Seminar On

Harmonics

By Rashmi Ranjan Sethi Roll No 10402026 Electrical Engg. Branch

Overview

What are Harmonics? Classification of Harmonics. Source of Harmonics. Effects Of Harmonic Pollution. Solution to Harmonics Summary.

What are Harmonics?

Harmonics are currents or voltages with frequencies that are integer multiples of the fundamental power supply frequency (F=50 Hz in India). Harmonics are created by non-linear loads that draw current in abrupt pulses rather than in a smooth sinusoidal manner. These pulses cause distorted current wave shapes which in turn causes harmonic currents to flow back into other parts of the power system. These harmonics superimpose with the fundamental wave thereby distorting the waveform.

Classification of Harmonics

Each harmonic has a name, frequency and sequence. The sequence refers to phasor rotation with respect to the fundamental(F). Even harmonics disappear when waves are symmetrical (typical for electrical circuits). Voltage Harmonics are different from Current Harmonics. To quantify the distortion, the term THD( Total Harmonic Distortion) is used. The term expresses the distortion as a percentage of the fundamental of voltage and current waveforms.

Single-phase, non-linear load current waveform

Three-phase, non-linear load current waveform

In case of single phase non-linear loads, odd multiples of harmonics (3rd, 9th etc.) are more harmful than remaining odd harmonics.

Three phase loads generate primarily 5th and 7th harmonics and lesser amounts of 11th, 13th and higher order harmonics.

Source of Harmonics

Phase angle controlled rectifiers and inverters, often called as static power converters. In industrial plants, the most common causes of harmonic currents are three-phase, non-linear loads which include electronic motor drives, and uninterruptible power supplies. Fluorescent lights can be the source of harmonics, as the ballasts are non-linear inductors. Arc welders.

Effects Of Harmonic Pollution

In a three-phase, four-wire system, neutral conductors could be overloaded, resulting in excessive overheating and damage. Overloaded bus-bars. Leads to Transformer Problems such as: - Overheating. - Increased losses. Telecommunication Interference.

Effects of Harmonics (contd..)

Nuisance Operation of protective devices and meters. Zero, negative sequence voltage on motors and generator, along with excessive vibration in both single and three-phase motors. Reduced true power factor - As true p.f.=Displacement p.f. x Distortion p.f.

 In a four-wire system with single-phase, non-linear loads, certain odd-

numbered harmonics called triplens odd multiples of the third harmonic: 3rd, 9th, 15th, etc do not cancel, but rather add together in the neutral conductor. In systems with many single-phase, nonlinear loads, the neutral current can actually exceed the phase current. Leads to excessive overheating because, unlike phase conductors, there are no circuit breakers in the neutral conductor to limit the current.

Single-phase, non-linear loads connected to the receptacles produce triplen harmonics, which add up in the neutral. When this neutral current reaches the transformer, it is reflected into the delta primary winding where it causes overheating and transformer failures.

Solution to Harmonics

Use of higher pulse converters, such as 6,12 or 24pulse rectifiers, can eliminate lower harmonic values, but at the expense of creating higher harmonic values. Provide oversized neutral conductors Derate transformers or use Isolation, K-Factor Transformers. Use true RMS sensing for circuit breaker trip units, relays, meters etc.

Solution to Harmonics (Contd..)

Use of harmonic filters. Where neutral voltages are required, provide isolation transformers as close to their loads to shorten oversized neutral installations. Use quality equipment from trusted manufacturers.

Summary

Harmonics are here to stay. Some estimates show the percentage of the electrical non-linear load is doubling in the next decade. But the amount of harmonic voltage and current levels that a system can tolerate is dependent on the equipment and the source. Ongoing preventative maintenance programs that include harmonic monitoring can detect problems in the making, thus eliminating costly failures.

Summary (Contd..)

Knowing what our system harmonic levels presently are, what the effect of new equipment being added will do to these levels, and how much of an increase in harmonic levels that our system can tolerate are valuable pieces of information that are readily attainable from modern lower quality /harmonic analyzer monitoring equipment.

THANK YOU