SPE 81131
Overcoming The Previous Limitations Of Variable Speed Drives On Submersible
Pump Applications
Breit, S. SPE, Sikora, K. SPE, and Akerson, J.
Engineering, Wood Group ESP, Inc., Oklahoma City.
Copyright 2003, Society of Petroleum Engineers Inc.
This paper was prepared for presentation at the SPE Latin American and Caribbean Petroleum
Engineering Conference held in Port-of-Spain, Trinidad, West Indies, 27-30 April 2003.
This paper was selected for presentation by an SPE Program Committee following review of
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Abstract
There is an ever-increasing use of variable speed drives in
submersible pump applications. However as with all new
applications new problems can be encountered. The long
cable lengths associated with submersible pump equipment
have limited the effectiveness of variable speed drives. Many
drives have to use external filters, inductors and conditioners
to keep from damaging the cable and motor. The extra costs
associated with this equipment, as well as the custom use,
limit the overall effectiveness. VSG (Variable Sine-wave
Generation) technology has been developed to overcome these
limitations, as well as providing the user all the flexibility that
initially attracted them to Variable Speed Drives.
Introduction
IEEE 519 - 1992 defines a harmonic as, A sinusoidal
component of a periodic wave of quantity having a frequency
that is an integral multiple of the fundamental frequency.
There are numerous papers and articles published that address
specifically input harmonics or line harmonics specific to
variable speed drives.
There is still a lot of confusion when it comes to harmonics,
especially in relation to variable speed drives. The objective
of this paper is to help make this subject a little easier to
understand for those who use drives in their day to day work,
but do not come from Electrical Engineering disciplines, or
are not experts in drive applications.
The following topics are discussed:
I. Harmonics
II. THD Total Harmonic Distortion
III. How drives create harmonics
IV. Adverse effects of harmonics on power systems
V. Adverse effects of drive outputs on ESP
equipment
VI. Solutions to these problems
One of the first points to be made is that harmonics can exist
on both sides of the drive. Any time you are talking about
drives and harmonics the first point of clarification should be:
which harmonics are we talking about, the input side of the
drive (this is the power supply into the drive), or are we
talking about the output side of the drive (this is the load side
or the side that connects to the ESP system)?
I Harmonics
Harmonics in Power Systems
Power systems are designed to transfer generated power in a
sinusoidal voltage waveform, oscillating at 50 or 60 Hz with
little distortion (little harmonics). A pure (ideal) sinusoidal
wave has just one frequency called the Fundamental
Frequency and no harmonics.
It can be shown mathematically that most real life periodic
curves (square, triangle, or any pattern that repeats itself and is
bounded) can be expressed by a series of sinusoidal curves
which have frequencies equal to the fundamental frequency of
the periodic curve and 2nd, 3rd, and harmonics (integer
numbers greater than one fundamental frequency). In
mathematics, this infinite series of sinusoidal waves
representing the original periodic wave is called a Fourier
Series. Each of the 2nd or higher order sinusoidal waves is
called a harmonic of order 2nd, 3rd, etc.
The waveform is a sine wave, which has a fundamental
component and no harmonics. In mathematical form this
curve can be represented by:
Y = Sin (2ft) = Sin (120t)
Where f =60 Hz is fundamental frequency and t is time. The
maximum (amplitude of the sine wave) was assumed to be 1.
Power systems by nature (3 phase Y or Delta connection) and
because of the symmetry in the shape of the waveforms
produced by generators, do not have even harmonics or
multiples of 3rd harmonics. They instead, contain harmonics
in the order 2n+1 (exclude multiples of 3), i.e. 5th, 7th, 11th, etc.
(n=harmonic number).
2 SPE 81131

