Proceedings of International Conference on Advances in Applied Engineering and Technology 2015, May 14-16, 2015.

Power Quality Analysis and Recommendations Based on Real

Field Measurement Datas
1

P.K.Mani, 2Dr.K.Siddappa Naidu,

Associate Professor, Department of Electrical and Electronics Engineering, VEL TECH MULTITECH, Chennai-600062.
2
Professor, School of Electrical and Electronics Engineering, VEL TECH UNIVERSITY, Avadi, Chennai-600062.

Abstract
In years past, most electrical equipment operated on an ideal
voltage and current waveform. However, in the past couple
of decades there has been an explosion in the use of solidstate electronic technology. This new, highly efficient,
electronic technology provides improved product quality
with increased productivity by the use of smaller and lighter
electrical components. Today we are able to produce
products that cost less than in years past, but this new
technology requires clean electric power and is highly
sensitive to power distortions.
Electronic equipment (switching power supplies) draws
current differently than non-electronic equipment. Instead of
a load having a constant impedance drawing current in
proportion to the sinusoidal voltage, electronic devices
change their impedance by switching on and off near the
peak of the voltage waveform. Switching loads on and off
during part of the waveform results in short, abrupt, nonsinusoidal current pulses during a controlled portion of the
incoming peak voltage waveform. These abrupt pulsating
current pulses introduce unanticipated reflective currents
(harmonics) back into the power distribution system. The
currents operate at frequencies other than the fundamental 50
Hz. Harmonic currents can be likened to the vibration of
water in a water line when a valve is open and closed
suddenly. In this paper power quality analysis done based on
the real field measurements in a spinning mill reported and
the recommendations are suggested.

Flickering of Fluorescent Lights - Transformer

Ballast Saturation

Fuses Blowing for No Apparent Reason - Inductive

Heating and Overload

Motor Failures (overheating) - Voltage Drop

Neutral Conductor and Terminal Failures - Additive

Currents

Overheating of Metal Enclosures - Inductive

Heating

Power Interference on Voice Communication Harmonic Noise

Transformer Failures - Inductive Heating

The heating effects of harmonic currents can cause
destruction of equipment, conductors, and fires. The results
can be unpredictable legal and financial ramifications.
Voltage distortions can lead to overheating of equipment,
electronic equipment failure, expensive downtime, and
maintenance difficulties. Harmonic currents and voltage
distortion are becoming the most severe and complex
electrical challenge for the electrical industry. The problems
associated with nonlinear loads were once limited to isolated
devices and computer rooms, but now the problem can
appear throughout the power and utility system.
Our work consists of the following:

Power Quality Audit

Graphical analysis

Recommendations

Conclusion.

Keywords: Power Quality, Harmonics, AHF, THD,

Nonlinear loads.
1. Introduction
The actual problems of any Project will vary, depending on
the types and number of installed harmonic producing loads.
Most Projects can withstand nonlinear loads of up to 15% of
the total electrical system capacity without concern, but,
when the nonlinear loads exceed 15% some non-apparent
negative consequences can be expected. For Projects that
have nonlinear loading of more than 25%, particular
problems can be become apparent. The following is a short
summary of most, but not all of the problems caused by
harmonics:

Capacitor Failure - Harmonic Resonance

Circuit Breakers Tripping - Inductive Heating and

Overload

Computer Malfunction or Lockup - Voltage

Distortion

Conductor Failure - Inductive Heating

Electronic Equipment Shutting down - Voltage

Distortion

2. Scope of Work
A.

OBJECTIVE:

To conduct Reactive Power Flow study and Power Quality

Audit and measure the level of Harmonics and the reactive
power requirement.
To suggest a suitable solution to improve the Power Factor at
the correct location and maintain the Power Quality in the
Network as per International norms.
B. INSTRUMENTS USED:
METREL Power Quality Analyser Plus which displays and
stores Active Power, Reactive Power, Apparent Power,
Power factor, Displacement power factor, Total harmonic
distortion of voltage and current each individual phase wise,
Oscilloscope waveform of voltage and voltage harmonics,
current and current harmonics, etc.

