Excellence in

Engineering
Harmonic Studies
Electrotek Concepts
408 North Cedar Bluff Road, Suite 500
Knoxville, Tennessee 37923
Phone: 865-470-9222
Fax: 865-470-9223 /
E-Mail: info@electrotek.com
www.electrotek.com

Electrotek Capabilities ............................................................................................................... 1

®
Overview of Electrotek Concepts ...................................................................................... 1
Electrotek’s Industrial and Commercial Analysis Capabilities............................................. 2
Overview of the SuperHarm Harmonic Analysis Program .................................................. 4
Harmonic Simulation Process using SuperHarm ................................................................ 5
Overview of the Harmonic Distortion Concerns Related to the Application of Power Factor
Correction Capacitors ......................................................................................................... 6
A Typical Harmonic Study ......................................................................................................... 7
Relevant Experience.................................................................................................................. 8
 Harmonic Studies

Electrotek Capabilities
Overview of Electrotek Concepts®
Electrotek Concepts is an engineering, software development, and consulting services company
specializing in utility and industrial power systems, energy management, distributed generation,
renewable energy, and telecommunications engineering. Electrotek’s clientele spans the globe
and includes electric utilities, industries, research organizations, municipalities, and government
agencies. Electrotek provides innovative and cost-effective solutions to help utilities and
customers maximize effective and efficient transportation and usage of energy as well as
transmission of data.

Electrotek is best known for its power systems engineering expertise. Whether helping to solve
power quality problems, study interconnection issues for renewable energy, or optimize a
distributed generation application, our staff is recognized throughout the world as having the
expertise to analyze virtually any power system issue and develop and implement a wide range of
solutions. In addition, we have an experienced software development staff that has developed
advanced software tools to measure, identify, analyze, and solve many of the classic problems or
questions that confront power providers and users.

We are best known for our work in power quality, performing extensive research in the area for
EPRI and other organizations. Our employees have been instrumental in the development of
power quality standards and guidelines for interconnection of renewable and distributed
generation assets to the main power grid. Among our power quality related offerings, we provide
both monitoring systems and engineering services to utility and commercial/industrial customers.
We virtually developed the concept of systematic power quality monitoring and recently
collaborated with sister company Dranetz-BMI to develop the Signature SystemTM, a web-based
system offering power quality and energy monitoring, along with analytical tools for problem
solving and energy management. Electrotek offers a wide array of power quality engineering and
consulting services, providing solutions to existing power system problems, as well as
recommendations to ensure power system reliability for facilities under construction or
renovation. We partner with other organizations to provide power quality solutions, most
recently establishing an alliance with E Source, an internationally-recognized information
services company, to provide a comprehensive series of resources for identifying and solving
power quality problems – known to subscribers as the PQ Group.

Building on strong power systems engineering expertise, Electrotek offers a full range of services
for implementation and optimization of distributed generation/distributed resource applications.
These services include feasibility assessments, analyzing impacts on power system reliability and
service quality, and interconnection/compatibility studies. Along with these capabilities, we
offer performance monitoring of distributed generation equipment as well as training on
integration of DG into both customer and utility power systems. We also offer power systems
engineering and other services for deployment and integration of renewable energy into utility
and customer power systems.

Founded in 1984, Electrotek in 1995 merged with Basic Measuring Instruments to form WPT,
Inc., which has since acquired Dranetz Technologies and Daytronic Corporation. Primary offices
are located in Knoxville, Tenn. and Arlington, Va. The company employs roughly 50 engineers,
scientists, management, and support personnel.

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 Harmonic Studies

Electrotek’s Industrial and Commercial Analysis Capabilities

Electrotek offers extensive capabilities in industrial and commercial studies to address power
system problems, including site surveys involving measurements, computer simulations, and
equipment sensitivity characterizations. Specific study capabilities include power factor
correction analysis, harmonic evaluations, transient analysis, and power quality site surveys
involving wiring and ground evaluations. We have developed a comprehensive approach for
analyzing industrial power quality-related concerns. Supporting this approach is considerable
design and application-based expertise using our SuperHarm® harmonic analysis software.

SuperHarm is designed to assist electric power engineers in evaluating harmonic concerns for
electric power systems. The software allows you to develop a computer model of the system of
interest and explore variations on system loads and configurations, along with the resulting
impact on system frequency response and distortion levels.

We use computer simulations, not only from SuperHarm, but also from transient analysis
programs such as EMTP and EMTDC, to analyze potential problems at the utility/customer
interface. Analysis results include recommendations for optimum solutions for power factor
correction, harmonic mitigation, and switching overvoltages. We conduct analysis of various
methods and solutions based on economic, control, and technical considerations. We also
determine specifications for required equipment, including power factor correction, harmonic
filters, switching devices, current limiting reactors, surge arresters, and customer surge control
devices.

