Harmonics -

Application of Standards
Rao S. Thallam
Fellow, IEEE
Salt River Project
Phoenix, AZ, USA

Presented at:
National Workshop on Electric Power Quality
Nov 10, 2004
Indian Institute of Technology, Kanpur
Kanpur, UP, India

• Introduction
• THD and TDD
• Displacement and True Power Factor
• K-Factor and Transformer Derating
• When should you be concerned?
• Application of IEEE 519 Standard
• Harmonics Measurements
• Industrial Customers
• Commercial Customers
• IEC Standards
• Conclusions

1
"This alternating current thing
is just a fad. It is much too
dangerous for general use"
Thomas Alva Edison

What Are Harmonics ?

Harmonics are due to distortion of the voltage or
current waveform
The distortion comes from nonlinear devices,
principally loads

I(t)

Nonlinear Resistor

V(t) V

2
Decomposition into Harmonic
Components

60 Hz
(h = 1)

+ 180 Hz
(h = 3)
+
300 Hz
(h = 5)
+
420 Hz
(h = 7)
+ 540 Hz
(h = 9)
+
660 Hz
(h = 11)
+ 780 Hz
(h = 13)
+
·
·
·

Current vs. Voltage Harmonics

Distorted Voltage
(Voltage Drop)
+ -

Pure
Sinusoid Distorted Load
Current

Harmonic currents flowing through the

system impedance results in harmonic
voltages at the load

3
Why bother about Harmonics?

Important aspect of power quality

Damaging Effects to Consumer Loads
and Power System
Problems may be incipient
Non-Linear Loads are Increasing
Power Factor Correction Capacitors

Total Harmonic Distortion

Defines the total harmonic content of

current or voltage

Ratio of the RMS of the harmonic

content to the RMS of the Fundamental,
as % of Fundamental

4
 Total Harmonic Distortion

sum of squares of amplitudes of all harmonics

THD = x 100 .
square of amplitude of fundamental

Mathematically, THD of a voltage wave form can be defined as,

2
h = ∞ Vh
THD = x 100 .
h = 2 V2
1

THD for Current Waveform

h=∞ I2h
THD = x100
h= 2 I 2
1

5
Total Demand Distortion Factor
(TDD)

Applies for current distortion only.

The total rms harmonic current
distortion, in % of the maximum
demand load current (15 or 30 min
demand)

Displacement Power Factor

When V and I are not distorted, PF is:

“Ratio of the active power of the
fundamental, in watts, to the apparent
power of the fundamental wave, in volt-
amperes”
P = V1rms I1rms Cos
PF = Cos

6
 Power and Power Factor
When significant distortion is present

PF = Cos θ

“Displacement
Power Factor”

True Power Factor

Ratio of the total power, in watts, to the

total volt-amperes. This includes
fundamental and all harmonic
components.
This is also called “Distortion Power
Factor”

7
 True Power Factor
P
PF =
S

Where: S = Vrms Irms

1 T
P= v ( t )i ( t ) dt
T 0

Engineering Speak

“We are looking at a number

of approaches”

Translation:
We are guessing.

8
 Engineering Speak
“We are making modifications to
address minor difficulties”

Translation:
We are starting over.

Engineering Speak
“Test results are gratifying”

Translation:
It worked and boy are we surprised!

9
 Engineering Speak
“We are trying some new
approaches”

Translation:
We threw some new guys on it.

K-Factor
K-Factor is ratio of eddy current losses
due to distorted current compared to the
losses for the same rms fundamental
frequency current
Example:
Eddy Current Losses with 100 A rms with harmonics =
270 Watts
Eddy Current Losses with 100 A rms 60 Hz sine wave =
27 Watts
K - Factor = 270/27 = 10

10
 K-Factor

h=∞
K = Ih (pu)2 h2
h =1

K-Factor
Assumes eddy current losses are
proportional to f 2 - OK for small
conductor sizes and low harmonics
At higher frequencies, eddy current loses
are proportional to f
Transition frequency depends on winding
configuration, material
Al - 2200 Hz, Cu - 700 Hz
K-factor over estimates harmonics effect
at higher frequencies

