Probabilistic methods applied to harmonic distortion

The authors have investigated the application of probability theory to two separate problems of power system harmonic distortion: traction and background distortion. In both cases the techniques have followed extensive measurement programs and have been verified against site tests. Agreement between theory and practice is good for the cases studied and the techniques could be extended to further loads. However, this should only follow appropriate testing to derive the basic data. Probabilistic techniques are beginning to be accepted for certain types of distorting load and for the assessment of particular problems. This acceptance should become more widespread as computing and measurement techniques improve