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TABLE OF CONTENTS

SECTIONS PAGE
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS 3
ABSTRACT 4
BASIC DETAILS 5
INTRODUCTION 6
HARMONIC STUDY 6
EFFECTS OF HARMONICS 6
MAGNITUDE OF HARMONIC DISTRORTION 7
PERMISSIBLE HARMONI LIMITS AS PER IEEE 519-2014 STANDARD 7
MEASUREMENT POIINTS 9
MEASUREMENT DETAILS 10
VERIFICATION OF TOTAL HARMONIC DISTORTION (THD) AT PCC 12
GENERAL OBSERVATIONS AND FINDINGS 14
CONCLUSIONS 17

LIST OF TABLES
Table-1: - Basic Details
Table-2: - Current Distortion Limit (IEEE 519-2014)
Table-3: - Voltage Distortion Limit (IEEE 519-2014)

LIST OF FIGURES
Figure-1: Single Line Diagram with measurement points
Figure-2: THD(I) of LT Bus section-A Incomer-1
Figure-3: THD(I) of LT Bus Section-B Incomer-2
Figure-4: THD(I) of LT Bus Section-C Incomer-3
Figure-5: THD(I) at PCC software simulation results

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 ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

We are extremely thankful to the management and staff of M/s. Malabar Commercial Plaza
Pvt. Ltd, Kozhikode, for their wholehearted cooperation and support in successfully
completing the harmonic analysis and general electrical study of their shopping mall “Mall of
Travancore” at Thiruvananthapuram. Our special thanks to Mr. Abdul Yashir Adiraja,
Director, Malabar Developers and Mr. Sajith Backer, Director, Malabar Developers for their
positive approach and initiative in conducting the study and entrusting the same to us.

We are also thankful to all the Project Managers, Project Engineers, Technicians, Operation
& Maintenance personnel’s, all the staff members for their involvement and active support in
conducting the study at site.
Thanks to all and especially those present during the study at site, for their support and
cooperation. Without their support and cooperation, the study will not be a success.

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 ABSTRACT

Electrical installation of MOT, Trivandrum was energized from KSEB grid on 08/03/2018.
Several electrical interruptions are notice with in the electrical installation of the MOT since
the energization. No specific faults in the installation are indicated in the protection relays.
During our investigations some irregularities in protection system are noticed in the as-built
drawings and at site. No indication of faults is displayed on the protection relay when
actuated. Some malfunctioning of HT panels are also noticed. HT Tripping relay when
operated could not be reset, so that restoring of supply was delayed till availing of DG set
supply. LT ACBs also shows no indications when tripped.
Our observations for the reasons of nuisance tripping are (1) inadequate CT ratio & protection
setting of KSEB RMU VCB, (2) irregularities and malfunctions of HT panels, (3) lack of
protection coordination including for DG supply, (4) defective protection & control wiring,
improper CT location of REF protection scheme and CT ratio mismatch, (5) unwanted
tripping of HT breakers by MDC tripping signal, etc.
Complete findings and actions required are provided in detail in this report.

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 BASIC DETAILS

1. Name of the Consumer: Mall of Travancore, Trivandrum

2. Address for communication Malabar Commercial Plaza Pvt. Ltd, 41/2299
3rd Floor, Malabar Gate, Ram Mohan road,
Calicut-673004
3. Power Transformer: 3 nos., 11/0.433kV, 1250kVA, %Z = 6.00%
Transformer
4. Connected Load: 3140kW
5. Contract Demand: 2800kVA
6. Maximum Demand 1254kVA
7. Capacitor Banks connected: 3 x 300kVAr
8. Date of Study conducted: 20th, 22nd & 23rd, April 2018
9. Study conducted by: 1. Johny. P. A
2. Mani. P
3. Edison P. J

Table-1 Basic Details

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1. INTRODUCTION

Electrical installation of MOT, Trivandrum was energized from KSEB grid on 08/-
3/2018. From the first day of energization onwards, several electrical interruptions are
notice with in the electrical installation of the MOT. Interruptions due to faults are usual.
But at MOT no specific faults in the installation are indicated in the protection relays
and on physical investigations. Most of the interruptions are due to nuisance tripping of
either HT breakers or LT breakers. Presence of load current harmonics, the electrical
schematic and protection system are studied
2. HARMONIC STUDY

Almost all the present day loads are power electronics based and these are highly non-
linear loads. Current drawn from the supply by non-linear loads are not proportional to
the voltage and will be highly distorted, means not pure sine wave. Mathematical
technique to deal with the distorted current is to dissolve it into harmonics. Distorted
load current contains different harmonics. Almost all the electrical loads produce
harmonics, except incandescent lamps and heaters.

