PRELAB ( GROUP A5 )

1. What is harmonics?

The term harmonic is used to refer to waveforms that correlate with each other based on
their frequencies. It is always applied to any member of a harmonic series. A harmonic is a
signal whose frequency is an integral multiple of the frequency of a reference signal.

For instance, if the reference or fundamental frequency is considered to be some value, f,

the waves having the frequency 2f, 3f, 4f and so on are considered to be harmonic waves. Thus,
if the fundamental frequency is known, the successive harmonic frequencies can be easily
calculated. Signals occurring at 2f, 4f, 6f and so on are considered to be even harmonics and
those with 3f, 5f, 7f are considered to be odd harmonics.

According to Rouse (2005), a harmonic is a signal or wave whose frequency is an

integral (whole-number) multiple of the frequency of some reference signal or wave. The term
can also refer to the ratio of the frequency of such a signal or wave to the frequency of the
reference signal or wave.

She also stated that Let f represent the main, or fundamental, frequency of an alternating
current ( AC ) signal, electromagnetic field , or sound wave. This frequency, usually expressed in
hertz , is the frequency at which most of the energy is contained, or at which the signal is defined
to occur. If the signal is displayed on an oscilloscope, the waveform will appear to repeat at a
rate corresponding to f Hz.
 2. Working mechanism of a Power Quality Analyzer, especially the FLUKE 435.

The Fluke 435 three-phase power quality analyzer help you locate, predict, prevent and
troubleshoot problems in three- and single- phase power distribution systems. Troubleshooting is
faster with on-screen display of trends and captured events, even while background recording
continues.

The Fluke 435 offers unique features like AutoTrend, which records everything on the
screen automatically; System-Monitor, a quick diagnosis of system performance against user
defined limits; Logger Function with multi-parameter logging; and Mains Signaling, measures
interference from ripple control signals at specific frequencies. These features help to quickly
diagnose problems and build benchmarks for predictive maintenance.

The new IEC standards for flicker, harmonics, and power quality are built right in to take
the guess work out of power quality.

Simple to use with immediate results. Designed for power quality specialists as well as
electricians and plant technicians working in industrial, healthcare, business, and public services
settings, the Fluke 435 has functions typically only found on expensive power recorders. Yet its
menu-driven interface allows users to be hooked up and recording in minutes.
 3. What are the mathematical expressions (equations) employed in describing
harmonics. Discuss their usefulness and limitations.

According to Ellis and Eng. (2001), harmonics are a mathematical way of describing
distortion to a voltage or current waveform. The term harmonic refers to a component of a
waveform that occurs at an integer multiple of the fundamental frequency. Fourier theory tells us
that any repetitive waveform can be defined in terms of summing sinusoidal waveforms which
are integer multiples (or harmonics) of the fundamental frequency. For the purpose of a steady
state waveform with equal positive and negative half-cycles, the Fourier series can be expressed
as follows:

They also stated that understanding the mathematics is not important. What is important
is understanding that harmonics are a steady state phenomenon and repeat with every 60 Hz
cycle. Harmonics should not be confused with spikes, dips, impulses, oscillations or other forms
of transients.

A common term that is used in relation to harmonics is THD or Total Harmonic

Distortion. THD can be used to describe voltage or current distortion and is calculated as
follows:
 According to Williams (2017), THD is defined as the ratio of the equivalent root mean
square (RMS) voltage of all the harmonic frequencies (from the 2nd harmonic on) over the RMS
voltage of the fundamental frequency (the fundamental frequency is the main frequency of the
signal, i.e., the frequency that you would identify if examining the signal with an oscilloscope).
Equation 1 shows the mathematical definition of THD (note that voltage is used in this equation,
but current could be used instead):
 When considering the addition of a large non-linear load to a plant power system, it may
be warranted to perform harmonic modeling analysis of the system if it comprises 25% or more
of the plant load. Harmonic modeling is a mathematical way of predicting harmonic distortion
levels and potential resonances based on available power system data. All but the simplest of
systems will require a computer to perform this analysis. A number of software packages are
available specifically for this purpose.

Components such as transformers, capacitors, motors, and the utility system impedance
are taken into account, and non-linear loads are represented by multiple frequency harmonic
current sources. Such a modeling study will indicate if harmonic levels will fall within IEEE or
utility limits. If a harmonic modeling study indicates excessive harmonic levels or a potentially
harmful resonance condition, there are a number of alternative corrective measures that can be
taken.

If a problem is anticipated due to a power system resonance, it may be worthwhile to

relocate or disconnect a small amount of power factor correction capacitance to shift a resonant
frequency away from a characteristic harmonic. Harmonic filters can also be added to the
system. Harmonic filters generally consist of one more tuned series LC legs which shunt specific
harmonic currents away from the power system. Harmonic filters have the added benefit of
supplying leading KVARs and thus provide power factor correction. The following is a typical
one-line diagram showing how a harmonic filter would tie in to the power system.
References

Margaret,R.(2005). Harmonic.
https://whatis.techtarget.com/definition/harmonic

https://www.techopedia.com/definition/16935/harmonic

https://www.testequipmentconnection.com/25881/Fluke_435.php

Robert G. Ellis, P. Eng. (2001). Power system harmonics.

http://literature.rockwellautomation.com/idc/groups/literature/documents/wp/mvb-wp011_-
en-p.pdf

David, W. (2017). Understanding, calculating, and measuring THD.

https://www.allaboutcircuits.com/technical-articles/the-importance-of-total-harmonic-
distortion/