Power Factor Correction: Power factor correction capacitors can be a very economical means
for many industrial customers to reduce demand charges and power factor penalties. With
appropriate controls, the systems are designed to maintain a desired power factor over a wide
range of load variations. Despite the benefits that can be realized using power factor correction
capacitors, there are a number of concerns that should be evaluated when the capacitors are
applied. The most important of these concerns fall in two basic categories:
• Harmonic distortion concerns
• Resonance conditions resulting in excessive distortion levels.
• IEEE Standard 519-1992 compliance.
• Transient overvoltage concerns
• Magnified transients at lower voltage buses, and within customer facilities.
• Nuisance tripping of end-use power electronic equipment, such as adjustable-
speed drives.

Harmonic Analysis and Filter Design: Electrotek has developed a comprehensive approach to
solving harmonic problems. This approach incorporates a number of important activities to meet
the variety of needs for this area:
• Provide educational services to utilities and customers. We have developed seminars to
increase the overall understanding related to power system harmonic analysis.
• Perform harmonic studies to analyze harmonic propagation, system response
characteristics, and to predict distortion levels resulting from specific loads.
• Analyze resonance conditions resulting in excessive distortion levels.

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 Harmonic Studies

• Assess IEEE Standard 519-1992 compliance.

Harmonic studies have become an important component of power system analysis and design.
They are used to determine distortion levels and identify dangerous resonance conditions. Such
studies are important because the amount of harmonic producing load is increasing significantly.
As harmonics propagate throughout the system, they increase losses and equipment loss-of-life.
Overcurrents or overvoltages resulting from resonance conditions can damage customer
equipment. Additionally, harmonics can interfere with communication and control circuits.

Studies involving harmonic analysis generally fall into two categories.

• Design – such as capacitor bank placement and sizing and harmonic filter specification.
• Solving operating problems, such as equipment failure or misoperation.

Harmonic simulation programs require input data to describe the electrical network, nonlinear
load characteristics, and output requirements. Electrical network data is based on individual
elements (lines, transformers, capacitors, etc.).

Flicker Analysis: We perform monitoring projects and analytical studies to evaluate concerns
with flicker caused by arc furnaces and other loads that vary significantly with time. We have
developed a special monitoring system that can characterize flicker performance over time and
the results can be viewed at any time using the Internet. We can also perform monitoring that
conforms to IEC standards for characterizing flicker.

We have developed detailed arc furnace models that can be used to predict flicker levels at the
design stage for a facility. These models can be used to optimize static var system performance
and specifications for controlling flicker levels.

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Overview of the SuperHarm Harmonic Analysis Program

Electrotek utilities SuperHarm for harmonic evaluations and filter design studies. SuperHarm
enables you to develop a computer model of a power system to explore variations on system
loads and configurations, along with the resulting impact on system frequency response and
distortion levels. SuperHarm is available with a wide variety of device and source models.

• Generic harmonic voltage and current source model

• Long line corrected pi model
• Simple RL branch model
• Capacitor model
• Balanced three-phase coupled line model.

Also included are models for the modal representation of geometrically specified lines and
cables, advanced load representations, induction and synchronous machines, and three-phase
equivalents.

SuperHarm can solve both balanced and unbalanced three-phase systems. This is accomplished
by using phase domain nodal admittance matrix techniques rather than sequence component
solution methods. SuperHarm’s solution engine reads a user-created text file that describes the
system to be simulated. SuperHarm's Circuit Description Language (CDL) consists of keywords
representing device models as well as control commands. The devices are "connected" together
by specifying alphanumeric names for the power system buses.

The solution engine reads the CDL file and converts into a binary form. After checking for
errors, the solver calculates the nodal admittance matrix of the system for the first frequency to
be solved. The resulting matrix is factored using LDL decomposition and a voltage solution
vector is obtained by forward and backward substitution using the driving current vector. The
solution vector is saved to the output file and the process is repeated for all requested
frequencies.

The CDL syntax allows you to develop libraries of device and subsystem models. These models
can have calling parameters and internal pre-processing formulas to facilitate the entry of
nameplate data. The CDL, coupled with the SuperHarm front end, provides facilities for batch
solutions of many cases with varying parameters.

The harmonic-producing load models allow you to enter either typical worst-case or actual
measured data for the harmonic current injections. SuperHarm automatically scales this data to
match the normal system conditions at the fundamental frequency.

