Power harmonics management

Harmonic currents in the network affect the quality of energy and are at the origin of many disturbances as overloads, vibrations, ageing of equipment, etc ... This chapter covers the origins of harmonics, their effects, how to measure them, and presents the solutions to mitigate these harmonics.

Chapter M - Contents

• Detect and eliminate harmonics: why?
• Definition and origin of harmonics
  • Definition of harmonics
  • Origin of harmonics
• Essential indicators of harmonic distortion and measurement principles
  • Harmonic distortion indicators - Power factor
  • Harmonic distortion indicators - Crest factor
  • Harmonic spectrum
  • R.m.s. values
  • Usefulness of the various indicators of Harmonic distortion
• Harmonic measurement in electrical networks
• Main effects of harmonics in electrical installations
  • Effects of harmonics - Resonance
  • Effects of harmonics - Increased losses
  • Effects of harmonics - Overload of equipment
  • Effects of harmonics - Disturbances affecting sensitive loads
  • Effects of harmonics - Economic impact
• Harmonics standards
• Solutions to mitigate harmonics
  • Basic solutions to mitigate harmonics
  • Harmonic filtering
  • The method to optimize harmonics mitigation

External links

• VSDs for motors
• Micrologic Control Units