.::
Prof.Rajesh
Holmukhe*,
Prof.Yogesh
Angal**
Abstract-Harmonic
currents generated by non-linear loads can cause problems in the power systems and particularly the
distribution transformers as they are vulnerable to overheating and premature failure. Normally designers recommend an oversized
transformer to protect transformer from overheating. K-factor transformers are specifically designed to accommodate harmonic
currents. K-transformers are preferred because they have additional thermal capacity of known limits, design features that minimize
harmonic current losses, and neutral and terminal connections sized at 200% of normal. K-factor transformers allow operation up to
nameplate capacity without derating.
Index Terms- Additional thermal capacity, Derating, Distribution transformers, Harmonic currents, K- Factor, Nameplate capacity,
Neutral and Terminal connections, Non-linear loads, Overheating.
I. INTRODUCTION
Today's modem offices and plants are dominated by nonlinear
loads, desktop computers, solid state ballasts, PID lighting,
programmable controllers, and variable speed drives to name a
few. Due to these electronic loads, significant harmonic loads
have been added to the building's distribution systems. The
result is premature failure ofthe transformer due to
overheating. Till recent times, the only solution to this problem
was to derate the transformer. This solution is no longer
acceptable.
II.
r.
as suggested by ANSI!
IEEE Standards .
Harmonic
currents
cause additional
heating
in the form of
U)
(1)
Load
Where Ih is the load current at the harmonic h, expressed in a
per-unit basis such that the total RMS current equals one
ampere, i.e.
(2)
The problem associated with calculating K- Factor is selecting
the range of harmonic frequencies that should be included.
Some use up to 15th harmonic, others up to 25 th harmonic, and
still others include up to 50th harmonic. For the same load,
each of these calculations can yield significantly different
K-Factors, because even very small current levels associated
with higher harmonics, when multiplied by the harmonic
number squared, can yield significantly to the K-Factor. Based
on the underlying assumptions of C57.II0, it seems
reasonable to limit the K-Factor calculation to harmonic
currents less than 25 th harmonic. Sample calculations are
given in Table No.l.ln establishing standard transformer KFactor rating; UL chose ratings of 1, 4, 9, 13, 20, 30, 40 and
50. From a practical viewpoint individual loads with KFactors greater than 20 are infrequent. At best office areas
with some nonlinear loads and large computer rooms normally
have observed K-Factors of 4 to 9. Areas with high
concentrations of single phase computers and terminals have
observed K- Factors of 13 to 17. When multiple nonlinear
loads are powered from the same source, lower harmonic
current levels may be expected due to phase shifts and
cancellations. In one study of commercial buildings, single
phase loads with current distortion of 104%, THD (Total
Harmonic Distortion) resulted in only a 7% THD at the
service entrance, when added with other loads in the building.
Additional studies of typical loads are beginning to provide
information which could aid in the development of
additional rules of thumb to use when direct load
1!
K~acto'
v.
differ from
Development of
Triplen Harmonic Current
2.
3.
4.
AmPS
C
Theory also states that for even harmonics, starting with the
second order, when balanced, the even harmonic will cancel in
the common neutral. Other odd harmonics add in the common
neutral, but their magnitude is considerably less than triplens.
The RMS value of the total current is the square root of the
RMS value of the individual currents squared.
I Total --
IJoHz
(3)
= PDC(l + K(PEC))
(4)
Shielde~Transformer
sn~l~
&
~I
UnshieldedTransformer
~1t~~
t~l1t~
J
T ~I'"
~l ~
II ~i!
',.r.
~.
:..
.1.
\ '-----''j
= 20 10glo [Vin]
Vout
dB
(5)
In
(In)2
InlL (In)2)
(nonlinear
Load
Current)
(In)2
h2
100.0%
1.000
0.792
0.626
0.626
65.7
0.432
0.520
0.270
2.434
37.7
0.142
0.296
0.089
2.226
12.7
0.016
0.101
0.010
0.495
4.4
0.002
0.035
0.001
0.098
II
5.3
0.003
0.042
0.002
0.213
13
2.5
0.001
0.020
0.000
0.066
15
1.9
0.000
0.015
0.000
0.051
17
1.8
0.000
0.014
0.000
0.059
19
1.1
0.000
0.009
0.000
0.027
21
0.6
0.000
0.005
0.000
0.010
23
0.8
0.000
0.006
0.000
0.021
25
0.4
0.000
0.003
0.000
0.006
1.00
6.33
Total
1.596
2.
K- Factor
ILK
K-I
0.00
K-I
0.00
K-I
0.00
K-I
0.00
K-I
0.00
K-I
0.00
K-4
25.82
K-4
K-4
25.82
25.82
K-4
25.82
K-4
25.82
K-13
57.74
K-13
57.74
K-13
57.74
K-20
80.94
K-20
80.94
K-30
123.54
K-30
123.54
K-40
208.17
K-40
K-I
K-4
K-9
K-13
K-20
K-30
0.0
25.82
44.72
57.74
80.94
123.54 208.17
.:
3.
feeder costs.
The transformers designed specifically for nonlinear
loads minimize losses due to harmonic currents. They
operate with the nonlinear loads more efficiently and
generate less heat that need to be dissipated.
[2] Gruzs, T.M. "A survey of Neutral Currents in Threephase Computer Power Systems", IEEE Transactions on
Industry Application, Vo1.26, No.4, July/August 1990.
Copper or Aluminum.
80 C, 115C, 150C.
Electro-static shield.
3)
failure when
Conclusions:
Because transformers are the power system components most
affected by nonlinear loads, they are the first to receive a
harmonic rating system. K-Factor ratings are based on heating
effects of harmonics and are not necessarily applicable to
other power system components. If harmonic rating systems
for other components are needed, they will have to be
developed by other methods, e.g., THD, crest factor, or some
new and component-specific weighing of harmonic currents.
What is the likelihood that additional rating systems will
actually be developed? That's hard to predict. The best
solution to the problem caused by harmonic currents would be
preventive, i.e. the use of components does not generate
harmonics. Impending standards such as lEC 555 and IEEE
519 encourage the development of such devices.
Indeed, low harmonic current power supplies and electronic
ballasts are already available. As such new designs are
implemented, they should gradually displace existing
electronic loads (and their greater harmonics), serving to
reduce the prevalence of harmonic currents over the long term.
Short term, however, projection show harmonic levels in