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Proceedings of International Conference on Advances in Applied Engineering and Technology 2015, May 14-16, 2015.

C. MEASUREMENT CONDITIONS:

D. MEASUREMENT TECHNIQUES:

Measurements were carried out in the following locations:

Using high speed Power Quality Analyzer, various

instantaneous Power Parameters are recorded for Analysis &
Evaluation of opt System. The Parameters logged includes
Phase Voltage, Line Currents, Power Factor, Active Power,
Reactive Power, Apparent Power, THD, Voltage Harmonics,
THD Current Harmonics and Individual Voltage & Current
Harmonics.
These Parameters are logged on Individual Phase and 3
Phase for proper analysis. The high speed analyzer measures
128 Samples per cycle (20 milli seconds) and variations are
recorded. The recording interval is selected as appropriate to
the study, depending on the Loading pattern. We are
summarizing the parameters recorded in Graphical Pattern
for relevant parameters.

1. 33 KV HT TOTAL INCOMER
2. TRANSFORMER -1, 2MVA
a) F1 BLOW ROOM.
b) F2 SPINNING G 5/1 M/C's 5-8.
c) F3 PREPORATORY -1.
d) F4 HUMIDIFICATION PLANT 1.
e) F5 SPINNING G 5/1 M/C's 1-4.
f) F6 COLONY LIGHTNING.
g) F7 NEW PREPORATORY.
h) F8 SPINNING G 5/1 M/C's 22-25.
I) F9 SPINNING G 5/1 M/C's 9-12.
j) F10 COMBER PLANT.
k) F11 DOUBLING & SPINNING.
l) F12 SPINNING 6/S M/C's 17-20.

E. DATA LOGGING

For the above objective, data logging of Power, Waveform,

Harmonic Parameters were carried out at the following
3. TRANSFORMER -2, 2MVA
a) F13 SPINNING G 5/1 M/C's 17-21.
locations:
b) F14 SPINNING G 5/1 M/C's 13-16.
c) F15 HUMIDIFICATION PLANT 2 & LR 6/S Plant Measurements were carried out at Three Transformer nodes
1&2.
i.e., LV side of 2500 KVA. These transformers were being
d) F16 PREPORATORY -2.
operated in parallel with LV side Bus couplers closed.
e) F17 SPINNING LRD J/5 1-10(Pump House).
f) F18 FACTORY LIGHTNING.
Studies were carried out at all Incomers and major Feeders
g) F19 SPINNING LR 6/S M/C's 9-13.
connected of Transformers.
h) F20 CONE WINDING.
i) F21 ACW 338-1-7.
F. DATA REPRESENATION
j) F22 SPINNING LR 6/S M/C's 14-17.
k) F23 SPINNING LR 6/S M/C's 1-4.
The following Graphical and Tabulation Forms of the
Readings recorded are annexed which indicates the data
logged:
4. TRANSFORMER -3, 2MVA
a) F45 RETIRE BLOW ROOM.

Load Flow Tables.

b) F46 RETIRE PREPORATORY -1.

Trend Graphs.
c) F47 RETIRE PREPORATORY -2&3.

Harmonic Spectrum Current.

d) F48 SPINNING LR 6 25-27 & H.PLANT.

Waveforms of Current & Voltage.

e) F49 K441 SPINNING 9-12.
f) F50 SPINNING LR 6 22-24 & H.PLANT.
G. PATTERN OF RECOMMENDATION
g) F51 NEW AUTO CONE WINDING.
h) F52 K441 SPINNING 5-8.
The recommendations are on the following Pattern, taking
i) F53 K441 SPINNING 1-4.
into consideration the Mandatory IEC Guidelines &
j)
F54 AUTO CONOR H.PLANT & RETIRE Statutory IEEE Guidelines for Voltage & Current
PREPORATORY.
Harmonics. The Recommendations are grouped as given
below:
5. TRANSFORMER -4, 2MVA
a) F37 LIGHTNING RETIRE PROJECT.
Group I Level of Harmonics:
b) F38 DJ/S SPINNING H.PLANT.
c) F39 SPINNING LR 60 A 11-13.
Where the levels of Harmonics are lesser than IEEE / IEC
d) F40 SPARE.
Guidelines for Harmonics and Capacitors having specific
e) F41 SPINNING LR 60 A 1- 5.
guaranteed
Harmonic
Withstand
Capability
are
f) F42 SPINNING LR 60 A 6-10.
recommended.

