# Risk of resonance due to power-system harmonics

HomePower Factor CorrectionThe effects of harmonicsRisk of resonance due to power-system harmonics

Considering the simplified circuit represented on Figure L29 (no PFC capacitors connected):

The voltage distortion Vh at the busbar level results from two different factors:

• connection of non-linear loads generating harmonic currents Ih,
• voltage distortion Uh present on the supply network due to non-linear loads outside of the considered circuit (incoming harmonic voltage).

A significant indicator of harmonic importance is the percentage of non-linear loads NLL, calculated by the formula:

${\displaystyle N_{LL(\%)}={\frac {\text{Power of non-linear loads}}{\text{Power of supply transformer}}}}$

Fig. L29 – Simplified circuit diagram

The connection of PFC capacitors (without reactors) results in the amplification of harmonic currents at the busbar level, and an increase of the voltage distortion.

Capacitors are linear reactive devices, and consequently do not generate harmonics. The installation of capacitors in a power system (in which the impedances are predominantly inductive) can, however, result in total or partial resonance occurring at one of the harmonic frequencies.

Because of harmonics, the current IC circulating through the PFC capacitors is higher compared to the situation where only the fundamental current I1 is present.

If the natural frequency of the capacitor bank/ power-system reactance combination is close to a particular harmonic, then partial resonance will occur, with amplified values of voltage and current at the harmonic frequency concerned. In this particular case, the elevated current will cause overheating of the capacitor, with degradation of the dielectric, which may result in its eventual failure.

The order h0 of the natural resonant frequency between the system inductance and the capacitor bank is given by:

${\displaystyle h_{0}={\sqrt {\frac {S_{sc}}{Q}}}}$

Where:

Ssc = the level of system short-circuit power (kVA) at the point of connection of the capacitor
Q = capacitor bank rating in kvar
h0 = the order of the natural frequency f0, i.e. f0/50 for a 50 Hz system, or f0/60 for a 60 Hz system.

For example:

 Transformer power rating : S = 630kVA Short-circuit voltage : Usc = 6% Short-circuit power at the busbar level : Ssc ~ 10 MVA Reactive power of the capacitor bank : Q = 350 kvar

Then:

${\displaystyle h_{0}={\sqrt {\frac {S_{sc}}{Q}}}={\sqrt {\frac {10.10^{3}}{350}}}=5.5}$

The natural frequency of the capacitor/system-inductance combination is close to the 5th harmonic frequency of the system.

For a 50Hz system, the natural frequency f0 is then equal to f0 = 50 x h0 = 50 x 5.5 = 275 Hz

Fig. L30 – Simplified circuit diagram