To demonstrate how an ideal sinusoidal wave deforms as There are two types of loads:
harmonics are added, a 2nd order harmonic with amplitude 1. Linear Load (any load composed of ideal resistors,
equal to 50% of the fundamental (magnitude of 2nd harmonic inductors, and capacitors)
half of the fundamental) is added to the previous sine wave. 2. Non-Linear Load (Drives, switching components,
saturated inductors)
In mathematical terms one can write:
Non-linear loads introduce harmonics onto the power system.
Y = Sin (2ft) + 0.5 Sin (5*2ft) = Sin (120t) + If an ideal sinusoidal source is connected to a non-linear load,
0.5Sin(600t) the load current will not be sinusoidal and will introduce
f=60 Hz, waveform with 5th harmonic content harmonics onto the power system. These periodic non-
sinusoidal currents will cause non-linear voltage drops in
Y = Sin (2ft) + 0.5 Sin (7*2ft) = Sin (120t) + transmission lines, generators, and transformers impedances
0.5Sin(840t) (inductance, resistance, and capacitance). Even if the
f=60 Hz, waveform with 7th harmonic content generator produces an ideal sinusoidal voltage, the voltage at
the load centers with linear or non-linear loads will not be
In this case both the 5th and 7th harmonics (a typical case in sinusoidal any more. This causes a secondary effect of
power systems in terms of troublesome harmonics) have creating currents with harmonic content in both linear and
amplitudes equal to 25% of the fundamental, and are added to non-linear loads due to distorted voltage waveform. Unless
the sinusoidal waveform. the voltage is significantly distorted, only the harmonics
generated by non-linear loads are of concern.
In mathematical terms:
Y = Sin (2ft) + 0.25 Sin (5*2ft) + 0.25 Sin (7*2t) = Sin Linear Loads
(120t) + 0.25Sin(600t) + 0.5Sin(840t) One of the first questions is, what is a Linear Load? Figure 1
is a typical example of the waveforms from a linear load:
Higher order harmonics introduce sharp spikes in the
waveform. This is because higher order harmonics fluctuate Voltage
faster than lower order harmonics. Similarly it can be
concluded that waveforms, which have sharp points, also have Current
higher order harmonics.
0V
Higher order harmonics are attenuated in several ways:
1. In calculating the magnitude of each harmonic in a
Fourier series, the harmonic number n always
appears in the denominator. Thus their magnitude has
a tendency to be smaller. Power Factor Angle
2. Power systems are inductive and filter (suppress) Figure 1.
higher order harmonics. Some Linear Commercial Loads are:
3. Three phase power systems suppress harmonics of - Induction Motors
order 3n (n 1) - Incandescent Lights
- Resistance Heaters
Discussion - Electromagnetic Devices
How are harmonics created or introduced onto power - Transformers (non-linear with over-voltage)
systems?
Non-Linear Loads
Harmonics are created in two ways:
What are Non-Linear Loads, and what is the difference?
a. Harmonics generated at a power plant
The voltage generated at power plants is not a pure
sinusoidal waveform. As a result, it can be expressed as a AC Input Current
sinusoidal voltage with a fundamental frequency (60 Hz) Drive Fundamental Current
that has a dominant amplitude and harmonics (5th, 7th, Input
Current
11th, etc) that have smaller amplitudes. The fundamental
and harmonics of the generated voltage produce currents
at the same frequency in linear loads. The system
Time
naturally has a tendency to dampen the higher harmonics Figure 2.
(filter them), as power systems are usually inductive and
show high resistance towards higher frequencies (act as a Non-linear loads introduce the harmonics. Harmonics are the
low pass filter). deviation from the ideal fundamental AC line voltage and
b. Harmonics generated by load current waveforms as shown in Figure 2. Non-linear loads
SPE 81131 3

contain current harmonics, which cause voltage harmonic VSD Components

problems for other users.
There are several different types of VSDs, but in general they
Non-linear commercial loads generally come from: are composed of three major sections:
- Fluorescent lights 1. AC/DC converter or Converter (Front end) - Diodes
- Computers and CRTs are used to convert AC power from the power system
- FAX Machines to DC Power for storage in capacitors.
- Other single-phase office equipment. 2. DC bus - large capacitors are used to store rectified
DC voltage from the Converter
Non-linear industrial loads general come from: 3. DC/AC converter or Inverter - Inverts DC power,
- Welders stored in the Capacitors, to AC power, with the use of
- Arc Furnaces fast switching transistor (BJT or IGBT), of any
- UPS and DC Power Supplies desired frequency within the designed
- DC Drives and AC Drives frequency range