SuperHarm utilizes TOP, The Output Processor® to visualize the simulation results. TOP takes
advantage of the Microsoft® Windows® Graphical User Interface and clipboard to allow easy
data transfer to other programs. TOP reads the resulting voltage solution vector file and
manipulates, visualizes, and prints the results. Outputs available from TOP include

• Impedance Scan Plots

• RX Plots
• Spectrum Plots
• Waveform Plots

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 Harmonic Studies

• Summary Tables (IEEE 519 Current Limits, THD, TIF, etc.)

SuperHarm uses state-of-the-art modeling and solution methods to ensure efficient operation on
personal computers. Sparse matrix techniques are utilized to minimize solution times and
storage requirements.

Harmonic Simulation Process using SuperHarm

The harmonic simulation process consists of first collecting and developing the necessary data to
represent the circuit to be modeled. Often this system representation is completed by
“describing” the interconnection and component values in a simple ASCII text file. The
SuperHarm data file excerpt below represents a 1500kVA, three-phase step-down transformer.

//
// Step down transformer #1 (@ service entrance)
// 1500 kVA, 12.5kV / 480 Volt, (connetion - delta / wye-gnd)
// Z = 6% @ 1.5 MVA, X/R = 10
// Ie = 1% @ 100% V
//

TRANSFORMER NAME = STEP1 H = DELTA X = WYE

MVA = 1.50 %IMAG = 1.0 KV.H = 12.5 KV.X = 0.480
H.A = PCC_A H.B = PCC_B H.C = PCC_C
X.A = 4801A X.B = 4801B X.C = 4801C X.N = GROUND
MVAB.HX = 1.5 %R.HX = 0.6 %X.HX = 6.0

After the data file has been created, it is sent to the harmonic solution engine (solver). The
solver reads the data file, line-by-line, and reports any significant errors. Satisfied that the case
will run, the solver generates a matrix representation of the interconnected system.

In general, there are two types of harmonic simulations:

1. Frequency Scans: The frequency scan is the simplest and most commonly used
technique for harmonic analysis. It calculates the frequency response characteristic at a
particular bus or node. Usually, this is accomplished by injecting one amp into the bus
over a range of frequencies and then observing the resultant voltage. The resultant
voltage is directly related to the system impedance in ohms. Frequency scan analysis is
the best method for identifying resonance conditions. It has also been used a great deal
in filter design.

2. Distortion Simulations: Harmonic distortion simulations use harmonic source

characteristics of nonlinear loads to determine current and voltage distortion levels at
various points in the system. Harmonic source characteristics (current source) are
obtained from field measurements, other simulation programs, or a library of typical
waveforms. Distortion simulations are useful for evaluating component duty and
determining harmonic limit compliance (i.e. IEEE 519-1992).

A good starting point for harmonic studies is to model one or two buses back from the bus of
interest (connection of nonlinear load). However, even this simple guideline fails from time-to-
time. Perhaps the best method for determining the appropriate system model is to start with a
small simple circuit that accurately represents the phenomena, and then add more of the system
details to determine their impact on the solution result.

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 Harmonic Studies

Overview of the Harmonic Distortion Concerns Related to the Application

of Power Factor Correction Capacitors
Distortion of power system voltages results from the interaction between harmonic currents
drawn by nonlinear loads and the impedance of the power system itself. If the magnitude and
frequency of harmonic currents are known, voltage distortion at a harmonic frequency can be
calculated as the product of the corresponding harmonic current and system impedance at that
frequency. Performing this computation at each harmonic frequency will yield an estimate of
voltage total harmonic distortion (VTHD).

Because of the low equivalent impedance, the power system can normally absorb a significant
amount of harmonic current without serious voltage distortion. This capability is directly related
to the equivalent impedance; such that "stiff", or high short-circuit capacity systems will be able
to absorb more harmonic current than weak, low-capacity systems. However, it is known that
shunt capacitors in the power system dramatically alter the system impedance variation with
frequency. Capacitors are one of the most linear elements of the power system and do not create
harmonics themselves. However, severe harmonic distortion can sometimes be attributed to their
presence. While the reactance of inductive components increases proportionately to frequency,
capacitive reactance (Xc) decreases proportionately.

At harmonic frequencies, shunt capacitors appear to nonlinear loads as being in parallel with the
equivalent system inductance. At the frequency where the capacitive reactance (XC) and short
circuit reactance (XSC) are equal, the parallel impedance, as seen by the nonlinear load, becomes
very high. This frequency (fr) is known as the resonant frequency for that particular circuit
configuration.

The high impedance at the parallel resonant frequency may result in high voltage harmonic
magnitudes (and magnified current harmonic magnitudes in the resonant circuit) if the resonance
corresponds to one of the harmonic components associated with the nonlinear load. It is usually
a problem if the parallel resonance is close to one of the lower order characteristic harmonics
(e.g. 5th or 7th harmonic). Problems have also occurred with higher frequency resonances (e.g.
11th, 13th) but they are less common.

