Harmonics In AC Systems

An Introduction

Harmonics an introduction
Modern electronic power control devices widely
used Major disadvantage is that the switching of semi conductors generates harmonics Because current in these systems is interrupted by a switching action, the current contains frequency components that are multiples of the power system frequency

Harmonics an introduction
High frequency harmonic currents cause
problems:
Excessive heat losses in transformers, cables,
other components Control, protection and metering devices do not function as required (nuisance tripping, etc.) Telecommunication & data networks subject to interference and disturbance

Harmonics an introduction
Particular problem where the network
contains power factor correction capacitors This can form a parallel resonant circuit at harmonic frequency Results in harmonics being amplified

Harmonics an introduction
Sensitive equipment
Communications VHF radio AIS systems Radar Computers Control systems Monitoring systems Navigation systems
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The Problem

To start with a simple example:

The Problem Linear Load

Four-wire System - Linear Phase Currents Return via Neutral Conductor where Balanced Phase Current Cancel Out
ABS GUIDANCE NOTES ON CONTROL OF HARMONICS IN ELECTRICAL POWER SYSTEMS . 2006

The Problem Non linear (switching) Load

Triplen Harmonics Add Up Cumulatively in Neutral conductors with Single-phase Nonlinear Loads in Four-wire System
ABS GUIDANCE NOTES ON CONTROL OF HARMONICS IN ELECTRICAL POWER SYSTEMS . 2006

The Problem

Problems most often caused by the 3rd, 5th, 7th, 11th, 13th order harmonics

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The Problem

5th order harmonic removed

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Terminology
Fundamental
The basic designed supply frequency

Harmonics
Waveforms at an exact multiple of the fundamental frequency

Order
Indication of the frequency of a specific harmonic
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Examples
Fundamental 60 Hz
3rd order harmonic 180 Hz 6th order harmonic 360 Hz

Fundamental 330 Hz
3rd order harmonic 990 Hz 6th order harmonic 1980 Hz (1.98 kHz)

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Major Cause
High speed electronic switching
Thyristors Controlled rectifiers Inverters Power transistors Propulsion PWM inverters DC AC power inverters in UPS units At time of switching
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All produce reflected currents

Harmonics In 3-phase Systems

Even numbers
Self cancelling in all AC systems

Multiples of three
Self cancelling in 3-phase systems Leaving 5, 7, 11, 13, 17, 19, 23

60Hz system
300Hz, 420Hz, 660Hz, 780Hz, 1020Hz
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Frequency And Amplitude

Higher frequency, lower amplitude
Amplitude varies as the inverse of the order

5th order harmonic

Amplitude = 1/5 fundamental

Applies to
Harmonic currents Resulting EMF
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Fundamental

-1.5 0.5 1.5 0 1 -1

-0.5

0 10 20 30 40 50 60 70 80 90 100 110 120 130 140 150 160 170 180 190 200 210 220 230 240 250 260 270 280 290 300 310 320 330 340 350 360

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0.5

1.5

-1

Fundamental + 5th Order

-1.5

-0.5

0 10 20 30 40 50 60 70 80 90 100 110 120 130 140 150 160 170 180 190 200 210 220 230 240 250 260 270 280 290 300 310 320 330 340 350 360

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0.5

1.5

-1

Fundamental + 5th & 7th Orders

-1.5

-0.5

0 10 20 30 40 50 60 70 80 90 100 110 120 130 140 150 160 170 180 190 200 210 220 230 240 250 260 270 280 290 300 310 320 330 340 350 360

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0.5

1.5

-1

Fundamental th 7th & 11th Orders +5

-1.5

-0.5

0 10 20 30 40 50 60 70 80 90 100 110 120 130 140 150 160 170 180 190 200 210 220 230 240 250 260 270 280 290 300 310 320 330 340 350 360

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0.5

1.5

2.5

-2

-1

All Orders Up To 17th

-2.5

-1.5

-0.5

0 10 20 30 40 50 60 70 80 90 100 110 120 130 140 150 160 170 180 190 200 210 220 230 240 250 260 270 280 290 300 310 320 330 340 350 360

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Out-of-phase Harmonics
Harmonics so far in phase
Regular waveform distortion

Out of phase harmonics

Irregular waveform distortion

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0.5

1.5

-1

5th Order, Lagging 0.8

-1.5

-0.5

0 10 20 30 40 50 60 70 80 90 100 110 120 130 140 150 160 170 180 190 200 210 220 230 240 250 260 270 280 290 300 310 320 330 340 350 360

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0.5

1.5

-1

5th & 7th; Lagging 0.8

-1.5

-0.5

0 10 20 30 40 50 60 70 80 90 100 110 120 130 140 150 160 170 180 190 200 210 220 230 240 250 260 270 280 290 300 310 320 330 340 350 360

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0.5

1.5

-1

All To 17th; Lagging 0.8

-1.5

-0.5

0 10 20 30 40 50 60 70 80 90 100 110 120 130 140 150 160 170 180 190 200 210 220 230 240 250 260 270 280 290 300 310 320 330 340 350 360