II - THD Total Harmonic Distortion
Any non-linear device causes harmonics. Harmonics are well
documented and can be reviewed in detail in many reference
papers that exist. Simply, a harmonic is defined as a
sinusoidal component of periodic wave having a frequency
that is an integral multiple of a fundamental frequency. For
example, a component which is five times the fundamental
frequency is call a fifth harmonic.
In order to compare levels of harmonic distortion in a power
system, the harmonic distortion factor (HDF) is used and
defined as THD. THD, Total Harmonic Distortion, is defined
as follows and is expressed as a percentage.
THD = { ( of Amplitudes2 of all Harmonics) }1/2 X 100
(Amplitude2 of Fundamental)
OR
(I h) *100
2
THD % = 2
I fundamental
To analyze the impact of harmonics, reliable measurement is
necessary. The method and location of measurement
instruments used to measure harmonics is very important.
The combined system, including a logic controller, constitutes
the Drive, or sometimes the term Inverter is used. A
motor designed for use with Variable Speed Drives is called
An Inverter Duty Motor.
a. Drive Input The Converter
The input side of the drive, the utility side, constantly turns the
diodes on and off to rectify the AC power, producing current
harmonics, which flow back onto the power system. The
magnitude of these harmonics depends upon the drive, and can
be reduced by using different pulse front ends on the drive.
Remember, harmonics that flow back onto the utility line use
up valuable power.
b. Drive Output The Inverter
The output side of the drive, the load side, constantly turns the
transistors on and off to convert the DC power to AC,
producing harmonics that flow to the ESP system. The
magnitude of these harmonics depends upon the drive, the
loading and the setup. Remember a correctly set up drive will
always give lower output harmonics. Drive output harmonics
are discussed later on in this paper.

Figure 3 is a simplified diagram of a Drive with a 6-pulse

III - How Variable Speed Drives Create Harmonics converter. Diodes are depicted on the left side of the picture.
In applications where speed and torque regulations are The Inverter is depicted on the right side.
required, traditionally a DC motor has been used due to its
superior control characteristics. Induction motors, powered
directly from power systems, do not lend themselves well to 6-PULSE Link
speed and torque control. Induction motor speed is Rectifier
Rectifier IdChoke IGBT
Inverter
determined by the frequency of the power system. A two pole Inverter
ESP runs 1-6% below 3600 RPM depending on the load. p
L S1 S3 S5
There is not much one can do to effect the speed over a wide
range. D1 D3 D5

Variable Speed Drives (VSD) or Variable Frequency Drives a b c

(VFD) or Drives are electronic devices designed to change the C Vbus
fixed 60 Hz (50 Hz) frequency of the power system to a Output 480 V / 30-90 Hz
variable frequency (usually 30-90 Hz) in order to control the
speed of induction motors. D2 D4 D6