Another possible system/capacitor interaction phenomena, known as series resonance, may also
be a concern. The series combination of an inductor and a capacitor appears as a very small
(theoretically zero) impedance at its resonant frequency. There are certain instances where a
shunt capacitor and the inductance of a transformer or distribution line may appear as a series LC
circuit to a source of harmonic currents. If the resonant frequency corresponds to a characteristic
harmonic frequency of the nonlinear load, the LC circuit will attract a large portion of the
harmonic current that is generated. For example, a customer having no nonlinear load, but
utilizing power factor correction capacitors, may experience high harmonic voltage distortion
due to neighboring harmonic sources.

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A Typical Harmonic Study

Electrotek has performed a large number of engineering studies to identify possible problems
with harmonic levels, and can recommend methods for solving problems related to harmonics.
We can also specify methods for ongoing performance measurement and verification.

A typical harmonic evaluation study includes:

• Model development.
• Evaluating system frequency response characteristics (resonance conditions) for various
operating conditions.
• Evaluating expected harmonic distortion levels for various operating conditions.
• Evaluating possible solutions to excessive distortion levels, including modifications to
the design of harmonic filters at the plant.
• Recommending methods for ongoing assessment of harmonic and interharmonic levels
(measurement methods and indices to use).
• Summarizing the findings of the engineering study in a final report.

A model of the adjacent utility system and a portion of the customer facility would be developed
using SuperHarm. The data files developed during the study will be maintained for future use.

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Relevant Experience
The following are examples of previous work performed by Electrotek in harmonics and IEEE
519 compliance evaluations. While these are not all the studies we have completed, they are
representative of the types of studies that we have performed.

IPSCO
CIPCO contracted us to perform a detailed harmonic evaluation study for a large steel plant
supplied from the 345 kV system. Harmonic levels were compared with IEEE 519 limits based
on measurement results and calculations.

Trico Steel – Alabama

Electrotek worked with Trico Steel to specify harmonic filters and evaluate the need for static var
compensators to control flicker as part of the plant design. Subsequent to plant completion,
Electrotek worked with TVA to implement a monitoring system to continuously evaluate both
flicker and harmonic distortion levels. This monitoring system is also used at Birmingham Steel
near Memphis.

Bayou Steel
We worked with Bayou Steel and Entergy on flicker and harmonic concerns for a Bayou Steel
facility supplied from the 230 kV system. We evaluated a plant expansion and determined power
system impacts, and developed a filter design to avoid both harmonic and flicker concerns.

New River Castings

Electrotek performed a harmonic analysis and IEEE-519 compliance study for New River
Castings (NRC). The utility serving NRC requested that a study be performed due to complaints
from other customers served from the same substation. The study included measurements,
simulations, and harmonic filter deign and specification. We worked closely with NRC and the
utility to ensure that both parties understood the methodology used to determine IEEE-519
compliance and to educate both parties on the intent of IEEE-519.

System Harmonic Analysis - Consolidated Edison

Electrotek evaluated concerns for harmonic components and DC components in network
transformer currents on Con Ed's network in Brooklyn and Queens. This effort was conducted in
large part to determine the possible causes of network transformer failures, which can create
thermal overloads and transformer heating. Measurements were performed at individual network
transformers and selected transit authority rectifier stations, resulting in an extensive database of
harmonic voltage and current distortion levels.

Power System Analysis - Sierra Ski Ranch

Electrotek performed a power quality analysis to determine the cause of equipment problems.
The lift loads were particularly important in terms of the load variations and the harmonic
currents produced. Typical of most ski resorts, the loads were supplied from a long feeder
circuit. These results in concerns for harmonic distortion levels, voltage variations caused by
load changes and significant exposure to faults and the resulting interruptions or voltage sags. It
was determined that harmonic distortion levels should not be causing equipment problems.
Specific conditions could result in more substantial voltage sags that could cause controls to trip

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however large capacitors are in place. The most likely cause of random equipment problems was
faults on the circuit supplying Sierra Ski Ranch or on parallel circuits. Electronic controls were
made less sensitive to voltage sag conditions using ferroresonant transformers.

Power Quality Analysis - Honda of America

Electrotek completed an engineering study for Honda of America that examined the results of
both transient switching and harmonic distortion concerns. Switching 69kV capacitors banks
created an oscillation at the 69kV bus, causing a significant transient overvoltage phenomenon at
the 480 volt buses in the plant due to transient voltage magnification. Additionally, a number of
loads in the plant had nonlinear voltage-current characteristics, resulting in the generation of
harmonic currents. The transient analysis was performed using EMTP and the harmonic analysis
was performed using SuperHarm..

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