Distortion and power factor of nonlinear loads

In recent years, some electrical power utility companies have experienced a significant increase in the quantity and magnitude of nonlinear loads being connected to their power systems. Loads such as fluorescent lights, rectifiers, microprocessor-driven equipment, power supplies and variable speed drives are often relatively small and well dispersed to cause a major negative impact on the power system. In this paper, the concepts of nonlinear load and harmonics are reviewed. Subsequently, calculation of the harmonic distortion and power factor are discussed in mathematical terms and supplemented with practical examples