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Harmonic studies are performed to determine harmonic distortion levels and filtering requirements within a facility. Field measurements and computer simulations are used to characterize adjustable-speed drives (ASDs) and other nonlinear loads and simulations are then performed to determine the filter specifications and effectiveness. The application of harmonic filters will significantly alter the frequency response of the power system. An evaluation of the harmonic voltage and current limits, (e.g., IEEE Std. 519) is completed to determine the effectiveness of the proposed filter installation. The potential for harmonic distortion problems is dependent on two important factors: The level of harmonic generation which can be associated with loads in the plant. Harmonic currents are generated by loads which have nonlinear voltage-current characteristics. The number and sizes of these devices at a given bus determines the level of harmonic current generation. The system frequency response characteristics. The frequency response at a given bus is dominated by the application of capacitors at that bus. Series reactors for transient control or harmonic control significantly change the frequency response. Problems occur when the system response exhibits a parallel resonance near one of the harmonic components generated by the loads on the system (usually the 5th or 7th harmonic). Resistive load provides damping near these resonant frequencies. The combination of these two factors determines whether or not a harmonic problem will exist at a particular bus. It is also possible for harmonic problems to occur at buses remote from the harmonic source if local resonances exist. If capacitors are applied at any locations that have large adjustable- speed drives, the potential for resonance problems must be considered carefully. A harmonic study evaluates these concerns as described in the following sections:
Harmonic Measurements
Harmonic measurements are an important part of the overall investigation for a number of reasons. Most importantly, the measurements must be used to characterize the level of harmonic generation for the existing nonlinear loads.
Voltage and current harmonic levels are measured at multiple sites to accomplish this. It is important to accurately document system conditions at the time of the measurements so that the results can be used to verify analytical results. The specific objectives of the measurements include: Determine the harmonic generation characteristics of the nonlinear loads (e.g., dc drive waveform below). This is done by performing current measurements at a variety of locations within the facility. Three-phase measurements are made so that characteristic and non-characteristic (triplen) harmonic components can be determined. Determine system response characteristics for particular conditions. Voltage measurements are used in conjunction with the current measurements to characterize system response for specific system conditions. These conditions are then be the basis for verifying the analytical models. Determine the background harmonic voltage and current levels. The measurements typically are performed over a period of 1-5 days in order to assure that adequate data is collected to characterize the system operation and for verification of the analytical models.
important system parameters (capacitors, loads, transformer sizes) is evaluated and the potential for problem resonance conditions is determined (5th or 7th harmonic resonance is the most important). Tabular and graphical results (e.g., scan figure below) of various switching conditions is prepared so harmonic resonance conditions can easily be identified.
If problem conditions are identified at a given bus, filter designs are developed to alleviate the resonance problems. These filter designs should be coordinated closely with the transient analysis.
Expected harmonic voltage distortion levels are evaluated based on recommended limits outlined in IEEE Std. 519. This standard states that the bus voltage distortion level should be limited to 5%. This limitation should prevent any harmonic problems with process controls, capacitors, transformers, or adjustable-speed drive controls. One of the most important impacts of the harmonic currents caused by nonlinear loads and system resonances is the increased heating in system equipment. Transformers are the most important devices affected but cable ratings could also be impacted. Spreadsheets are developed during the study to evaluate the transformer and cable derating required to accommodate harmonic currents. Recommendations for derating factors as a function of the harmonic current distortion level are presented. Motors in the plant can be adversely impacted by the voltage distortion levels at the various buses. Motors and controls are the primary reasons for the 5% limit in IEEE Std. 519. A more detailed evaluation of the impact of harmonic voltages on motors can be performed by evaluating the individual frequencies involved. A spreadsheet for this purpose is developed and motor heating concerns are identified.