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Significant Effects
Inductive heating
Electromagnetic equipment Motors, transformers, generators, relays, coils Other current carrying devices Conductors, breakers, fuses Adjacent parts Steel enclosures, conduit, mounting plates
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Other Effects
Voltage distortion
Unpredictable equipment operation Tripping circuit breakers Flickering fluorescent lights Fuses blowing for no reason Excessive neutral currents Equipment overheating Equipment failure
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Harmonic Distortion
Various calculated values
Based on RMS values Total harmonic content (THC) Effective value of distorted voltage Total harmonic distortion (THD)

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Total Harmonic Content

Total harmonic content (THC) Example
EH = (EH5 + EH7 + EH11 ) Where EHn is the RMS value of the nth order EF = 660 VRMS 5th and 11th harmonics present EH = (EH5 + EH11) = (132 + 60) = 145VRMS
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Effective Value
Effective value of distorted voltage
EF+ EH

From previous example

EF = 660V EH = 145V

Effective value = (660 + 145) =

675.7VRMS
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Total Harmonic Distortion

Total harmonic distortion (THD)
Most commonly used measure Ratio of harmonic value to fundamental

EH EF

From previous example 145/660 = 21.97%

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THD Limits
Generally accepted limits for most systems
<15% >25% acceptable action must be taken

Limit set
Depends on equipment fitted Classification / makers may require lower limit

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How do you detect or measure harmonics?

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How do you detect or measure harmonics?

With care!
Normally only possible to measure at
voltages below 690 Volts ac

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How do you detect or measure harmonics?

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How do you detect or measure harmonics?

AEMC 3945 Connected On-site Illustrating Wrap-around Rogowski-type, AmpFlex 6500 A Current Probes
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How do you detect or measure harmonics?

Typical analysis by software:

Real Time Current Waveforms via Computer

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How do you detect or measure harmonics?

Typical analysis by software:

Real Time Computer Display of Harmonic Currents

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How do you detect or measure harmonics?

Typical analysis by software:

Unbalance in Real Time via Computer

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Minimising Harmonic Effect

Circuit design
Additional inductance Phase shift transformers Increase number of converter pulses

Use dedicated (clean) power supplies

Negates the advantage of single power source operation

Harmonic filters
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Minimising Harmonic Effect

Equipment design: Increase number of pulses; example use a
12-pulse drive instead of a 6-pulse drive. Harmonics produced higher up the order where they will have less effect

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Minimising Harmonic Effect

Where harmonics are too high, filters
must be used, either;

Passive filtration
Or Active filtration

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Minimising Harmonic Effect Phase Shifting

Phase shift can be accomplished using a star-delta
transformer Cancellation of 5th & 7th harmonic currents

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Minimising Harmonic Effect Phase Shifting

12-pulse A.C. PWM with double wound phase shift transformer

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Minimising Harmonic Effect Phase Shifting

Comprises a double-wound isolating transformer with 30 degrees phase shift between the star and delta secondary windings,

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Minimising Harmonic Effect Phase Shifting

Comprises a double-wound isolating transformer with 30 degrees phase shift between the star and delta secondary windings,

Two 6-pulse input bridges, an interbridge reactor, a DC bus and an inverter bridge.
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Passive Harmonic Filters

Consist of a series circuit of reactors &
capacitors Tuned resonant circuits
Absorb unwanted frequencies RLC circuit (resistance, inductance, capacitance)

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Passive Harmonic Filters

Consist of a series circuit of reactors &
capacitors

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Passive Harmonic Filters

High voltage harmonic filter

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Harmonic Mitigating Transformers

Using a Delta-ZigZag transformer it is possible to achieve
a 30 phase shift Overlaying the waveforms can provide some harmonic cancellation

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Harmonic Mitigating Transformers

B Wave Shape With No Phase Shift; A Wave Shape Phase Shifted By 30

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Harmonic Mitigating Transformers

The Combination of The B And 30 Phase Shifted A Wave Shapes.

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Harmonic Mitigating Transformers

When the two are combined cancellation of the 5th, 7th, 17th, and 19th harmonics occurs.
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Harmonic Mitigating Transformers

Another phase shift could further improve the waveform

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Harmonic Mitigating Transformers

Combination of Two A+B Wave Shapes With One Of The Two Phase Shifted By 15
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Harmonic Mitigating Transformers

Cancels out the harmonics

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Harmonic Mitigating Transformers

BUT the cost-benefit does not

generally justify this extra stage
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Active Harmonic Filters

Principle: Measures the harmonic content and Actively generates a harmonic current

spectrum in opposite phase. Original harmonics therefore cancelled out.

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Active Harmonic Filters

Principle:

ABB PQFA Active Filter system

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Active Harmonic Filters

Principle:

ABB PQFA Active Filter system

The PQF system is basically a compensating current generator

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Example - Electric Propulsion System

Phase shift transformers cycloconverters Motor-generator set for clean AC supply Double winding synchronous motor Propulsion motor excitation CPP
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