Microturbine harmonic impact study using ATP-EMTP

ATP-EMTP simulations of a 3-phase commercial power distribution system containing 250 kW, 480 V microturbines running at less than full load and producing harmonic currents that violate recommended current distortion limits are described. The purpose of the simulations was to investigate the extent to which the nonlinear currents generated by the microturbines in this situation might cause line voltage distortion. The results showed that even at the most vulnerable lateral tap points in the system under worst-case conditions the voltage THD did not exceed the IEEE standard 519 limitation for up to 50% saturation of commercial service entrances with microturbines.