Harmonics

In any alternating current network, flow of current depends upon the voltage applied and the impedance (resistance to AC) provided by elements like resistances, reactances of inductive and capacitive nature. As the value of impedance in above devices is constant, they are called linear whereby the voltage and current relation is of linear nature. However in real life situation, various devices like diodes, silicon controlled rectifiers, !" systems, thyristors, voltage # current chopping saturated core reactors, induction # arc furnaces are also deployed for various re$uirements and due to their varying impedance characteristic, these %&% 'I%(A) devices cause distortion in voltage and current waveforms which is of increasing concern in recent times. Harmonics occurs as spikes at intervals which are multiples of the mains (supply) fre$uency and these distort the pure sine wave form of the supply voltage # current. Harmonics are multiples of the fundamental fre$uency of an electrical power system. If, for e*ample, the fundamental fre$uency is +, H-, then the +th harmonic is five times that fre$uency, or .+, H-. 'ikewise, the /th harmonic is seven times the fundamental or 0+, H-, and so on for higher order harmonics. Harmonics can be discussed in terms of current or voltage. A +th harmonic current is simply a current flowing at .+, H- on a +, H- system. 1he +th harmonic current flowing through the system impedance creates a +th harmonic voltage.

1otal Harmonic 2istortion (1H2) e*presses the amount of harmonics. 1he following is the formula for calculating the 1H2 for current3

!hen harmonic currents flow in a power system, they are known as 4poor power $uality5 or 4dirty power5. &ther causes of poor power $uality include transients such as voltage spikes, surges, sags, and ringing. 6ecause they repeat every cycle, harmonics are regarded as a steady state cause of poor power $uality. !hen e*pressed as a percentage of fundamental voltage 1H2 is given by,

where 78 is the fundamental fre$uency voltage and 7n is nth harmonic voltage component. Major Causes Of Harmonics 2evices that draw non9sinusoidal currents when a sinusoidal voltage is applied create harmonics. :re$uently these are devices that convert AC to 2C. ;ome of these devices are listed below3 Electronic Switching Power Converters < Computers, =ninterruptible power supplies (= ;), ;olid9 state rectifiers < (lectronic process control e$uipment, 'C>s, etc < (lectronic lighting ballasts, including light dimmer < )educed voltage motor controllers Arcing Devices < 2ischarge lighting, e.g. :luorescent, ;odium and "ercury vapor < Arc furnaces, !elding e$uipment, (lectrical traction system Ferromagnetic Devices < 1ransformers operating near saturation level < "agnetic ballasts (;aturated Iron core) < Induction heating e$uipment, Chokes, "otors Appliances < 17 sets, air conditioners, washing machines, microwave ovens < :a* machines, photocopiers, printers 1hese devices use power electronics like ;C)s, diodes, and thyristors, which are a growing percentage of the load in industrial power systems. 1he ma?ority use a @9 pulse converter. "ost loads which produce harmonics, do so as a steady9state phenomenon. A snapshot reading of an operating load that is suspected to be non9linear can determine if it is producing harmonics. %ormally each load would manifest a specific harmonic spectrum.

"any problems can arise from harmonic currents in a power system. ;ome problems are easy to detectA others e*ist and persist because harmonics are not suspected. Higher )"; current and voltage in the system are caused by harmonic currents, which can result in any of the problems listed below3 8. 6linking of Incandescent 'ights 9 1ransformer ;aturation .. Capacitor :ailure 9 Harmonic )esonance 0. Circuit 6reakers 1ripping 9 Inductive Heating and &verload B. Conductor :ailure 9 Inductive Heating +. (lectronic ($uipment ;hutting down 9 7oltage 2istortion @. :lickering of :luorescent 'ights 9 1ransformer ;aturation /. :uses 6lowing for %o Apparent )eason 9 Inductive Heating and &verload C. "otor :ailures (overheating) 9 7oltage 2rop D. %eutral Conductor and 1erminal :ailures 9 Additive 1riplen Currents 8,. (lectromagnetic 'oad :ailures 9 Inductive Heating 88. &verheating of "etal (nclosures 9 Inductive Heating 8.. ower Interference on 7oice Communication 9 Harmonic %oise 80. 1ransformer :ailures 9 Inductive Heating Overcoming Harmonics 1uned Harmonic filters consisting of a capacitor bank and reactor in series are designed and adopted for suppressing harmonics, by providing low impedance path for harmonic component. 8. (lectrical ;ystem 6ureau of (nergy (fficiency ., 1he Harmonic filters connected suitably near the e$uipment generating harmonics help to reduce 1H2 to acceptable limits. In present Indian conte*t where no (lectro "agnetic

Compatibility regulations e*ist as a application of Harmonic filters is very relevant for industries having diesel power generation sets and co9generation units.