion at various bus and system voltages.
These are given in Tables 1 and 2.The important
terminology used in this standard are explained below:
•The Point of Common Coupling (PCC) is the location of
the harmonic voltage and current distortion to be
calculated or measured.
•Total Harmonic Distortion (THD) is the total harmonic
voltage distortion calculated or measured at PCC.
•Total Demand Distortion (TDD) is the percentage of total
harmonic current distortion calculated or measured at PCC.
 TDD and THD
Total Demand Distortion (TDD)
The ratio of the root-mean- square of the harmonic current
to the root-mean-square value of the rated or maximum
demand fundamental current, expressed as a percent.

 Total Harmonic distortion (THD)

Total harmonic distortion (THD) is a ratio of harmonic
distortion to the fundamental frequency.
The greater the THD the more distortion there is of the 60
Hz sine wave.
Harmonic distortion occurs in voltage and current
waveforms. Typically, voltage THD should not exceed 5%
and current THD should not exceed 20%. Some of the
power meters offered by Siemens are capable of reading
THD.
Total Harmonic Distortion (THD)
Displacement power factor 

The displacement power factor is the power factor due

to the phase shift between voltage and current at the
fundamental line frequency. For sinusoidal (non-
distorted) currents, the displacement power factor is
the same as the apparent power factor.
 Harmonic Limits
Harmonic Limits
•Managing harmonics in a power system is considered a
joint responsibility involving both the suppliers (utility)
and end- users (customers).
•Harmonic limits are recommended for both voltage and
current.
•Limiting harmonic currents can keep the voltage
distortion within acceptable levels.
•Recommended limits only apply at the PCC and are not be
applied to individual pieces of equipment or at locations
within a user's facility.
 IEEE Standard 519-2014 VHD Limits
• Table 1 in IEEE Standard 519-2014 establishes harmonic limits
on voltage as 8% for total harmonic distortion and 5% of the
fundamental voltage for any single harmonic for system levels
up to 1,000 Volts.
• Limits are between 1,000 Volts and up to 69,000 Volts, the
limits are 5% for total harmonic distortion, and 3% for any
single harmonic.
 IEEE Standard 519: VHD Limits
• It should be noted that even if the voltage distortion
limits are met at the PCC, they could very easily be
exceeded downstream where connected equipment could
be affected.
• Since voltage distortion is the result of harmonic currents
passing through the impedance of the power system,
voltage distortion will always be higher downstream
where the harmonic currents are generated and where
system impedance is the highest
 Preventive Methods (Harmonic Standards)

IEEE 519-1992 Current Distortion Limits for General Distribution Systems

39
Preventive Method (Harmonic Standards)

IEEE 519-1992 Recommended Voltage Distortion Limits

40
Preventive Method (Harmonic Standards)

IEC 61000-3-6: Compatibility levels for harmonic voltages (in

percent of the nominal voltage) in LV and MV power systems
Odd harmonics non Odd harmonics Even harmonics
multiple of 3 multiple of 3
Order h Harmonic Order h Harmonic Order h Harmonic
voltage % voltage % voltage %
5 6 3 5 2 2
7 5 9 1,5 4 1
11 3,5 15 0,3 6 0,5
13 3 21 0,2 8 0,5
17 2 >21 0,2 10 0,5
19 1,5 12 0,2
23 1,5 >12 0,2
25 0,2 +
>25 1,3‧(25/h)
NOTE – Total harmonic distortion (THD): 8%.

41
 Preventive Method (Harmonic Standards)
IEC 61000-3-6:Indicative values of planning levels for harmonic voltage
(in percent of the nominal voltage) in MV, HV and EHV power systems
Odd harmonics non Odd harmonics multiple
Even harmonics
multiple of 3 of 3
Order Harmonic voltage Order Harmonic Order Harmonic
h % h voltage % h voltage %
MV HV-EHV MV HV-EHV MV HV-EHV
5 5 2 3 4 2 2 1,6 1,5
7 4 2 9 1,2 1 4 1 1
11 3 1,5 15 0,3 0,3 6 0,5 0,5
13 2,5 1,5 21 0,2 0,2 8 0,4 0,4
17 1,6 1 >21 0,2 0,2 10 0,4 0,4
19 1,2 1 12 0,2 0,2
23 1,2 0,7 >12 0,2 0,2
25 1,2 0,7
>25 0,2 + 0,2 +
0,5(h/25) 0,5(h/25
)
NOTE – Total harmonic distortion (THD): 6,5% in MV networks 3% in HV networks.

