Separate measurement of fundamental and high harmonic energy at consumer inlet — A real way to improve supply network voltage waveform

High harmonics in power systems are caused by both energy sources and consumers. Harmonics essentially decrease the efficiency of electricity use. Therefore the following questions are rather pressing: what is the source of high harmonics and at whose expense the supply network voltage waveform should be improved? Solving these problems is of both technical and administrative character. Electricity consumers can be divided into two groups. Group 1 includes loads with almost linear voltage-current characteristics. These consumers receive both fundamental and high harmonic energy which is detrimental in the majority of cases. Group 2 includes loads with nonlinear voltage-current characteristics. They generate high harmonics to the network while power supply company bears the costs of implementing the measures on decrease of the high harmonics level in the network. Hence, it is necessary to: (1) develop a meter to measure separately the energy of fundamental and high harmonics; (2) determine the way of compensating for the damage caused by high harmonics in supply network to the consumers of group 1 and for the damage caused by consumers of group 2 to power supply company. The paper shows the necessity of measuring separately fundamental and high harmonic energy. Measurement of high harmonic energy and settlement of legal issues related to payment for this energy should encourage power supply companies and consumers to take technical and organizational measures to decrease high harmonic level in the network. These measures should lead to the improvement of the supply network voltage waveform which will enhance the efficiency of electric energy use by consumers.