Development and implementation of a harmonic expert system

Solid-state rectification devices for power conversion, nonlinear loads, and power factor correction capacitor banks are being used more and more in industrial plants, and this has led to an increase in the number of harmonics-related problems. The authors discuss the development and implementation of a personal-computer-based expert system employing artificial intelligence methodologies. The system allows engineers to diagnose power system operation problems which may be caused by harmonic voltages and currents. The system integrates a wide variety of data input mechanisms, and generates results and data summaries in several formats. The system is also used for training personnel in the causes, effects, and solutions of harmonic problems