Methods of Evaluation of Harmonic Levels in Industrial Plant Distribution Systems

Techniques for analyzing and evaluating the harmonic levels in an industrial facility´s electrical distribution system are presented. The various system models and types of harmonic source representation are described. A harmonic evaluation should be performed when a new industrial facility will include sources of harmonics or when the addition of harmonics injecting equipment is being considered. Cogenerators and variable-speed ac induction motor drives are examples of sources of harmonics that are growing in size and number. The methods described utilize a harmonics load flow program based on the direct solution of the impedance matrix at each harmonic frequency. The program includes detailed models of transformers, lines, loads, and generators. It also allows the specification of the harmonic sources by either ac/dc converter parameters or by sampled data of the current or voltage waveform. Results from the analysis of two typical distribution systems in large industrial plants are presented. This analysis illustrates some of the problems that may be encountered and gives recommendations for solutions to these problems.