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Proceedings of International Conference on Advances in Applied Engineering and Technology 2015, May 14-16, 2015.

Group II Level of Harmonics:

Where the levels of Harmonics are higher than the IEEE /
IEC limits, recommendation is to provide Automatic
Switched Harmonic Filter System which will consist of
Capacitors & Reactors. These Automatic Operation of
Capacitors and Harmonic Filters improve the power factor
and also the Harmonic Filters suppress the Current
Harmonics. Hence, the Average P.F will be maintained for
the Loads with the suppression of Harmonics.
3.

Overall View of the plant

4.

Analysis of the readings at the 33kV HT indoor

breaker (SAMPLE CASE)

POWER PARAMETERS
The KVA and KW are the
normal running loads during
the Time of study 3456 KW
and 3524 KVA.

Periodic s (PAKSHALA.PMD)
0.53
0.50
0.48
0.45
0.43
0.40
0.37
0.35
0.32
0.29
0.27
0.24
0.21

The load currents are normal

during the Time of study.

0.19
0.16
0.14
0.11
0.08
0.06
0.03
0.00

800 amps VCB has been

used.

09.02.2013. 14:42:00

St+ (MVA) Av g

Pt+ (MW) Av g

Relation 1 : 1

Qti+ (MVAr) Av g

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09.02.2013. 14:47:45

Proceedings of International Conference on Advances in Applied Engineering and Technology 2015, May 14-16, 2015.

POWER FACTOR

VOLTAGE
WAVEFORM

Perio dic s (PAKSHALA.PMD)

1.1 0

The Reactive Power varies

with the Active Power
variation.

1.0 9

The variations in Voltage

harmonic
levels
are
recorded.
It is indicated that the
Voltage Harmonic levels
disturb
the
Voltage
waveform.

1.0 7
1.0 6
1.0 5
1.0 3
1.0 2
1.0 1
1.0 0

The system with appx. - 687

KVAR capacitors are
connected Excess.

0.9 9
0.9 8
0.9 7
0.9 6
0.9 5
0.9 3
0.9 2
0.9 1
0.9 0

The Power Factor are found

at Leading 0.98C at the time
of study.

0.8 9
0.8 8
09.0 2.2 013. 14:4 2:0 0

Pftc + Avg

CURRENT
WAVEFORM

The variations in current

harmonic
levels
are
recorded.
It is indicated that the
Current Harmonic levels
disturb
the
current
waveform.

Rela tio n 1 : 1

09.0 2.2 013. 14:4 7:4 5

trigg - 6399 points

Unbalance in Voltage is
found each Phase.

Pfti+ Avg

trigg - 5120 points

X axis range: 1280 points

LOAD PARAMETER:

trigg tim e: 25.12.10. 12:06:28.25

100.0
95.0
90.0
85.0
80.0
75.0
70.0
65.0
60.0
55.0
50.0
45.0
40.0
35.0
30.0
25.0
20.0
15.0
10.0
5.0
0

KW

KVA

KV
AR

PF

Volt
ag
e

Curr
-ent

3456

3524

-687 0.98 21.1

C
KV

63A

TH TH
D
D
Freq Neu
Volt Cur -uency tral
age rent
Cur
(%) (%)
rent
2

12

49.88

3.9

Hz

trigg - 6399 points

X axis range: 1280 points

trigg - 5120 points

Unbalance Current flows in

each Phase.
CURRENT

RECOMMENDATION:
Present P.F is in the range of 0.98
Voltage harmonics recorded is approximately 2%, which is
LOWER than the IEEE 519 Guidelines for Harmonics.
Current harmonics recorded is approximately 12%, which is
also MARGINALLY HIGHER than the IEEE 519 Guidelines
for Harmonics.

Periodics (PAKSHALA.PMD)
13.58

The load currents are

normal
running
loads
during the Time of study.

