Influence of electric distribution network topology on harmonics

Abstract

The invention of electronic equipment has lead to a serious power quality problem in harmonics. The equipments, also known as the nonlinear loads have the ability to distort parameters such as voltage and current. Component o f harmonics might increase RMS value o f current, thus jeopardizing the power system components. These harmonic currents can in worst cases result in; Overheating or de-rating of transformer, Overheating of wiring, Damaging of capacitor banks, Resonance, Malfunction of electronic equipment, Communication interference and Distorted supply voltage. Due to the impedance of the distribution line the harmonic currents lead to harmonic voltage distortion, which results in increased losses or damaging o f parallel loads and in worst case to system instability. The interest in harmonic distortion study has increased in both manufactures of electronic equipment and the power supply authorities. Harmonic studies have become an important aspect of power system analysis and design in recent years. Harmonic simulations are used to quantify the distortion in voltage and current waveforms in a power system and to determine the existence and mitigation of resonant conditions. Driven by challenging environmental constraints, deregulation of the energy market and privatization of the power supply industry, distribution power systems are ever more often operating at their maximal performance limits (and frequently beyond them) to maximize asset utilization. Since the quality o f electrical power, example the voltage at the point o f common coupling, has become an important feature of consumer goods on the market, the interest on finding, describing and above all in forecasting system behavior grows continuously.