11
 THD and K-Factor
(Example Calculation)
Harmonics for 3-ph PWM type ASD
Fund. = 100 A rms
5th : 60 A rms = 0.6 pu
7th : 40 A rms = 0.4 pu
11th : 30 A rms = 0.3 pu
13th : 20 A rms = 0.2 pu
THD = Sqrt (0.62 + 0.42 + 0.32 +0.22)* 100 = 81 %
K = 12 + 0.62 * 52 + 0.42 * 72 + 0.32 *112+0.22*132
= 1 + 9 + 7.84 + 10.89 + 6.76 = 35.49

Transformer Derating

Non K-rated transformers have to be

derated when load current has harmonics

IEEE C57.110 “Recommended Practice

for Establishing Transformer Capability
When Supplying Nonsinusoidal Load
Currents”

12
 K-rating
K-rated transformers can handle non-
sinusoidal load current up to the full load
rating with k-factor up to the k-rating of
the transformer
K-rated transformers are designed to
have lower eddy current losses

Current Weighting
Type of Load Typical Waveform Distortion Factor (Wi)
1.0

Sources of Harmonics
0.5

Single Phase 80% 2.5

Current

0.0

Power Supply (high 3rd)

-0.5

-1.0
0 10 20 30 40
Time (mS)

1.0

0.5 high 2nd,3rd,

Semiconverter 4th at partial 2.5
Current

0.0

loads
-0.5

-1.0
0 10 20 30 40
Time (mS)

1.0

6 Pulse Converter, 0.5

capacitive smoothing, 80% 2.0

Current

0.0

no series inductance
-0.5

-1.0
0 10 20 30 40
Time (mS)

1.0

6 Pulse Converter, 0.5

capacitive smoothing 40% 1.0

Current

0.0

with series inductance > 3%,

or dc drive
-0.5

-1.0
0 10 20 30 40
Time (mS)

1.0

6 Pulse Converter 0.5

with large inductor 28% 0.8

Current

0.0

for current smoothing

-0.5

-1.0
0 10 20 30 40
Time (mS)

1.0

0.5

12 Pulse Converter 15% 0.5

Current

0.0

-0.5

-1.0
0 10 20 30 40
Time (mS)

1.0

0.5 varies with

ac Voltage firing angle 0.7
Current

0.0

Regulator
-0.5

-1.0
0 10 20 30 40
Time (mS)

13
Example 1 - dc drive

Example 2 - PWM drive, no choke

14
Example 3 - PWM drive with choke

Example 4 - Switched mode power

supply currents
Phase A (50 Amps)

Neutral (82 Amps)

Phase B (50 Amps)

Phase C (57 Amps)

15
Example 5 - electronic ballast
Line Current for Electronic Ballast
1.00
Max: 0.784

Current (Amps)
0.75 Min: -0.792
0.50
Avg: 0.305828
Abs: 0.792
0.25 RMS: 0.334094
CF : 2.37059
0.00 FF : 1.09242
-0.25
-0.50
-0.75
-1.00
0 10 20 30 40 50
Time (mS)
Line to Neutral Voltage for Electronic Ballast
200
Max: 170
150 Min: -170
Voltage (V)

100
Avg: 109.055
Abs: 170
50 RMS: 120.727
CF : 1.40814
0 FF : 1.10703
-50
-100
-150
-200
0 10 20 30 40 50
Time (mS)

When Should You be Concerned

About Harmonics
20 % of total load is power
electronic load
If service transformer is loaded
near rating
When PF correction capacitors
are planned
Neutral to ground voltage in 120 V
supply exceeds 1 to 2 volts

16
 Harmonic Standards
Several Countries have developed
Standards to limit harmonics
IEEE 519-1992
IEEE 519A-2004?
IEC 61000-3-2, 61000-3-4, 61000-3-12

IEEE 519
IEEE 519 “Recommended Practices and
Requirements for Harmonic Control in
Electric Power Systems”
Specifies load current harmonic limits
at PCC
Specifies supply voltage harmonic
limits at PCC
IEEE 519A “Guide for Applying
Harmonic Limits on Power Systems”