The common loads that generating harmonics are:

1) Variable Frequency drives (VFD)
2) Electronic Ballasts, Compact Fluorescence Lamps (CFL), Light Emitting Diodes
(LED)
3) Computers, printers, scanners, copying machines
4) Electronic fan regulators, dimmers, inverters
5) Power electronics based home appliances
6) Transformers, reactors, motors, generators

The distortion level of the distorted current or voltage is expressed as the Total Harmonic
Distortion (THD). It is the Root Sum Square (RSS) of individual harmonics (pu), except
fundamental current.
Triple’n harmonics 3rd, 6th, 9th, 12th etc. are zero sequence harmonics. Zero sequence
harmonics i.e. triple’n harmonics in the phase conductors are in phase with each other
and add at the neutral point and flows through the neutral conductor. Hence the neutral
conductor triple’n harmonic current will be three (3) times the phase triple’n current.

Each harmonic has its own frequency, current, impedance & voltage and acts as separate
power systems. Super imposed effect of all these components on the equipment.
3. EFFECTS OF HARMONICS

Some of the effects of the harmonics are listed below.

1) It adversely affects the performance of the equipment
2) It pollutes the system and spreads the same to other consumers connected to the
same network
3) Abnormal neutral current some times more than phase current even two times of
the phase current.
4) Overheating, premature aging and failure of equipment
5) Nuisance tripping and loss of production
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 6) Faulty operation of equipment control system,
7) Erroneous measurements, data loss etc.
8) Adversely affects the business reputation
9) Low power factor, increased demand, additional losses
10) Harmonic mitigation measures required and more equipment cost

4. MAGNITUDE OF HARMONIC DISTORTION

The distortion level of the distorted current or voltage is expressed as the Total Harmonic
Distortion (THD). Current distortion level is expressed in THD(I) and voltage distortion
level in THD(V). It is the Root Sum Square (RSS) of individual harmonics (pu), except
fundamental current.

n
THD(I) % = 100 x ∑ (In/I1)²
n=2

n
THD(V) % = 100 x ∑ (Vn/V1)²
n=2

5. PERMISSIBLE HARMONI LIMITS AS PER IEEE 519-2014 STANDARD

International standard IEEE 519-2014 recommends the allowable limits of current and
voltage harmonics. According to IEEE 519, Total Demand Distortion (TDD), is the
parameter to be considered, for arriving at the allowable current harmonics limit, instead
of Total Harmonic Distortion (THD). The difference is only in the reference current
considered for calculating total distortion. For TDD, the reference current is the IL, the
yearly average demand load current. Whereas for THD(I) the reference current is the
fundamental component I1 of the measured distorted current. TDD is considering as the
limit because otherwise consumer will be penalized for harmonics during low load
condition which has no considerable impact on the system to inject voltage harmonics.
From harmonic measurement we can get only the THD(I) value.

From THD(I), TDD to be calculated.

TDD = THD(I) x I1/IL

I1=Fundamental component of measured current corresponding to the THD(I)

measured and IL= Yearly average maximum demand current.

Another parameter to be considered along with TDD, for deciding the allowable limit,
is the ISC/IL ratio. ISC is the short circuit current and again IL is the same yearly average
of the demand load current. IL can be calculated from yearly average Maximum
Demand. Yearly average (MD) = (sum of 12 months’ maximum demands)/12. IL =
yearly average MD/(√3*VLL) in Amperes.

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Table-2: Current Distortion Limit (IEEE 519-2014)

Table-3:

Table-3: Voltage Distortion Limit (IEEE 519-2014)

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 6. MEASUREMENT POINTS

The installation under the Harmonic study is a HT consumer with a connected load of
3140kW and the maximum demand is 2800kVA. Three (3) numbers 1250kVA
transformers are feeding the entire load. The harmonic measuring points are shown in
the figure 1. Harmonic measurements of all the three incomers of Main Switch Board
(MSB) are recorded.

