Power Quality and Facts_Unit5
Power Quality and Facts_Unit5
1. What do you mean by harmonics? What are the causes and effects of harmonics?
Ans Harmonics in electrical systems are voltage or current waveforms that are sinusoidal in shape
and have frequencies that are integer multiples of the fundamental frequency. The fundamental
frequency is the main frequency of the system, typically 50 Hz or 60 Hz in most power
systems. Harmonics can be described as follows:
• Fundamental Frequency (1st Harmonic): The original signal frequency (e.g., 50
Hz).
• 2nd Harmonic: Frequency that is twice the fundamental frequency (e.g., 100 Hz).
• 3rd Harmonic: Frequency that is three times the fundamental frequency (e.g., 150
Hz).
• nth Harmonic: Frequency that is n times the fundamental frequency (e.g., 200 Hz for
the 4th harmonic).
Causes of Harmonics:
Harmonics in electrical systems are typically caused by non-linear loads or devices that draw
current in a non-sinusoidal manner. These non-linear loads cause distortions in the current and
voltage waveforms. Some common causes include:
Even Harmonics:
Even harmonics are those harmonics whose frequencies are even multiples of the fundamental
frequency. In mathematical terms, if the fundamental frequency is f, then the even harmonics
are 2f,4f,6f, and so on. These harmonics occur at frequencies 2nf, where n is an integer.
• 6th Harmonic: 6 times the fundamental frequency (e.g., 300 Hz if the fundamental
is 50 Hz).
b) Non-Linear Loads:
A non-linear load is an electrical load that draws current in a non-sinusoidal manner, meaning
the relationship between the voltage and current is not proportional. These loads introduce
distortions in the current waveform, causing it to deviate from the sinusoidal shape of the
voltage waveform.
Total Harmonic THD is a measure of the aggregate effect of all harmonic components of
Distortion (THD) a voltage or current waveform relative to the fundamental component. It
is expressed as a percentage:
Mitigation of Harmonics
To mitigate the adverse effects of harmonics, several methods can be employed:
Impact:
1. Overheating: Harmonics can cause capacitors to overheat due to increased losses.
This is particularly problematic with higher-order harmonics.
2. Resonance: Capacitors can create resonant conditions with the inductive components
of the system at harmonic frequencies, leading to amplified voltage and current
distortion.
3. Reduced Lifespan: The excessive heating and stress from harmonic currents can
degrade the dielectric material in capacitors, shortening their operational lifespan.
4. Increased Reactive Power: Harmonics can increase the reactive power demand,
potentially leading to overloading of capacitor banks designed to correct power factor.
Mitigation:
• Use of harmonic filters to mitigate harmonic currents.
• De-rating capacitors to handle higher harmonic loads.
• Installation of tuned harmonic filters or reactors in series with capacitors to block
specific harmonic frequencies.
b) Transformer
Impact:
1. Additional Losses: Harmonics cause additional eddy current and hysteresis losses in
the transformer core, leading to overheating.
2. Increased Temperature: The additional losses result in increased temperature,
which can reduce the efficiency and lifespan of the transformer.
3. Insulation Stress: Harmonic currents can cause increased dielectric stress on the
insulation, potentially leading to insulation breakdown.
4. Noise and Vibration: Harmonics can cause transformers to emit noise and vibrate,
which can be a sign of internal stress and potential damage.
Mitigation:
• Designing transformers with reduced harmonic impact (K-factor transformers).
• Implementing harmonic filters in the system.
• Proper maintenance and monitoring of temperature and insulation condition.
c) Motors
Impact:
1. Overheating: Harmonics increase losses in motor windings and the core, causing
excessive heating.
2. Torque Pulsations: Harmonic currents can create pulsating torques that lead to
mechanical vibrations and noise, reducing motor efficiency and increasing wear and
tear.
3. Reduced Efficiency: Harmonics reduce the overall efficiency of motors by causing
additional losses.
4. Insulation Damage: Prolonged exposure to harmonics can degrade the motor
insulation, leading to premature failure.
5. Bearing Currents: Harmonics can induce currents in motor bearings, leading to
electrical discharge machining (EDM) and premature bearing failure.
Mitigation:
• Using motors designed to handle higher harmonic loads (NEMA MG1 Part 31
compliant motors).
• Installing harmonic filters to reduce harmonic currents.
• Regular maintenance and monitoring of motor temperature and vibration levels.
Types:
• Single-tuned Filters: Target a specific harmonic frequency.
• High-pass Filters: Attenuate higher-order harmonics.
• Band-pass Filters: Designed to filter a band of harmonic
frequencies.
Advantages:
• Simple and reliable.
• No external power supply needed.
• Cost-effective for filtering specific harmonics.
Disadvantages:
• Fixed tuning; less effective for variable loads.
• Can create resonant conditions if not properly designed.
Advantages:
• Can adapt to changing load conditions.
• Effective across a wide range of harmonic frequencies.
• Can provide power factor correction and load balancing.
Disadvantages:
• More complex and expensive than passive filters.
• Requires an external power supply and regular maintenance.
Advantages:
• Provides the benefits of both passive and active filters.
• Can handle a broader range of harmonic frequencies and varying
load conditions.
Disadvantages:
• More complex and costly than either passive or active filters
alone.
• Requires careful design and maintenance.
Advantages:
• Reduces harmonic distortion at the source.
• Can improve overall system efficiency.
Disadvantages:
• More expensive than standard transformers.
• Effectiveness depends on the specific application and load
characteristics.
Advantages:
• Reduces harmonics generated by multiple rectifiers or inverters.
• Can be used in conjunction with other harmonic mitigation
techniques.
Disadvantages:
• Requires careful design and engineering.
• May not be effective for all types of harmonic sources.
Power Factor • Function: Improve power factor and reduce harmonic distortion
Correction by adding capacitors or inductors to the system.
(PFC) Devices: • Components: Capacitors, inductors, and sometimes electronic
controls.
Advantages:
• Improves system efficiency and reduces losses.
• Can reduce harmonic currents as a side benefit.
Disadvantages:
• PFC devices themselves can sometimes introduce harmonics.
• Requires proper design to avoid resonance issues.
Advantages:
• Simple and cost-effective.
• Can reduce voltage distortion and improve power quality.
Disadvantages:
• Can cause voltage drop in the system.
• Less effective for higher-order harmonics.