17
 IEEE 519 Standard Limits
HARMONICCURRENT DISTORTIONLIMITS IN%OF IL

V< 69 kV

ISC/ IL h < 11 11 < h < 17 17 < h < 23 23 < h < 35 35 < h TDD
<20 4.0 2.0 1.5 0.6 0.3 5.0
20-50 7.0 3.5 2.5 1.0 0.5 8.0
50-100 10.0 4.5 4.0 1.5 0.7 12.0
100-1000 12.0 5.5 5.0 2.0 1.0 15.0
>1000 15.0 7.0 6.0 2.5 1.4 20.0

Application Concerns
• Selecting PCC
• Calculating ISC and IL
• What is TDD ?
• Measurement Problems
• Time Varying Harmonics
• General Procedure for Applying Harmonic
Limits
• Cost of Problems vs. Cost of Solutions
• Distributed Generation Limits

18
 What is PCC ?

“Point in the public network which is

closest to the consumer concerned
and to which other customers are or
may be connected” IEC 61000-3-
4:1998

19
 IEEE 519 Standard Limits
(Utility)
HARMONIC VOLTAGE DISTORTION LIMITS
(in % of Nominal Fundamental Frequency Voltage)

Bus Voltage at PCC Individual Harmonic Voltage Total Voltage Harmonic

Distortion Distortion (THDV)
V < 69 kV 3.0 5.0

69 kV < V < 161 kV 1.5 2.5

V > 161 kV 1.0 1.5

20
 IEEE 519 Standard
Limits apply for the “worst case” for
normal operation (lasting longer than one
hour)
For shorter periods, during start-ups limits
may be exceeded by 50%
Even harmonics are limited to 25% of odd
harmonic limits
Co-gen - use Isc / IL < 20, irrespective of
actual value

Harmonic Current Measurements

• Calculate harmonics as % of a fixed
(average max. demand) current, not as %
of fundamental
• Limits in the Table Apply only to Odd
harmonics – Even Harmonics are limited
to 25% of those limits
• CT Characteristics are important – usually
good (should be less than 3 dB)
• How long to monitor?
– Very stable, One day may be adequate
– one week – for most cases
– Permanent monitoring in some cases

21
 Presentation of Results –
snap shots

Presentation of Results –
Time Trends

22
 Harmonic Voltage Measurements

• Measure at PCC
• Low Voltage – measure with direct
connection
• Higher Voltages – Connect with PT –
frequency response is good to 3 k Hz (50th
harmonic)
• Avoid CCVTs – frequency response is not
good

Evaluation Procedure

• Non-linear load is less than 10 - 20% of

total plant load – No harmonic evaluation
necessary
• Weighted Disturbing Power

SDw = ( SDi × Wi )
i

23
 Current W eighting
Type of Load Typical W aveform D istortion Factor (W i )
1.0

S ingle Phase 0.5

80% 2.5
Pow er S upply (high 3rd)

Current
0.0

-0.5

-1.0
0 10 20 30 40
Time (mS)

1.0

0.5
high 2nd,3rd,
Semiconverter 4th at partial 2.5

Current
0.0

-0.5 loads
-1.0
0 10 20 30 40
Time (mS)

1.0

6 Pulse Converter, 0.5

capacitive smoothing, 80% 2.0

Current
0.0

no series inductance -0.5

-1.0
0 10 20 30 40
Time (mS)

1.0

6 Pulse Converter, 0.5

capacitive smoothing 40% 1.0

Current
0.0

w ith series inductance > 3% , -0.5

or dc drive
-1.0
0 10 20 30 40
Time (mS)

1.0

6 Pulse Converter 0.5

w ith large inductor 28% 0.8

Current
0.0

for current smoothing -0.5

-1.0
0 10 20 30 40
Time (mS)

1.0

0.5

12 Pulse C onverter 15% 0.5

Current
0.0

-0.5

-1.0
0 10 20 30 40
Time (mS)

1.0

ac V oltage 0.5
varies w ith
Regulator firing angle 0.7
Current

0.0

-0.5

-1.0
0 10 20 30 40
Time (mS)

Fluorescent
Lighting 17% 0.5

Evaluation Procedure
• If SDw / Ssc < 0.1%, then automatic
acceptance
• SDw is weighted disturbing power
• Ssc is short circuit capacity at PCC
• If customer has or considering PF
Correction Capacitors, harmonic
evaluation is always necessary

24
 UTILITY CUSTOMER

Choose PCC

Calculate Short Circuit Estimate Weighted Disturbing

Power (S ) or % Nonlinear
Capacity (I ) DWLoad
SC

Is Power Factor
Yes Correction Existing or
Planned?