Measurement Measurement Measurement

Point-1 Point-2 Point-3

Figure-1: Single Line Diagram with measurement points’;

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7. MEASUREMENT DETAILS

1. Voltage distortion level

Voltage harmonics distortion level THD(VC) at LT side is noted and it is about 2.0%
only, which is well within the permissible limit of 8% as per IEEE 519.

2. Current harmonics distortion level (THD(I) of LT Bus section-A Incomer-1

Measured current harmonics level THD(I) of incomer-1 feeder and the measured
THD(I) is 11.2%. The major harmonic current component from the measured
harmonic spectrum is 3rd harmonics and its magnitude is 9.4% of 922.2 Amps. The
measured harmonic spectrum is shown in the figure-2.

Figure-2: THD(I) of LT Bus section-A Incomer-1

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3. Current harmonics distortion level (THD(I) of LT Bus section-B Incomer-2

Measured current harmonics level THD(I) of incomer-2 feeder and the measured
THD(I) is 5.9%. The major harmonic current component from the measured
harmonic spectrum is 3rd harmonics and its magnitude is 5.1% of 865.8 Amps. The
measured harmonic spectrum is shown in the figure-3.

Figure-3: THD(I) of LT Bus Section-B Incomer-2

4. Measurement Details of bus Section-C (Incomer-3)

Measured current harmonics level THD(I) of incomer-3 feeder and the measured
THD(I) is feeder 4.9% THD(I). The major harmonic current component from the
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 measured harmonic spectrum is 5th harmonics and its magnitude is 4.1% of 577.8
Amps. The measured harmonic spectrum is shown in the figure-4.

Figure-4 - THD(I) of LT Bus Section-C Incomer-3

8. VERIFICATION OF TOTAL HARMONIC DISTORTION (THD) AT PCC

According to IEEE 519, Total Demand Distortion (TDD) at the Point of Common
Coupling (PCC) [11kV supply point], is the parameter to be considered, for arriving at
the allowable current harmonics limit, instead of Total Harmonic Distortion (THD-I).
Using Power & Harmonic Analyser only THD(I) can be measured. From THD(I), TDD
to be calculated.
At MOT the Point of Common Coupling (PCC) is at KSEB RMU and as the CT VT
terminals are not accessible, THD(I) at PCC [11kV supply point] is simulated, using the
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harmonics spectrum measurements of three incomers. The system is modelled and the
THD(I) at PCC is simulated using software.
TDD = THD(I) *I1/IL

I1=Fundamental component of measured current corresponding to the THD(I)

measured and IL= Yearly average maximum demand current.

The THD(I) measured when the I1 = IL will be equal to the TDD.

The system is modelled using the THD(I) of three (3) incomers measured individually.
In practical condition, occurring the THD(I) measured simultaneously at the PCC is
very rare and this situation is very difficult to happen. As such the simulation is the worst
case scenario. The simulation result is shown in figure-5

The simulation result of THD(I) is also of the worst case THD(I). It is clear from the
simulation result attached the current drawn from the KSEB 11kV grid is 86.6 A, while
the maximum demand current is only 65A.

Figure-5 - THD(I) at PCC software simulation results

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 Calculated Short circuit current at PCC = 4.43kA
Average maximum demand current as per KSEB invoice = 66A
ISC/IL = 4430/66 = 67. Permissible limit as per IEEE 519 2014 for ISC/IL ratio in between
50 to 100 is 12%.
The simulation result of this worst case scenario shows that the worst case %THD(I) at
PCC is 7.49% and as the considered situation is not less than the maximum demand
current operating condition, the simulated THD(I) can be considered as the worst case
TDD and the same is within the permissible limit of 12% at PCC as per IEEE 519-2014
Standard and no harmonic mitigation measures is required.
However, from the harmonic measurement of Bus Section-A Incomer-1, the THD(I)
measured is 11.2% and the major harmonic component is 3rd harmonic with magnitude
of 9.4% of 922.2 Amps. i.e. the 3rd harmonic current per phase is 86.69A. As the triple’n
harmonics are in phase and the phase triple’n harmonics add at the neutral, the triple’n
harmonics current flowing in the neutral conductor will be three (3) times the phase
triple’n current. Thus the 3rd harmonic current flowing through the neutral conductor
will be 3 x 86.69 = 260A.
High neutral current about 270A is indicated on the LT panel of transformer-1. The
neutral current will be the sum of the unbalance current and the triple’n harmonic
currents flowing through the neutral conductor. Thus to reduce the high neutral current
it is recommended to check and balance the loads in all the three phases of transformer-
1 and as 3rd harmonics current flowing through the neutral conductor also is high, it is
preferable to provide suitable 3rd order harmonic filter, so that the 3rd order harmonic
current flowing can be minimized and a reduction in THD(I) at PCC also can be
achieved.
Active harmonic filter or passive single tuned 3rd order harmonic filter can be used for
mitigation of 3rd order harmonics. Active solution is always costlier than passive
solution.
9. GENERAL OBSERVATIONS AND FINDINGS

