Harmonic propagation on an electric distribution system: field measurements compared with computer simulation

Increasing use of power electronic loads on distribution feeders together with greater use of power factor correction capacitors on the distribution system can result in poor operating conditions in the form of high harmonic levels propagating through a distribution system. HARMFLO (Harmonic Power Flow Study Program) was developed by EPRI (Electric Power Research Institute) for use in the analysis of harmonics on a power system. However, for a typical analysis of a distribution system, data for some of the parameters required by HARMFLO are not available. Furthermore, exact load information is usually not available. Harmonic levels determined from field tests on a distribution system are compared to results of HARMFLO simulations to determine if this analysis tool can provide useful results despite the lack of exact information for load modeling and other system parameters