An Improved Hilbert–Huang Method for Analysis of Time-Varying Waveforms in Power Quality

The Hilbert-Huang method is presented with modifications, for time-frequency analysis of distorted power quality signals. The empirical mode decomposition (EMD) is enhanced with masking signals based on fast Fourier transform (FFT), for separating frequencies that lie within an octave. Further, the instantaneous frequency and amplitude of the constituent modes obtained by Hilbert spectral analysis are improved by demodulation. The method shows promising time-frequency-magnitude localization capabilities for distorted power quality signals. The performance of the new technique is compared with that of another multiresolution analysis tool, the S-transform-a phase corrected wavelet transform. Analysis on actual measurements of transformer inrush current from an existing laboratory setup is used to demonstrate this technique.