During the study of the electrical installation at MOT Trivandrum on 20th to 22nd of
March 2018, the following issues are noticed and remedial measures for the same to be
initiated urgently.
1. 11kV Incomer feeder protection, multi ratio CTs of the HT switchgear, shown in the
as-built SLD are not of the same ratios. The CT ratios of two (2) nos. of CTs are of
250-200/5-5A and that of the third one (1) no. is of 250-125/5-5A. This difference
of CT ratios to be physically verified at site in coordination with KSEB officials as
the panel covers are sealed. The ratio implemented at site to be confirmed and the
same to be marked in the SLD.

2. The location of CT shown in the as-built drawings and provided at site in the
grounding/neutral circuit for 64REF relay is to be verified by the project
consultant/contractor and if required the same to be revised/modified.

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3. Tripping, annunciation/indication signal to the HT breakers of Transformer-1 and
2 from 64REF relays located in the LT panel are not seen connected to the HT
breaker panel, the same to be properly connected. For HT panel of Transformer-3,
it is seen connected for trip, but its correctness to be verified & confirmed by the HT
panel manufacturer.

4. Loose connection in the terminal blocks of HT panels are noticed and the same is
tightened. All the terminal bock termination tightness to be verified and its tightness
should be ensured.

5. When Transformer-2 HT breaker is tripped, no relay LED indication was available

in the relay M140C, only flag of tripping relay 86 and 50/51 indication in the
annunciation window were available.

6. The resetting of flag of tripping relay 86 is not possible once tripping relay 86 is
actuated. To reset the flag of tripping relay 86, either switching OFF the auxiliary
supply or removing the wire (ferrule no. K29) is required. Complete wiring of the
HT panel and the proper functioning of M140C relay to be verified and modified if
required by the HT panel manufacturer.

7. As per control circuit drawing of HT breaker panel of outgoing feeders, three (3)
tripping signals are seen connected to tripping relay 86. (1) Relay 50/51, (2) MDC
and (3) Relay 49A, and additionally 64REF relay is connected to the HT panel
partially. But in the annunciation window only 50/51 tripped and “VTFF indication
are available. Annunciation (HT panel) of all the HT protections when acted to be
indicated in the annunciation window. This can be implemented using spare
annunciation windows available.

8. It is not clear why individual transformers HT CBs to be tripped if the set Maximum
Demand current is exceeded (by Maximum Demand Controller). It is recommended
that only alarm/indication (not tripping) for the HT panel incomer (not for
individual transformer feeders) need to be enabled for monitoring the maximum
demand current of the entire installation.

9. The transformer door interlock trip is working only for one transformer and it is not
working for other two (2) transformers, and their mechanical interlocks are seen
tampered. Also no indication in the annunciation window of HT panel. The same
to be verified and corrected.

10. VTFF (VT Fuse Failure) of HT panels are seen actuated. It is to be ensured all the
VT fuses are properly installed and intact.

11. As (1) the operation of tripping relay 86 is without any fault indication in the relays,
(2) so far no fault is seen in the feeder circuit, (3) resetting of tripping relay 86 is not
possible after a tripping, (4) loose connections are noticed in the Transformer-2 HT
panel and (5) frequent nuisance tripping are noticed, some defects/irregularities are

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 expected in the HT breaker of Transformer-2. Hence, a complete checking & testing
of all the HT panels and its protection system are recommended.

12. The protection setting of KSEB RMU VCB is very low. The CT ratio and the
protection setting of RMU VCB to be reviewed and proper setting to be applied to
have a proper protection coordination and to avoid unnecessary tripping.