n S2 S4 S6

Figure 3.
4 SPE 81131
While there are complicated algorithms that allow Drives to be
programmed to control both the speed and torque, the basic
principal still remains the same. A drive keeps the V/F, or the
ratio of voltage and frequency, constant. This helps to prevent
motor saturation at lower speeds, and develops a constant
torque in the motor at all speeds.
Example:
The nominal voltage of a drive is 600 V at 60 Hz. If this drive
is running a motor at 6 Hz, what is the voltage at the output of
drive if this drive is programmed to keep V/F constant to
avoid motor steel saturation?
For this drive V/F is equal to:
V/F = 600/60 =10
At 6 Hz, the voltage at the terminal of the motor will be 10*6
or 60 volts.
It should be noted that drives usually provide additional
voltage boost to the V/F ratio at lower frequencies.
Power System
Figure 4 demonstrates the connection of an ESP to a Drive and
simplified power system. Generators in power plants provide
power at a voltage not exceeding 30KV due to insulation
restrictions. A step-up transformer increases the generated
voltage on the transmission line to a level appropriate for the
amount of power and the distance that power has to be
transmitted (to reduce I2 R losses).
Figure 4. A Simplified Power System Supplying a Drive-ESP
System
The transmission voltage could be as high as 400 KV,
depending on transmission distance and consumption, or as
low as generator voltage (no transformer needed) for short
distances, e.g. in an offshore isolated power system.
At distribution substations, step down transformers (at one or
more steps) lower the voltage to match the rated voltage of the
electrical equipment, e.g. input voltage of a VSD.
IV. Adverse Effects of Harmonics on the
Power System
The previous sections discussed harmonic distortions and how
they are created, THD as a measurement of harmonics, what
types of equipment can produce harmonic distortions and the
basic design and contributions drives have with regards
to harmonics.
Now we need to look at the effect of harmonic distortions on
the supply power system (Utility Lines).
The use of drives, and the resulting harmonics, does have an
effect on the power system. Harmonic currents flowing
through the power system produce voltage distortions at
Points of Common Coupling (PCC) with other loads
and systems.
The amount of the Voltage Distortion depends on two major
factors. The first factor is the System Impedances (%Z). The
second factor is the amplitude of the Injected Harmonics
placed back on the power system. Figures 5 and 6 show the
effects of these two factors.
T
1>
2>
1) Ref A:
T
100 A 2 ms T
2) Ref B: 10 V 2 ms
Figure 5. 6-Pulse supply side voltage and current waveforms
Note: Current harmonic distortions as seen in Figure 5
produce spikes/distortions in the voltage waveform. These
harmonics are injected back onto the power system and effect
the overall power quality of the supply line.
Voltage Flat
Topping
Figure 6.
Voltage Flat Topping is a result of High Harmonic Current
interacting with a soft power system e.g. (Diesel/Gas
Turbine Auxiliary Generator at 12% - 25% Z). Voltage flat
topping may affect the generator control and stability, or result
in computers and other sensitive equipment tripping on
under-voltage.
The input waveform, and its harmonics content, from a 6-
Pulse drive on the power system are depicted in Figures 7
and 8.
SPE 81131 5

600
400

400

200
200
Amps-RMS

Amps-RMS
0
0

-200

-200
-400

-600
-400
Time
Time
Figure 7. Measured input current to a 6-pulse converter

Figure 9. Measured input current to a 12-pulse converter

300

1 250

200
200
A
mp Am
s- ps- 150
R RM
M S
100
5 100

7 11
3 13 17 19
50
23
0 2 4 6 8 9 10 12 141516 18 202122 2425262728293031
0 11 13
Harmonic 0 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 910 12 141516171819202122232425262728293031
0
Figure 8. Harmonics contents of current depicted in Figure 7. Harmonic Order

