In the modern world, power plays a crucial role in daily life. Most of the things we use every day have some connection to power. To offer electricity in a cheap and secure manner, we must employ optimum power systems. Many problems with the power systems have been noticed because of harmonics, which raise the RMS of the current flow in the circuit and consequently increase loss. Harmonics can affect the loads and the overall distribution system.
The sensitive appliances and equipment in your industrial and commercial building might also be harmed by harmonics. In certain instances, the existence of harmonic dysfunction is not immediately obvious and cannot be separated from the appliance’s regular aging.
Definition of Harmonic Distortion
If harmonic problems do occur, their focus might diminish the power system’s reliability. Power system problems are brought on by harmonics in the electric current and voltage. Power systems with high harmonics can cause equipment damage or malfunction. A non-linear load in the electrical system is often what causes harmonics, or current waveform distortion. Personal computers, variable speed motors, driven motors, fax machines, laser printers, Switch-mode power supplies (SMPS), batteries, and UPSs (Uninterruptible Power Supplies) are a few examples of non-linear loads that produced harmonic in the power systems.
Harmonic Analysis: A Necessity
Power systems’ efficiency and quality are decreased by harmonic. Using harmonic analysis to identify harmonics in the power system helps improve the dependability of your power system. Non-linear currents emerge from the increasingly frequent usage of modern power electronics equipment. Equipment and devices must be power-saving and follow energy-efficiency requirements because harmonics created because of the loads in the systems.
When Was Harmonics Analysis Needed?
- If the load readings surpass 25% of the circuit’s total loads or bus systems, the harmonic limitations must be checked.
- To deal with harmonic problems, such as equipment breakdown or damage.
- The quantity of non-linear loads that will be added, as well as the date that the plant will be enlarged.
- Harmonic analysis is necessary when the extra capacitor bank is connected to the electrical systems.
| The Type of Equipment | A Harmonic Outcome |
|---|---|
Rotating device |
Cable resistance that is increased, power loss, overheating, and pulsing torque. |
A transformer, switchgear, and power wires |
Excessive consumption, overloading the neutral, overheating, and power losses |
Batteries with capacitors |
A failure with high current |
Electric force |
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 is important to find out if there are harmonics in the system.
Power System Harmonics Mitigation Benefits Include:
- Reduce running costs: The power losses of cables, switch gears, and safety devices may be reduced with harmonic analysis. It also contributes to reducing power system losses.
- Reduced capital costs: By lowering the power system’s RMS current and assisting in the elimination of transformer oversizing, less cable, switchgear, and busbars are required.
- Business efficiency Performance naturally rises as losses are reduced and the RMS current value is decreased. Harmonics have several negative impacts, including increased losses, current RMS value, and overheating of cables, transformers, motors, and capacitors. The results will not be positive, and you can lose money and have process disruption as a result.
Methods for Carrying Out a Power Quality Analysis:
- Get the one-line diagram to emphasize the non-linear loads.
- Pay close attention to the common connection point (PCC).
- Highlights the in-plant buses that harmonics may have an impact on.
- Assemble all the data on non-linear loads and the utility company’s past harmonic performance.
- Using ETAP (electrical transient analysis program) software and the electrical system’s performance, construct a mock-up.
- Conduct harmonic research and analysis, as well as check the degree of voltage and current distortion.
- If the harmonic distortion exceeds the permitted level, choose a mitigating approach.
- After implementing the mitigation approach, rerun the harmonic analysis to confirm CEC compliance.
With the most recent equipment, CareLabs’ professionals can guarantee the safety of your electrical equipment and provide you with a dependable working environment. Get more about the harmonic research and analysis services provided by CareLabs by requesting a quotation right away.