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 HARMONICS AND POWER FACTOR
• Power Factor Must include Distortion Factor (DF) to account
for harmonics.
• DF decreases as harmonics increases.
• True Power Factor may be lower when effects of harmonics
are considered.
HARMONICS AND POWER FACTOR
 Harmonics in Rectifiers
The characteristic current harmonics produced are determined
by the pulse number:
Ih = l/ h
h = np±1
lh = magnitude of harmonic current
h = harmonic number
n = any positive integer
p = pulse number in the rectifier scheme
 6-Pulse Rectifier
So, for a 6-pulse rectifier (p = 6), h = 5, 7, 11, 13, 17,
19, etc. (5th, 7th, 11th, 13th, 17th, 19th harmonics)
 18-Pulse Rectifier
An 18-pulse rectifier would yield harmonic currents at the
17th, 19th, 35th, 37th, etc. harmonics)
 Harmonics in Rectifiers
• 12-pulse, or better yet, 18-pulse drives are preferred over
6-pulse drives due to the reduction of harmonics.
• As a rule of thumb, the magnitudes of the harmonic
currents will be the fundamental current divided by the
harmonic number (i .e. the magnitude of the 5th
harmonic would be 1/5 of the fundamental current.
• Variable frequency drives (VFDs) also produce harmonic
currents at the output of the inverter which are seen by
the motor.
 Harmonics Mitigation
• With the increasing demand of non-linear type of
equipment and loads, mitigation of harmonics becomes
more and more important.
• If harmonics study or testing indicates excessive
harmonic levels or a potentially harmful resonance
condition, mitigation must be considered.
• Depending on the situation, there are typically several
mitigation methods to choose from.
Harmonics Mitigation Methods
Harmonics Mitigation Methods
•Limit the amount of non-linear loading.
•Drive Isolation Transformers
•Line Reactors
•Replace 6-pulse drives with higher pulse drives, such as 12-
pulse
•or 18-pulse.
•Harmonic Trap Filters
- Active Filters
- Passive Filters
•Resonance problem indicates removal or relocation of power
factor correction capacitors (PFCCs).
 Harmonics Mitigation - Harmonic Filters
• Generally, consist of one or more tuned LC legs which shunt
specifies harmonic currents away from the power system.
• Added benefit of supplying leading kVARs and thus provide
power factor correction.
 Active Filter Front End with LCL Filter
• Active Filter Line Inverter (rectifier) removes low frequencies
(< 1kHz)
• LCL Filter (passive filter) removes high frequencies (>1 kHz).
(Current and voltage)
• No transformer required
• Not affected by line imbalance
 Harmonics Mitigation - Parallel Active Filter
• Distorted current is sampled.
• Fast acting transistors are used to generate harmonic currents
and inject them 180 degrees out of phase.
• PROS:
— Sized to harmonic content only.
— Maintains good performance at light loads.
• CONS:
• Expensive
• Susceptible to background voltage THD and imbalance.
• Complexity requires start-up and regular service by
manufacturer.
 Measuring Harmonics
• Harmonics can be measured or monitored using specific
metering equipment.
• Digital Oscilloscope: Wave shape, THD, and amplitude
of each harmonic.
• True RMS Multimeter: Gives correct readings for
distortion- free sine waves and typically reads low when
the current waveform is distorted.
• Instruments should comply with the IEC specifications
summarized in IEEE 519-2014. -
 Harmonics Analysis and Modeling
• Harmonics analysis is a mathematical way of simulating or
predicting harmonic distortion levels and potential resonances
based on the power system data.
• The electrical distribution system is modeled using proven
engineering software, and a harmonics analysis is performed
in conjunction with other analysis, such as short-circuit, etc.
• Should be performed by a qualified person, preferably a
licensed electrical engineer.
 Evaluating Harmonics
• During the design stage of the project, especially when
capacitor banks or harmonics generating equipment will be
use .
• When capacitor banks need to be incorporated into an
existing system.
• In the event that large non-linear loads will be added to a
large facility especially if the new loading comprises 25% or
more of the existing load.
• If the facility has a history of harmonic related problems, such
as brownouts, voltage flicker, capacitor fuses being blown,
etc.
 Conclusions
• Harmonics can result in decreasing power system reliability.
• Understanding the causes, potential effects, and mitigation
methods can reduce or eliminate problems.
• Mitigation should be considered if non-linear loads are
significant portion of total system load.
• Applying the harmonic limits per IEEE 519 can be challenging.
• Mitigation methods can be determined with a proper
Harmonics Analysis.
• It is recommended that the Harmonics Analysis be performed
by qualified personnel.
• It is essential that a coordinated solution be provided which
meets the THD levels, system performance demands, and
power system requirements.