Power is an integral component of modern living. The vast majority of daily-use items are powered in some form. To deliver electricity that is both affordable and safe, we must employ the most advanced power technologies. A variety of issues with the power system have been identified as a result of harmonics, which increase the RMS of the current flow in the circuit and consequently increase loss. Harmonics have an effect on both the loads and the distribution system as a whole. Harmonics may also ruin delicate industrial and commercial equipment and appliances. In other instances, harmonic breakdown is subtle and impossible to distinguish from the normal ageing of an equipment.
Harmonic Distortion Definition:
Harmonic problems could make the power system less reliable if they happen because of how small they are. Problems in the power systems are caused by electric current and voltage harmonics. When there are a lot of harmonics in the power system, it can cause equipment to break or not work right. Harmonics, or changes in the shape of the current waveform, are usually caused by a load in the electrical system that is not linear. Personal computers, variable speed motors, driven motors, fax machines, laser printers, Switch-mode power supplies (SMPS), batteries, and uninterruptible power supplies (UPS) are all examples of non-linear loads and harmonics that are formed in power systems.
Why Harmonic Analysis Is So Important:
Harmonic makes power systems less effective and less good. If you use harmonic analysis to find harmonics in your power system, the reliability of your power system will go up. More power electronics equipment is used, which causes currents that do not flow in a straight line. Because of the loads in the systems, harmonics were created. Equipment and devices must use less power and meet standards for energy efficiency.
When Was Harmonics Analysis Needed?
- If the total load or bus system measurements are more than 25% of the total load, the harmonic limits must be checked.
- To fix problems caused by harmonics, such as damage to or problems with equipment.
- When will the plant be made bigger and how many non-linear loads will be added?
- Harmonic analysis is needed when the extra capacitor bank is added to the electrical systems.
| THE TYPE OF THE EQUIPMENT | A HARMONIC RESULT |
|---|---|
Rotating machinery |
Resistance increase, power loss, overheating, and pulsing torque. |
Electricity wires, switchgear, and a transformer |
Overheating, increased consumption, neutral overloading, and power losses |
The electrical capacitors |
A high current breakdown |
Electronic energy |
Inefficiency and shortcomings |
Protecting relays |
Mistakes and inconvenient trips |
Distortion and harmonic production take place in the system whenever a sinusoidal waveform interacts with a non-linear load. Harmonic analysis is often needed when it’s important to find out if there are harmonics in the system.
Positive Effects of Reducing Power System Harmonics:
- Lessening power losses in cables, switch gears, and protection devices helps harmonic analysis save operational expenses. It also helps reduce the losses in the power supply.
- Reduced capital costs: It helps prevent transformer oversizing by lowering the RMS current in the power system, which in turn lowers the demand for cable, switchgear, and busbars.
- Performance of the business: By eliminating losses and reducing the RMS current value, performance immediately increases. Harmonics can result in higher losses, current RMS values, and overheating of cables, transformers, motors, and capacitors. The results will not be positive, and you can experience process disruption and financial loss as a result.
How to Perform a Power Quality Analysis:
- Obtain a line graph emphasizing nonlinear loads.
- Pay careful attention to the theme that binds everything (PCC).
- Highlights plant buses that could be impacted by harmonics.
- Compile all relevant information on non-linear loads and the utility’s prior harmonic performance.
- Construct a prototype based on the functioning of the electrical system and ETAP (Electrical Transient Analysis Program) software.
- Calculate the voltage and current distortion and conduct research and an examination into harmonics.
- If harmonic distortion exceeds the allowable level, identify a strategy for lowering it.
- After implementing the mitigation approach, the harmonic analysis must be performed to confirm CEC compliance.
CareLabs supplies its team with state-of-the-art technologies to secure the security of your electrical equipment and give you a stable working environment. Request a price quote and learn more about CareLabs’ research and analysis services for harmonics.