No

Calculate Average Maximum Stage 1:

Demand Load Current (I ) Yes Is Detailed Evaluation No
L Necessary?

Calculate Short Circuit Ratio

(SCR=I /I )
SC L

Characterize Harmonic Levels

(Measurements, Analysis)

Stage 2:
Does facility No
meet harmonic
limits?

Design Power Factor

Correction and/or Harmonic
Control Equipment (include
resonance and interaction
Yes concerns)

Verification Measurements
and Calculations
(if necessary)

25
 Applying Harmonic Limits For
Industrial Facilities

1. Usually supplied by dedicated transformer

2. Several nonliner loads – ASDs, Rectifiers, DC
drives, Induction furnaces
3. Loads are relatively low PF - Power factor
correction capacitors are installed
4. Industrial loads like motors do not provide
much damping for resonance conditions
5. Problems inside the facility before causing
problems in utility system
6. Limit Voltage distortion to 5% at PCC – provide
some margin for distortion within facility

Applying Harmonic Limits For

Industrial Facilities

1. Choose PCC
2. Characterize Harmonic Loads
3. Determine if PF Correction Needed
4. Calculate Expected Current Harmonics
at PCC
5. Design Harmonic Control Equipment, if
necessary
6. Verify performance with measurements

26
 Applying Harmonic Limits For
Commercial Customers

• Significant percentage of Load is

Electronic Equipment and Switch mode
Power Supplies
• High Efficiency Fluorescent Lighting
• HVAC Load is ASD drives
• Significant harmonic cancellation -Meeting
IEEE 519 at SES is rarely a problem
• Internal Harmonic Problems – neutral
overheating, transformer overloading,
communication interference

Overview of Proposed Revisions

to IEEE 519
• Immediate
– Increased voltage limits for buses < 1 kV
– Limits for time-varying harmonics
– Revised notch and ringing limits and
definitions
• Near-term
– Measurements
• Limits for Single-Phase Equipment
– Dropped

27
 Voltage Distortion Limits
(% of nominal fundamental frequency
voltage)
Individual Harmonic Total Voltage
Bus Voltage at PCC (Vn) Voltage Distortion (%) Distortion - THDVn (%)

Vn ≤ 69 kV 3.0 5.0

69 kV < Vn ≤ 161kV 1.5 2.5

Vn > 161kV 1.0 1.5

Harmonic Voltage Limits

• Add a new voltage limit category for

buses less than 1 kV
– 5% limit for individual harmonics
– 8% limit for voltage THD
• Main concern is associated with
multiple zero crossings
– Research has shown that concern has
merit

28
 Time-Varying Harmonics

• Limits must be based on factual cause/effect

– Thermal effects occur over time
– Burst distortion effects can be instantaneous
– Startup/abnormal conditions should be tolerated
• The facts suggest providing
– Significant limit increases for short periods
– Some limit increases for intermediate periods
– No increases for the majority of the time
• Some statistical techniques may be needed

Time Varying Harmonics

29
 Time Varying Harmonics –
Total Duration Limits
Total Duration of Total Duration of Acceptable
Harmonic Bursts (Ttotal) Harmonic Bursts harmonic distortion
(Ttotal in %) level
Ttotal ≤ 15 min. Ttotal ≤ 1% 3.0 ×(design limits)

15 min.< Ttotal ≤1.2 hr. 1% < Ttotal ≤ 5% 2.0 ×(design limits)

1.2 hours < Ttotal 5% < Ttotal 1.0 ×(design limits)