Figure 10. Harmonics contents of current depicted in Fig. 9

Typically the current THD = 32% at full load for a 6
pulse rectifier.
To reduce the harmonics introduced by the Converter to the
power system, 12 or 18 pulse phase shift transformers have
been developed to "shift" the harmonics out of phase and thus
reducing the overall harmonic distortion injected on to the
power system.
Figures 9 and 10 illustrate how harmonics introduced back
onto the power system are reduced when a 12-pulse inverter is
used.
Discussion
Q: What happens when drives create harmonics in a power
system?
A: Currents which do not have a fundamental frequency, do
not contribute to the transmission of real power, instead they
create heat in any resistive elements they pass through
(losses). Also higher frequencies increase eddy current and
hysterisis losses, known as core loss, in generators, motors,
and transformers.
As a result, power equipment has to be oversized to handle
this extra undesirable current. Core losses in all rotating
machines and transformers are increased exponentially as the
harmonic number increases. Higher order harmonics can
interfere with communication and control devices (noise or
EMI effect). The harmonics introduced to the power system
by non-linear loads cause voltage distortion. This distorted
voltage will cause even linear loads to inject current
harmonics back on to the power system.
6 SPE 81131
Q: Power factor, as we know it, is due to reactive power taken
by reactive elements from the power system, mainly inductive
circuits (motors, transformers). Harmonics do not have this
characteristic, how can they reduce power factor?
A: Power factor has traditionally been allocated to reactive
power because drives used to account for only a small portion
of the total load. With the introduction of non-linear loads,
like drives, into the system and their increased popularity, the
power factor should be determined as the ratio of real power to
total apparent power supplied to the load (V*I). Since
harmonics do no real work, they simply add to the RMS value
of the current and reduce the power factor.
Q: In load centers where power factor is poor, capacitor banks
were used to improve power factor, can the same thing be
done for harmonics?
A: No. Capacitors can only compensate inductors at
fundamental frequency. Where harmonic distortion is large,
there is a possibility that the system inductance and
capacitance will go to resonance at higher frequencies and
increase harmonic content drastically as a result. If capacitor
banks for PF correction are already in place and a Drive load
is present, a resonance study has to be done to detune the
capacitors in order to prevent resonance with the inductors.
Also, surge capacitors on motors must be avoided where
drives are used.
Q: What methods are available to mitigate the effects of
harmonics on supply power.
A: Multi-pulse inputs have been developed to reduce the
harmonics injected back onto supply power. This solution is
discussed in more detail later in the paper.
IV - Adverse Effects of Drive Outputs on ESP
Equipment
As discussed in the introduction, harmonics are present on
both the drive input and output. This section discusses two
problems, Drive Output Harmonics and Reflective Waves.
Output Harmonics What is it?
Generation of harmonic currents as applied to power
electronic equipment is defined as non-linear because it draws
non-sinusoidal current. Six step variable speed drives produce
non-sinusoidal output currents. In Figure 11 we can establish
that Six-step variable speed drives produce output harmonics
as a result of their non-sinusoidal output currents.
Figure 11
Six Step Current Wave Form
Figure 12. shows the output harmonic spectrum for the current
waveform in Figure 11.
Figure 12
Six Step Current Harmonic Spectrum
Effect of Harmonics on the Load
Simply put, THD translates into wasted energy that must be
dissipated at the motor in the form of excess heat and reduced
system efficiency. The reduced efficiency has long been
tolerated, as the production efficiency gained by using variable
frequency drives far out weighed the expected losses.
The typical total harmonic distortion (THD) of a PWM
inverter output voltage is between 80% and 180%, depending
on the operating speed. Motors have been designed to handle
the excessive heat associated with the dissipation of
harmonics, however these motors will not handle the voltage
levels associated with the Reflected Wave, which can be two
to three times the VDC bus level depending on the cable and
motor characteristics.
Reflected Wave What is it?
The inverter section of a Pulse Width Modulation (PWM)
drive does not produce a sinusoidal output voltage waveform;
instead they generate a train of pulses as in Figure 13.
These voltage pulses are transmitted to the motor terminals
via the motor cable. Peak pulse voltage at the drive output is
equal to the drive DC bus magnitude and contains steep
fronted rise and fall times controlled by the GTO, BJT, or
IGBT semiconductor switching device used in the drive. Peak
pulse voltage at the motor terminals is not necessarily VDC bus
but is dependent upon the dynamics of the drive-cable-motor
circuit, which defines the drive output voltage rise time, cable
transmission line characteristics, cable length, and motor
impedance to the pulse voltage.
Figure 14 shows the pulse train at the motor terminals,
momentary transient over-voltages are seen at every switch
point, up to twice the VDC bus pulse voltage from the drive.
These over-voltages may produce potentially destructive
voltage stress on the motor insulation.
SPE 81131
Figure 13.
PWM Waveform
Figure 14.
Transient Voltage Waveform
Effect of Reflective Wave on the Load
Inverters supply loads with a voltage high in harmonic
content. Figures 15 and 16 demonstrate voltage and current
waveforms of a PWM drive feeding an induction motor. As a
result of fast switching (high dv/dt), excessive voltage due to
wave reflection may occur at the terminal of the motor (up to
3.1 times motor RMS voltage) resulting in insulation damage.
Also, bearing damage with fast switching inverters (PWM
with IGBT) is a common problem. As well, PWM pulses with
high dv/dt stress the first few turns of the motor and cause
premature failure (Corona Effect).
Figure 15. Voltage supplied by a PWM inverter
Figure 16. Motor current (no filter)
7
These problems have driven the need to "Filter" the output of
drive in an effort to reduce the harmful effects injected onto
the downhole cable / motor circuit.
Output Filters
Many output harmonic mitigating devices are available to aid
with these problems. The most common are:
Simple line inductors
Limit filters
Sine-Wave filters
a. Line Inductors
Line Inductors are the simplest and lowest cost method to
effect the voltage waveform. This type of filter typically
reduces the dv/dt transmitted to the motor.
Disadvantages of line inductors - Harmonic current distortion
is only improved 30 40% at best. The voltage drop
associated with them will affect motor performance if the
motor requires maximum voltage. They do not help reflected
wave and voltage distortions.
b. Limit (dv/dt) Filter
Limit filters are designed using an inductor, capacitors and
diodes to minimize losses and condition the voltage. This type
of filter is used to reduce both the dv/dt and the voltage peaks
seen at the motor.
Disadvantages of Limit filters - They only improve harmonic
current distortions 30 to 40% at best. It will help with the
leading pulse associated with the reflected wave, but the
voltage drop associated with them will affect motor
performance if maximum voltage is required by the motor.
They must be sized specifically for long cable lead
applications, and do not correct voltage distortion. They also
require a custom design if operation frequency is above 60Hz,
or where cable lengths exceed 1000 feet; dv/dt limiting
hardware solutions are not entirely effective.
c. Sine-Wave Filter
Sine wave filters include output inductors; shunt capacitors
and when necessary damping resistors to form a conventional
low pass filter. If the filter is designed correctly, the result is
sinusoidal power being applied to the motor in terms of both
voltage and current.
Disadvantages of Sine wave filters Typically sine wave
filters have been designed with a 5Khz carrier frequency
requirement. Most VSD manufactures require you to de-rate
the VSD when used with a high carrier frequency. In addition,
applications above 60hz, or with cables in excess of 1200 ft,
require custom designed filters specific to that application.
The High KVA losses associated with these filters (due to a
high reactive current demand at startup) can result in unstable
operation and shutdowns, and require the drive to be oversized
for the application.
8 SPE 81131

