Harmonic Analysis of the UK Power System

In the contemporary world, power is an integral component of daily existence. The vast majority of everyday objects are powered in some form. To provide electricity to people in a safe and cost-effective manner, we must utilize the most efficient energy technologies. Harmonics raise the RMS of the circuit’s current flow, which causes the loss to rise. This has resulted in a variety of power system issues. Harmonics may have an impact on the whole distribution system, including the loads. Harmonics may also cause damage to sensitive appliances and equipment in your business or industrial location. Harmonic dysfunction may not always emerge quickly, and it can also be confused with normal equipment wear and tear.

Harmonic distortion definition:

Due to the minute size of harmonic issues, their occurrence might reduce the power system’s dependability. Electric current and voltage harmonics are responsible for power system issues. When there are a large number of harmonics in the power supply, equipment may malfunction or fail. Harmonics, or fluctuations in the shape of the current waveform, are frequently created in an electrical system by a nonlinear load. Personal computers, variable speed motors, driven motors, fax machines, laser printers, Switch-mode power supplies (SMPS), batteries, and uninterruptible power supplies cause nonlinear loads and harmonics in power systems (UPS).

Why Harmonic Analysis Is Important:

Harmonic reduces the efficiency and effectiveness of power systems. If you employ harmonic analysis to identify harmonics in your power system, the system’s dependability will increase. As the usage of power electronics equipment increases, currents no longer travel in a straight path. Because of the system loads, harmonics were produced. Equipment and equipment must consume less energy and fulfil energy efficiency criteria.

When did the significance of Harmonics Analysis emerge?

If the overall load or readings of the bus system exceed 25 percent of the total load, the harmonic limitations must be examined.
To repair issues caused by harmonics, such as equipment damage and malfunctions.
When will the plant be expanded, and how many non-linear loads will be added?
When more capacitor banks are added to electrical systems, harmonic analysis is required.

The Kind of Apparatus	A Harmonious Outcome
Rotating Apparatus	Increased cable resistance, power loss, overheating, and pulsating torque.
Power Cords, Switchboard, and Transformer	Overheating, increased use, neutral overload, and power losses are all indicators of a problem.
Electric Capacitors	a great deal of current going awry
Electronic Power	Performing poorly and failing
Protective Relays	Poor conduct and bothersome tripping

When a sinusoidal waveform is applied to a nonlinear load, the system experiences distortion and harmonic production. Harmonic analysis is generally necessary for determining whether a system contains harmonics.

Advantages of Eliminating Power System Harmonics:

Harmonic analysis reduces the amount of power wasted by cables, switch gears, and safety devices, hence reducing operational expenses. It also helps decrease power system losses.
It reduces the RMS current in the power system and aids in the elimination of oversized transformers, hence reducing the amount of cable, switchgear, and busbars required.

Performance of the company: As soon as losses are reduced and the RMS current value is decreased, performance increases automatically. Harmonics increase losses, the RMS value of the current, and the temperature of cables, transformers, motors, and capacitors. The results will be poor, and you may be forced to discontinue a procedure or incur financial losses.

Procedures to Follow When Conducting a Power Quality Analysis:

Obtain the one-line diagram depicting nonlinear loads.
Focus closely on the same connection point (PCC).
Brings to light the buses inside the facility that might be impacted by harmonics.

Collect as much information as possible on non-linear loads and the utility provider’s prior performance with harmonics.
Create a model utilizing ETAP software and the electrical system’s performance.
Check the voltage and current distortion levels and do research and analysis on the harmonics.
If the amount of harmonic distortion is excessively high, select a solution.
After implementing the mitigation strategy, rerun the harmonic analysis to ensure CEC compliance.

Carelabs provides its professionals with the most modern equipment so that they can ensure the safety of your electrical equipment and provide you with a secure working environment. Learn more about the harmonic research and analysis services Carelabs offers and receive a price immediately.