I.BHARGAVA RAO B.HARISH D.RAGHU VARMA R.

SATISH

Definition:
Harmonics are integral of some fundamental frequency that, when added Together, result in a distorted waveform.

About The Harmonics:

The power company typically supplies a reasonably smooth sinusoidal waveform: Supply Frequency-50 Hzs ...but nonlinear devices will draw distorted waveforms, which are comprised of harmonics of the source. Typical Harmonics are 3rd,5th, 7th & 11th . 3rd = 150 Hzs. 5th = 250 Hzs. 7th= 350 Hzs. 11th = 550 Hzs

The main sources of harmonic current are at present the phase angle controlled rectifiers and inverters. These are often called static power converters. These devices take AC power and convert it to another form, sometimes back to AC power at the same or different frequency, based on the firing scheme.

Harmonics Generating loads:

A load is NON-LINEAR when the current it draws does not have the same waveform as the supply voltage. The harmonic spectrum depends on the type of load i.e., switching-mode power supplies, motors during start-up, transformers during switch-on, frequency controlled motors. Loads that make use of semi conductor devices like transistor.

1. Voltage Harmonics 2. Current Harmonics Voltage Harmonics: Voltage harmonics can effects sensitive equipment throughout your facility. Voltage harmonics arise when current harmonics are able to create sags in the voltage supply. Current Harmonics: Current harmonics do have an effect on the electrical equipment supplying harmonic current to the devices (transformers, conductors).Harmonic currents can cause excessive heating to transformers.

Measuring Of Harmonics:

Hand-held harmonic meters can be useful tools for making spot checks for known harmonic problems. However, harmonic values will often change during the day, as different loads are turned on and off within the facility or in other facilities on the same electric utility distribution system.

Case Study :

line voltage(v) L1 L2 L3 428.2 432.1 427.4

line currents(A) L1 L2 77.3 86 L3 78.4

%THD L1 L2 L3 13.8% 14.8% 11.2%

harmonic dominant 5,7,11,13

Without obvious symptoms such as nuisance breaker trips or overheated transformers, how do you determine whether harmonic current or voltages are a cause for concern? Here we have several suggestions for simple, inexpensive measurements that a facility manager or staff electrician could take, starting at the outlet and moving upstream

Effects Of Harmonics: Potential effects of harmonics. Effects of Harmonics on Transformers. Effects Of Harmonics On The Equipments. Effects on Network.

Increased hysteresis losses. Failed capacitor banks Increased maintenance cost of equipment and machinery Overheating of transformers (K- Factor), and rotating equipment Breakers and fuses tripping, Unreliable operation of electronic equipment and Generators Solution To Harmonic Problems: The best way to deal with harmonics problems is through prevention choosing equipment and installation practices that minimize the level of harmonics in any one circuit or portion of a facility. If the problems cannot be solved by these simple measures, there are two basic choices to reinforce the distribution system to withstand the harmonics or to install devices to attenuate or remove the harmonics.

Impact of harmonics on power factor Impact of harmonics on capacitors. Impact of harmonics on motor.

Decreasing Of Harmonics:
Care should be undertaken to make sure that the corrective action taken to minimize the harmonic problems dont actually make the system worse. This can be the result of resonance between harmonic filters, PF correcting capacitors and the system impedance. Isolating harmonic pollution devices on separate circuits with or without the use of harmonic filters are typical ways of mitigating the effects of such. Loads can be relocated to try to balance the system better.

Need and cause analysis. Root cause identification. Solutions analysis. Optimize solution based on effectiveness, speed of implementation and viability Propose solutions along with cost benefits and return on investment Undertake, and implement proposal. Harmonic mitigation transformer actually do relieve problematic harmonics. HMTs can be quite cost-effective in the right application, because they can both improve reliability and reduce energy costs. The right application includes transformers that are heavily or moderately loaded and where high levels of harmonic currents are present.

Passive Filters Active Filters De-tuned filters Tuned filters

Filter design highlights:

Selection of size Selection of configuration. Selecting of tuning factor. Location Sizing of components Verification of parallel & series resonance conditions.

Evaluating the life-cycle costs and effectiveness of harmonics mitigation technologies can be very challengingbeyond the expertise of most industrial facility managers. After performing the proper measurement and analysis of the harmonics problem, this type of evaluation requires an analysis of the costs of the harmonics problem (downtime of sensitive equipment, reduced power factor, energy losses or potential energy savings) and the costs of the solutions.

These are imposed by the electricity supply authority to protect other electricity consumers from the effects of excessive harmonics. They are usually based on agreed level of voltage distortion which can be tolerated by correctly designed equipment. This is specified in terms of total harmonic distortion (THD). The internationally accepted maximum THD compatibility level in a low voltage level is 8%, and to achieve this with a high degree of confidence it is usual to aim for a rather low level as the planning level, typically 5%. Individual harmonics are subjected to limits.

Limits for general installations are 5% Total Harmonic Voltage Distortion (THVD) and 12% Total Harmonic Current Distortion (THID). Limits for special applications are 3% THVD and 8% THID. Dedicated systems allow 10%THVD and up to 22% THID. IEEE States that the estimated load current should be an average running current for a 1 year period. If not known 80% of Full Load Amps is a good approximation.

Solving harmonic problem is not just for satisfying standard regulations, it is an economical business. It decreases the overall power losses on the system, includes voltage profile and improves power factor. The harmonic level has a great effect on the performance of the system components and equipments. Harmonic map for the distribution system is necessary for appreciating system operation upgrade.