The previous sections have covered a great deal of

information. The following is a basic summary of the main
problems with using conventional drives.

a. Harmonics introduced on power system side

b. Adverse effect on Power factor
c. Resonance with existing PF correction or surge
protection capacitors
d. Motor insulation damage due to reflected wave
(traveling wave phenomenon)
e. Pulsating motor torque an unstable operation at low
speeds
f. Motor bearing damage due to electrostatic coupling
g. Over sizing power system equipment due to the
adverse effect of harmonics (heating)
h. Limited effectiveness of output filtering options.
VI. Solutions to these Problems
Wood Group ESP, Inc. uses the latest VSG TechnologyTM
(Vector III) that feeds ESP systems with near perfect
sinusoidal waveforms as depicted in Figures 17 and 18. Wood
Group ESP, Inc. also offers the most flexible input options to
the drives allowing users to achieve optimum use of their
power supply systems.
Variable Sine Wave Generation
Variable Sine Wave Generation (VSG) was designed to
produce a Near Perfect sine wave in respect to both voltage
and current. This latest technology has been granted a US
patent. The voltage and current waveforms in Figures 17 and
18 represent the next generation of variable speed drives. We
have established that output harmonics are a result of non-
sinusoidal current waveforms, and that PWM voltage
waveforms accentuate the problems of Reflected Waves.
VSG technology allows us to clear the final two obstacles with
respect to previous generations of Variable Speed Drives.
This latest technology breakthrough overcomes harmonic
outputs and the previous limitations of variable speed drives
on submersible pump applications.
Figure 18A.
VSG Current Wave Form
Figure 18B.
VSG Current Wave Form
Harmonic Spectrum
VSG is suitable for applications up to 15,000 feet without the
need for custom designs; furthermore, it does not require the
Variable Speed Drive to be over-sized with respect to the
application. This technology was engineered to meet the
specific problems associated with high KVA and long cable
length applications, specifically Electrical Submersible
Pumps.
Drive Output Comparison
Voltage and current waveforms of a 6-step type drive and
Wood Group ESP, Inc. Vector III are depicted in Figures 19 to
22 for comparison. VSG technology introduced by Wood
Group ESP, Inc. helps eliminate most of the problems that
customers were facing before, e.g., insulation damage due to
wave reflections, unstable operation at low speed, noise, EMI,
and electrostatic coupling and excessive motor heating.
6-Step vs. Vector III
with VSG Technology Waveform Comparison