1.0 8

trigg tim e: 25.12.10. 12:06:28.25

100.0
95.0
90.0
85.0
80.0
75.0
70.0
65.0
60.0
55.0
50.0
45.0
40.0
35.0
30.0
25.0
20.0
15.0
10.0
5.0
0

13.52
13.47
13.42
13.37
13.32
13.27
13.22
13.16

As per IEEE guidelines reading shows it is maintaining at

LEADING Power Factor and the level of Current Harmonic
is higher. As we having KVAH billing it is necessary to
maintain unity PF at all time. So it is required to install ASHF
at the Incomer of all Transformer secondary side.

13.11

An Trms Current of 63
Amps is measured.

13.06
13.01
12.96
12.91
12.85
12.80

The Reactive Power varies

with the Active Power
variation.

12.75
12.70
12.65
12.60
12.55
09.02.2013. 14:42:00

I1 (A) Avg

I2 (A) Avg

Relation 1 : 1

09.02.2013. 14:47:45

5.

I3 (A) Avg

Some sample cases

recommendations

of

load

parameter

and

HARMONIC CURRENT
A.

Periodic s (PAKSHALA.PMD) in %
100.00

F- 4, HUMIDIFICATION PLANT 1:

95.00

The variations in current

harmonic
levels
are
recorded.

90.00
85.00

LOAD PARAMETER:

80.00
75.00
70.00
65.00
60.00
55.00
50.00

The
average
Current
Harmonic Distortion levels
are measured as 12%

45.00
40.00

K
W

KV K
A V
A
R

PF

Volt
-age

Cu
rr
ent

36

60

0.60

247

85

35.00
30.00
25.00
20.00
15.00
10.00

It is indicated that the

Current Harmonic levels are
HIGHER the limits of
standards for Harmonics.

5.00
0
09.02.2013. 14:42:00

thdI1 (%) Max

thdI2 (%) Max

Relation 1 : 1

09.02.2013. 14:47:45

thdI3 (%) Max

48

TH
D
Vo
lta
ge
(%
)

T
H Freq
D Cu uency
rre
nt
(%
)

6.2 20

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50.04

Ne
utr
al
Cu
rre
nt
3

Proceedings of International Conference on Advances in Applied Engineering and Technology 2015, May 14-16, 2015.

3.

RECOMMENDATION:

BASED ON THE RECOMMENDATION, PASSIVE

FILTERS SHOULD BE INSTALLED AT LOAD END.

Present P.F is in the range of 0.6 lagging.

4. AFTER
INSTALLING
PASSIVE
FILTERS,
Voltage harmonics recorded is approximately 6.2%, which is
FURTHER FOR FINE TUNING PURPOSE, ACTIVE
very much HIGHER than the IEEE 519 Guidelines for
FILTERS SHOULD BE INSTALLED.
Harmonics. Current harmonics recorded is approximately
20%, which is very much HIGHER than the IEEE 519 7. Conclusion
Guidelines for Harmonics. Neutral Current of 3 Amps has
been found flowing through Neutral.
System has Higher Current Harmonic of 12% in 33KV,
HT side.
As per IEEE guidelines plant should be maintaining at Unity
Power Factor. So it Necessary to add 60 KVAR Fixed Tuned Due to the transportation of low linear path, Effect of
Filter to increase PF and Harmonic Amplification.
Harmonic is more in linear load.
A.

By installing Filter in the Load end, improves the Lower

PF and reduces cable losses. Our recommendation will help
to increase the PF, decrease the cable losses and some
percentage of Harmonic will be get filtered in load end itself.

F2- SPINNING G 5/1 M/Cs 5-8:

LOAD PARAMETER:
T
K KVA KV PF Vo Curr H
W
A
lt
-ent D
R
Vo
ag
lta
e
ge
(%
)

TH
D
Curr
ent
(%)

8 108
0

15

72

0.7 24 158
4
3V A

Freq
uenc
y

Ne
utr
al
Cu
rre
nt

49.9
5Hz

RECOMMENDATION:
Present P.F is in the range of 0.74 LAGGING
Voltage harmonics recorded is approximately 5%, which is
very much MARGINALLY HIGHER than the limit IEEE
519 Guidelines for Harmonics. Current harmonics recorded
is approximately 15%, which is very much HIGHER than the
limit of IEEE 519 Guidelines for Harmonics. Neutral Current
of 0 Amps has been found flowing through Neutral.
As per IEEE guidelines plant should be maintaining at
LEADING Power Factor, while capacitor are in ON
condition. So it Necessary to add 100 KVAR Auto Switched
Harmonic Filter panel in this DB.

