Harmonic measurements and analyses in distribution infrastructure feeding selected institutions in Malaysia and Nigeria

Potential of harmonic generations by research institutes and universities have not been exhaustively investigated in some developing Countries. This paper therefore presents measurements and analyses of harmonic distortions in distribution infrastructure feeding selected institutions in Malaysia and Nigeria. Harmonic data were collected over extended periods using a power quality analyzer (Fluke 435) for selected time intervals in two different universities, one each from Southern Malaysia and Northern Nigeria. The acquired data were preprocessed using inbuilt Discrete Fourier Transform (DFT) and further statistically analyzed in Excel and MATLAB environments. The main results respectively, revealed a maximum total harmonic distortion in voltage and current of 1.62% and 17.14% in a Malaysian university as against 1.3% and 14% in Nigerian university. Statistical analyses based on time stamped THDV and THDI have clearly demonstrated the extent of harmonic generations in the two institutions which even though are within recommended IEEE standard, exhibited distinctive diurnal variation patterns.