Power System Harmonics: An Overview

The assessment of harmonic phenomena and their system effects is characterized by considering long-established harmonicsources and problems, and by detailing new and future sources and their probable effects. There is considerable activity in the IEEE Power Engineering Society and Industry Application Society to identify harmonic effects, define acceptable measurement procedures, and set a proper basis for control procedures and standards. This paper is a treatment of the concerns being addressed, especially as they relate to new technologies of energy control, energy conservation, and modern power conversion. Three areas requiring sustained effort are: improving system and equipment models for network analysis, improving harmonic measurement techniques, and obtaining comprehensive data about harmonic effects on equipment and systems.