6.

Things to be done for better power quality and

savings in the plant

1. AUTO SWITCHED HARMONIC FILTERS TO BE

INSTALLED AT ALL THE INCOMERS.
2. RING FRAME WITH INVERTER DRIVES SHOULD
BE PROTECTED WITH LINE.

B phase Voltage and Current recorded as Higher and

phase unbalance is also found.
Excess Neutral Current is measured at the Incomer.
Once three phase voltage and Current made balance, it will
get reduced.
Failure rate Electrical system will be reduced by
installing tuned filters at the load end and default saving will
be achieved as per the recommendation.
REFERENCES
[1] Mauricio Aredes, Klemens Heumann, Edson H.
Watanabe, An Universal Active Power Line Conditioner,
IEEE Transactions on Power Delivery, Vol. 13, No. 2, April
1998.
[2] B. Singh, and K. Al-Haddad, A review of active filters
for power quality improvement,IEEE Transactions on
Industrial Electronics, vol. 46, no. 5, pp. 960-971, Oct. 1999.
[3] Charles. S, and G. Bhuvaneswari, Comparison of three
phase shunt active power filter algorithms, International
Journal of Computer and Electrical Engineering, vol. 2, no.
1, pp. 175- 180, Feb. 2010.
[4] S. P. Litran, P. Salmeron, J. R. Vazquez, and J. L.
Flores, Compensation of voltage unbalance and current
harmonics with a series active power filter, Renewable
Energy & Power Quality Journal, no. 3, Mar. 2005.
[5] L. Chen, and A. V. Jouanne, A comparison and
assessment of hybrid filter topologies and control
algorithms, IEEE/PESC Ann. Meeting Conf, vol. 2, pp. 565570.
[8]
E. R. Ribeiro, and I. Barbi, Harmonic voltage
reduction using a series active filter under different
load
conditions, IEEE Transactions on Power
Electronics,
vol. 21, no. 5, pp. 1394-1402, Sep. 2006.
[9]
KannanKarthik,
and
J.E.Quaicoe,
Voltage
Compensation and harmonic suppression using series active
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Proceedings of International Conference on Advances in Applied Engineering and Technology 2015, May 14-16, 2015.

[10] H. Fujita, and H. Akagi, A practical

approach
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[11]
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System
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About the authors
P.K.Mani has completed his B.E.
Electrical and Electronics Engineering
and M.E. Power Systems Engineering at
Anna University, Chennai. At present he
is working as Associate Professor in
Electrical and Electronics Engineering
Dept,
Vel
Tech
Multitech
Dr.Rangarajan
Dr.SakunthalaEngineering
college,
Chennai600062.Currently he is doing Ph.D in Veltech
Dr.RR&Dr.SRTechnical University in the field of power
quality. Mobile. No: +91 9445260989.
Email: mani_lotus@yahoo.com.

Dr.K.Siddappa Naidu finished his

B.E.Electrical Engineering from Sri
Venkateswara University, Tirupati in 1973
and got post-graduation from IISC,
Bangalore in 1976 and Ph.D. from the same
institute in 1994. He has worked in various
capacities in NGEF Transformers Research
& Development from 1979 to 2000.He
worked as HOD EEE, Vice Principal and Principal in different
Engineering colleges from 2000 to 2012.Presently working as
Dean, School of Electrical Engineering in Vel Tech Dr.RR
Dr.SR Technical University, Avadi, Chennai-600062.He has
published many papers in international and national journals.
His research interests are partial discharge measurements in
HV Insulation & Apparatus, online monitoring of HV power
apparatus, Sub synchronous, Renewable energy systems and
power quality.

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