POWER SYSTEM

HARMONICS

GOURI SHANKAR
DALABEHERA
 What is Harmonics?

Harmonics are defined as the sinusoidal components of a

non-linear periodic waveform with a frequency that is a
whole multiple of the fundamental frequency.
 the term total harmonic distortion (THD). expresses the
distortion as a percentage of the fundamental (pure sine)
of voltage and current waveforms.
Figure-1
Figure-2
Figure-3
 Sources of Harmonics
 Transformers under no loads and
light loads.
 Rotating machines.
 Rectifiers.
 Industrial drives.
 Electrolysis plants
 How Harmonics Are
Produced?
 Non-linear loads create harmonics by drawing current
in abrupt short pulses, rather than in a smooth
sinusoidal manner
 They occur frequently

 When there are large numbers of personal computers

(single phase loads), uninterruptible
 power supplies (UPSs), variable frequency drives (AC
and DC) or any electronic
 device using solid state power switching supplies to
convert incoming AC to DC.
 How do harmonics affect us?

 Greater risk of interference with

communication network.
 High currents in neutrals due to
Triplents
 Overheating due to overloading of
capacitors, motors, transformers,
cables
How Variable Frequency Drives
Cause Harmonics
 Harmonics Analysis:
• Power factor correction capacitors
are protected from short circuits as a
result of occurrence of parallel
resonance by using de-tuned filters.
• Tuned filters are used to suppress
individual harmonic orders.
Capacitor Voltage and Current
Relationships
 Effects and Negative
Consequences
 Harmonics can lead to power system
inefficiency. Some of the negative ways
 Conductor Overheating:
 Capacitors:
 Fuses and Circuit Breakers:
 Transformers:
 Utility Meters:
 Reducing Harmonics

 12-pulse converter front end:

Typical Twelve-Pulse Front End Converter for AC Drive

 Delta-Delta and Delta- Wye
Transformers:
 Isolation Transformers

 Line Reactors:
 Conclusion
 identifying the size and location of non-
linear loads should be an important part of
any maintenance, troubleshooting and repair
program.
 Observe various methods as possible as to
reduce harmonics
 This article was intended to provide an
introduction to the basic principles of power
system harmonics.
THANK “U”