13. Protection setting calculations of all the LT ACBs and MCCBs to be done, protection
coordination chart to be prepared and all the settings to be applied at site. All the
breakers/MCCBs in service should be with proper protection setting and proper
protection coordination with upstream breakers/MCCBs to be ensured.

14. After satisfactorily loading of all the loads including all the three (3) chillers on
21/04/2018 night, with three (3) nos. of 750 kVA DG setts, an indication with hooter
“Low lagging PF” in DG set-1 is noticed. After some period, tripped the DG set 1 &
2 with indication “Low Lubrication Oil Pressure” and tripped the DG set 3 with
indication “Over Load”. This to be investigated by the DG set manufacturers
engineers and the protection setting to be revised if required. All the same loads are
satisfactorily loaded with KSEB supply; no issues are noticed.

15. The KSEB ACB of Raising Main 1.1 tripped without any fault indication on the
KSEB ACB. The reason not having any fault indication to be investigated by the
contractor/manufacturer. While transferred all the loads on RM 1.1 to DG supply
the DG sets tripped with indication “Short circuit”. When transferred the loads of
RM 1.1 to KSEB supply through KSEB ACB of RM 1.2 no issues are noticed. It
shows no fault from changeover point towards load side. The Raising Main 1.1 is
isolated from the supply. As some fault is expected in RM 1.1 it should put in service
only after thorough investigation. It should be made serviceable urgently, as at
present no alternative feeding arrangement if any fault is noticed in RM 1.2.

16. Connected load of the Raising Main in different schematic (As-built) drawing sheets
shows different values. The same to be verified and corrected.

17. Harmonics measurements of three transformer incomers are taken. The issue of
unwanted tripping due to the load harmonics was also considered. During the study
no such reason for the unwanted tripping of breakers is noticed.

18. High neutral current is indicated on the transformer-1 LT panel. Neutral current
noticed is about 270A. Unbalanced load and 3rd harmonics are the reasons for the
high neutral current flowing through the neutral conductor. Load balancing and
mitigation of 3rd harmonic current are preferred to reduce the neutral current.

19. Unusual sound and heat is noticed from LT ACB of Transformer-2; to be

investigated.

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 20. Proper protection coordination of all breakers with upstream breakers for KSEB
supply and the same for DG set supply to be ensured.

21. Winding temperature display of Transformer-3 is not working properly and the same
may be investigated.

22. Possibility of mechanical interlocking of LT KSEB supply ACB with DG supply

ACB may be explored and implemented as recommended by the breaker
manufacturer.

23. Regarding the electrical interlock, in addition to the UV release, the closing circuit
of each LT KSEB supply ACB shall be wired (if not done) through the auxiliary
contacts of the corresponding DG supply ACB and vice versa, so that proper
electrical interlock will be ensured.

24. Insulated floor mats shall be provided as per standards.

10. CONCLUSIONS

According to IEEE 519-2014, Total Demand Distortion (TDD) at the Point of

Common Coupling (PCC), is the parameter to be considered, for verifying the
harmonic distortion level. The permissible %TDD limit at PCC of the MOT, as per
IEEE 519-2014 is 12% and the calculated %TDD at PCC is 7.49% and the same is well
within the permissible limits. As the harmonic distortion level is within the permissible
limits, there is no need of any harmonic mitigation measures to reduce the THD(I) at
PCC.
To reduce the high neutral current, it is recommended to check and balance the loads
in all the three phases of transformer-1 and as 3rd harmonics current flowing through
the neutral conductor also is high, it is preferable to provide suitable 3rd order harmonic
filter, so that the 3rd order harmonic current flowing can be minimized and a reduction
in THD(I) at PCC also can be achieved.
As there is presence of harmonics, it is recommended to use de-tuned capacitor banks
only for the power factor improvement. Already 7% de-tuned capacitor banks are
provided to improve power factor.
Our observations for the reasons of nuisance tripping are (1) inadequate CT ratio &
protection setting of KSEB RMU VCB, (2) irregularities and malfunctions of HT
panels, (3) lack of protection coordination including for DG supply, (4) defective
protection & control wiring, improper CT location of REF protection scheme and CT
ratio mismatch, (5) unwanted tripping of HT breakers by MDC tripping signal, etc.
Issues pointed out under “GENERAL OBSERVATIONS AND FINDINGS” above
should be taken up with the concerned and remedial measures to be completed as soon
as possible.

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