Time Varying Harmonics – Single

Burst Limits
Maximum Duration Max. Duration of Acceptable
of Single Harmonic harmonic
Single Harmonic Bursts (Tmax in %) distortion level
Bursts (Tmax)

Tmax ≤ 15 sec. Tmax ≤ 0.02% 3.0×(design

limits)

15 sec.< Tmax ≤ 30 0.02% < Tmax ≤ 2% 2.0×(design

min. limits)

30 min. < Tmax 2% < Tmax 1.0×(design

limits)

30
 Time Varying Harmonics
(24 hour period)
Total Duration of Maximum Acceptable
Harmonic Bursts Duration of a Harmonic
Single Harmonic Distortion Level
Burst
<15 minutes < 15 seconds 3.0 x design limit

>15 minutes and >15 sec and < 30 2.0 x design limit
< 1.2 hours minutes and

>1.2 hours and > 30 minutes design limit

Measurements
• Define measurement specification
– Many commercial meters exist
• 8, 12, and 16 cycle windows
• 128 and 256 samples/cycle
• Filtering
– IEC 61000-4-30 offers potential
• Specific requirements
• Captures 3s, 10m, and 2hr values

31
 IEC Standards
Apply at equipment level, 240 V or less, 1-ph,
690 V or less, 3-ph, 50 or 60 Hz
61000-3-2: loads with input current < 16 A
61000-3-12: loads with input current >16A and
<75A (published in 2004)
61000-3-4: loads with input current > 75 A
Use varies from country to country, mandatory
in EC
UL certification available in US

IEC 61000-3-2
Class A - General Purpose loads, 3-ph
balanced equipment (plus any eqpt not in
B,C,D)
Class B - Portable tools
Class C - Lighting equipment
Class D - Equipment with “special wave
shape” (conduction angle < 600), P < 600W

32
 Class A (Balanced 3-ph Equipment)
Harmonic Max. Permissible Harmonic
Order Current (Amps)
3 2.3
5 1.14
7 0.77
9 0.4
11 0.33
13 0.21
15-39 0.15 x 15/n

2 1.08
4 0.43
6 0.30
8-40 0.23 x 8/n

33
 Class C Equipment (Lighting >25W)

Harmonic Max. Harmonic

Order Current (% of Fund.)

2 2
3 30 x PF
5 10
7 7
9 5
11-39 3
(odd harmonics only)

Class D Equipment (Special Waveshape)

Harmonic Relative Limit Max. Harmonic

Order (mA/W) Current (Amps)

3 3.4 2.30
5 1.9 1.14
7 1.0 0.77
9 0.5 0.40
11 0.35 0.33
13-39 3.85/n 0.15 x 15/n
(odd harmonics only)

34
 ! "# $

IEC 61000-3-4

Loads with rated current > 75 A

Stage 1: SC KVA/EQ. KVA > 33
Stage 2: SC KVA/EQ. KVA 66, 120,
175, 250, 350, 450, 600
Stage 3: Local Utility Requirements
apply.

35
 IEC Standards
IEC Standards are based on European
distribution system
3 ph, 3-wire feeder, and 3-ph, 3-wire
branches, 11 or 12 kV
3-ph (delta-star), large (500 kVA - 1000
kVA) distribution transformers
400/230V, 3-ph long secondary
USNC - IEC standards in US

US distribution systems are

different
3-ph, 4-wire Feeder, 1-ph, 2-wire
branches, most 15 kV class
Small (50 - 100 kVA) transformers
serving 6 to 8 residents
120/240 V, 1-ph, short secondaries
No consensus between manufacturers,
utilities and users

36
 Comparison of European and North
American Systems
European North American
Feeder 3-ph, 3-wire 3-ph, 4-wire
Branch 3-ph, 3-wire 1-ph, 2-wire
Transformer 500 kVA-1MVA 50 kVA-100kVA
Connection Y/∇ Gr Y / Gr Y
Secondary 400/230V, 3-ph 120/240V, 1-ph
Length Long short

• Harmonics are important aspect of

power quality
• Application of power electronics is
causing increased level of harmonics
• Survey the loads and make
preliminary evaluation
• IEEE and IEC Standards reviewed

37