1> 1> T

Figure 17A.
VSG Voltage Wave Form
1) Ref A: 200 A 2 ms 1) Ref A: 10 Volt 5 ms

Figure 19. Current, 6 step Figure 20. Current, Vector III

Figure 17B.
VSG Voltage Harmonic Spectrum
 SPE 81131 9

12-PULSE OPTION
T

T
1>
1>

1) Ref A: 5 Volt 2 ms
1) Ref A: -1474836471742464 pA 5 ms

Figure 21. Voltage, 6 step Figure 22.Voltage,Vector III

Drive Input Harmonic Options

Figure 23.
The input of the drive can be configured with a 6, 12, or 18 FEATURES
pulse front end to achieve the highest level of harmonic
reduction on the power line side of the dive. The 6-pulse drive
May Meet IEEE-519 THD = 5% Standard at PCC
is the industry standard for all drives. The following is a
upstream, dependent on linear load
comparison for different options that are available and typical
results that can be expected with each option. Current THD 9% full load, 11 % @ 1/2 load 5th, 7th
harmonic reduced
. Input power factor improved to 0.97, thus reducing
KVA source requirements
6,12,18-PULSE THD COMPARISON Input Diode rectifiers & magnetics lead to a reliable
drive system vs. Active front-ends
More robust and trouble free than Harmonic Trap
filters, e.g.. line resonance
20 Specified for use on high Z Aux-Gen unit
18P
15
Often used on large HP systems to reduce flat-
12P
topping" of AC line voltage
6P 10 6P
12P
More expensive than 6 pulse drive
5
18P
0 Some useful guidelines and standards are available for
23rd
11th

13th

17th

19th

25th
5th

7th

harmonics:
Harmonic [h]
- IEEE-519 is the main standard in North
6 pulse America. It places limits on voltage distortion
and current THD.
Current THD 20% - 33% full load - IEC-555 is for Europe and some areas of South
12 pulse America. It places limits on voltage distortion.
Removes 5th & 7th harmonic
- IEC-61000-3-12 proposed draft. It places limits
on voltage distortion for input currents >16A and
Current THD 9% - 11% full load <75A.
18 pulse
Removes 5th & 7th harmonic
Removes 11th & 13th harmonic
Current THD 3.5% - 4% full load
10 SPE 81131

18-PULSE OPTION
18-PULSE Input Current

18-PULSE Input Voltage

Figure 24. Vector Series

FEATURES
Meets IEEE-519 THD = 5% Standard at the drive
input terminal
Current THD 3.5% full load, 6 % @ no load
5th, 7th, 11th, & 13th harmonic reduced
Input power factor improved to 0.99, thus reducing
KVA source requirements
Input Diode rectifiers & magnetics lead to a reliable
drive system
More robust and trouble free than Harmonic Trap
filters.
Specified for use on high Z Aux-Gen unit
Slightly more expensive than 12 pulse drive

References
1. IEEE 519 - 1992
2. NEMA MG 1-1993, Revision 1
3. S. Breit, THD Total Harmonic Distortion, The effect
on Electrical Submersible Motors.
4. G. Skibinski, Riding the Reflected Wave IGBT
Drive Technology Demands New Motor and Cable
Considerations
5. S. Breit, Harmonics Tutorial, Internal Wood Group
ESP, Inc., Application Paper.