POWER HARMONICS

Harmonics are AC voltages and currents with frequencies that are integer multiples of the
fundamental frequency. In the earlier years, Harmonics were not prevalent in most of the
Industries due to the balanced linear loads using 3 Phase Induction Motors along with
incandescent lighting, heating etc. But the Rapid Advancement of the Power Electronics in
Industrial application cause Industrial load of Non linear type. These Nonlinear loads draw non
sinusoidal current from the sinusoidal voltage waveform. The distortions thus produced in the
Voltage and Current waveform from the sinusoidal waveform are called Harmonic Disorders.
Analyzing Harmonics:
When the amplitudes & Harmonic Phase Angle for different
orders of harmonics are known, reconstructing the distorted
waveform is done by adding the harmonics together, point
by point, thus producing the distorted waveform.
The waveform is synthesized by adding the amplitudes with
phase shift of the two components, the fundamental
frequency and the third harmonic, for each momentary
value, which results in the distorted Waveform
Defining Amplitude & Phase Shift of Voltage Harmonic:

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The Power Frequency available is called as Fundamental Frequency. A sinusoidal wave with a
frequency K times higher than the Fundamental (K shall be an integer) is called harmonic wave
and is denoted with amplitude and Phase Shift (Phase angle) to a Fundamental frequency signal.
The ratio between Harmonic Frequency and Fundamental Frequency (K) is called Harmonic
Order. Discrete Fourier Transform (DFT) or its faster version Fast Fourier Transform (FFT) is
used to analysis the distorted waveform into sinusoidal component of different Harmonic Order of
amplitude & phase shift. Following equation relates the Amplitude and Phase Shift of K order of
Voltage Harmonics

U(t) = DCo +  &U k sin ( k . 2I t  NUk )

K=0

Where,
DC0

CUk

NUK

DC Component
amplitude of k ordered voltage harmonic
phase shift of k ordered voltage harmonic
Fundamental frequency

The Presence of Harmonics is evaluated through Total Harmonic Distortion (THD). THD Voltage
Harmonics are asserted with THDU. THDU is a ratio of the RMS value of the harmonic voltage to
the RMS value of the fundamental voltage and is calculated by the following equation. THD is
usually stated as a percentage.

U2 + U3 + U4+ U5 + +Uk
THDU =

U1
Uk

RMS value of K Order Voltage Harmonics

U1

RMS Value of Fundamental Voltage

Everything presented for Voltage Harmonics is also valid for Current Harmonics and THDI

i(t) = DCo +  &i k sin ( k . 2I t  NiK )

K=0
DCo - DC Component
Cik - amplitude of k ordered current harmonic
NiK - phase shift of k ordered current harmonic

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2

I2 + I3 + I4+ I5 + +Ik
THDI =

I1
Ik

RMS value of K Order Current Harmonics

I1

RMS Value of Fundamental Current

Displacement Power Factor :

Displacement Power Factor is the displacement components of Power Factor, the ratio of the
active power of the fundamental wave, in watts to the fundamental wave, volt-amperes. Power
Factor in this case is often denoted as a Phase Angle between the Voltage and Current
Waveforms.
'LVSODFHPHQW 3)
&RV 3
&RV 3U1 3 I1)

3U1 - Fundamental Frequency Voltage angle calculated with DFT

3 I1 - Fundamental Frequency Current angle calculated with DFT

True Power Factor:

In a System consisting of both linear and non linear loads the True Power Factor (TPF) is a sum
of Cosine of both Displacement and Distortion Angles.
True Power Factor = Cos(Displacement PF + Distortion PF)
Distortion Power Factor :
Distortion Power Factor is the Distortion component associated
with the harmonic voltages and harmonic currents present.
It is defined as the ratio of the fundamental component of
S(VA)
the AC line Current to the total line current
2

D(dVA)

Distortion Power Factor (DPF) = SQRT (1 - TPF - Displacement PF )

Q1(VAr)
S1

Distortion Power (D) = SQRT (S2 P2 Q2)

P1(W)

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Harmonics generation :

1. When the System Voltage is linear but the load is non linear, the Current will be distorted
and become non sinusoidal. The actual Current will become higher than that could be
measured by an ammeter or any other measuring instrument, at the fundamental
frequency. Following figure illustrates the difference between the apparent current
measured by an instrument and the actual current

Ia

A t f u n d a m e n ta l fre q ue n c y f

Ir
A t h a rm o n ic fre q ue nc y fh

Ih

Here, Ia = Active Component of Current

Ir = Apparent current measured by an ammeter

Ih = Actual current due to harmonic distortions
- = Displacement angle between the system Voltage and apparent current defining
The PF of the load
. = Actual Phase displacement due to harmonic distortions.
2. When the supply System itself contains harmonics and the voltage is already distorted,
the linear loads will also respond to such voltage harmonics and draw harmonic currents
against each harmonic present in the system and generate the same order of Current
harmonics.
3. When the System Voltage and load are both non linear, ( a condition which is more
common) the voltage harmonics will magnify and additional harmonics will be generated,
corresponding to the non linearity of the load and hence further distort an already
distorted voltage waveform
Harmonics will thus mean

Higher Voltage and Current than apparent

Adding to line loading and losses
Reducing the actual load PF

Major Harmonic Sources:

Transformers:

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One common source of harmonics is iron core devices like transformers. The magnetic
characteristics of iron are almost linear over a certain range of flux density, but quickly saturate as
the flux density increases. This nonlinear magnetic characteristic is described by a hysteresis
curve. Because of the nonlinear hysteresis curve, the excitation current waveform isn't sinusoidal.
A Fourier analysis of the excitation current waveform reveals a significant third harmonic
component.
Generators:
Generators produce some 5th harmonic voltages due to magnetic flux distortions that occur near
the stator slots and nonsinusoidal flux distribution across the air gap.
Other Producers of Harmonics Include Rectifiers, Inverters, Adjustable Speed Motor Drives,
Welders, Arc furnaces, Voltage Controllers, Frequency Converters etc.
Semiconductor switching devices produce significant harmonic voltages as they abruptly chop
voltage waveforms during their transition between conducting and cutoff states.
Inverter circuits are notorious for producing harmonics, and are in widespread use today. An
adjustable-speed motor drive is one application that makes use of inverter circuits, often using
pulse width modulation (PWM) synthesis to produce the AC output voltage. Various synthesis
methods produce different harmonic spectra. Regardless of the method used to produce an AC
output voltage from a DC input voltage, harmonics will be present on both sides of the inverter
and must often be mitigated.

IMPACT OF HARMONICS ON POWER FACTOR & CAPACITORS

PF is a measure of the efficiency of utilization of a power distribution system. The closer the PF is
to unity, the more is the efficiency to do useful work. With linear loads, the PF depends on the
phase relationship between the current and voltage sine waves. When these two waves are in
phase, the PF is unity and no system capacity is wasted.
Linear loads, such as resistance heaters and incandescent lights are 100% efficient in converting
real power to heat and therefore have a PF of unity. Induction motors require real power and
reactive power, which is measured in kVAR. The reactive current that flows in the system creates a
magnetic field that enables the motor to operate, but doesn't contribute to the work done by the
motor. Reactive current also causes the current wave to lag behind the voltage wave. This process
is called displacement
The apparent power for a motor can be calculated using the equation,
2

kVA=N: +kVAR )
Since the apparent power for a motor is larger than the active power, the PF is less than unity. The
PF for a system powering only linear loads is called the displacement power factor. Unless the
loads are pure resistance, this PF will be less than unity.
Today however, many electrical systems also have harmonic currents on their lines. Harmonics are
caused by non-linear or pulsed loads and their current causes the apparent power to exceed the
active power by a substantial amount.
The

apparent
2

power

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for

nonlinear

load

can

be

calculated

using

the

equation,

kVA = 3 +Q +DVA )
The presence of harmonics increases the apparent power that must be delivered to do a certain
amount of work, therefore lowering the PF. In these situations, the form of power factor present is
called distortion power factor. In a System consisting of both linear and non linear loads the True
Power Factor (TPF) is a sum of Cosine of both Displacement and Distortion Angles.
If harmonic currents are introduced into a system, the True PF will always be lower than the
Displacement PF. For example, the Displacement PF for a computer is close to unity ( usually
about 0.95 ) whereas the true PF, which includes harmonics, is around 0.7. For both linear and
nonlinear loads, the result of extra current that does no real work ( whether it is reactive current or
harmonic current ) is a reduced capability for the system to support useful loads.
For linear loads, measurements can be carried out to determine displacement power factor with a
number of instruments. These instruments can measure Kilowatts (kW) and Kilo-Volt-Amperes
(kVA) and some can directly read Power Factor (PF). When harmonics are present, meters with
true RMS capability must be used to accurately account for the total current which includes the
current at the Fundamental 50 Hz and the harmonic currents to determine True PF. Also, it's
advisable to read the true RMS value of the voltage, since harmonic currents may cause voltage
waveform distortion in some systems.

IMPACT OF HARMONICS ON CAPACITORS

Harmonic component affects the performance of a capacitor unit significantly due to diminishing
reactance at higher frequencies, which adds to its loading substantially and can be analysed as
follows:
Xc = 1/(2fc)

i.e Xc . 1/f

This means that the capacitor will offer a low reactance to the higher harmonics and will tend to
magnify the harmonic effect due to higher harmonic currents. In fact, harmonic currents have a
greater heating effect compared to fundamental current.The effective current caused by all the
harmonics present in the System can be expressed as
2

2 2

Ich = ( Ic + 9 Ich3 + 25 Ich5 + 49 I ch7 + ..n I chn)

Where, Ic

= Rated current of the Capacitor

Ich3 , Ich5 , Ich7 etc. = amplitude of the harmonic current components at different
Harmonic orders
To compensate for the harmonic effects, capacitor unit is designed for a minimum of 70 - 100 %
continuous overload capacity.
Summarizing the above, the harmonic quantities when present in a system on which are
connected a few capacitor banks affect the capacitors as follows:

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Over current resulting in higher losses

Over current resulting to an over voltage across the capacitor units, which would
inflict greater dielectric stress on capacitor elements.

Since the harmonic disorders occur at higher frequencies than the fundamental, they
cause higher dielectric losses

Harmonic output of a capacitor unit:

3 * V * IC ( V in Volts and Ic in Amperes)

KVAR =

1000
and IC = V
XC
Therefore, KVAR =

3 *V

1000 * XC
(or)

KVAR =

3 * V *2 * f * c
2

1000
2

Generalizing KVARh is proportional to Vh . fh

(or) KVARh is proportional to

V1 + 3. Vh3 + 5 Vh5 + 7 Vh7 + ..n.Vhn

The rating of the capacitor unit will thus vary in a square proportion of the effective harmonic
voltage and in direct proportion to the harmonic frequency. This rise in the KVAR, however will not
contribute to the improvement of system pf, but only to the overloading of the capacitors
themselves.
IMPACT OF HARMONICS ON VARYING LOADS
Wherever variation in loading pattern is observed, Automatic Power Factor Correction systems are
Installed for maintenance of Healthy Power Factor. However one cannot indiscriminately add power
factor correction capacitors to a system without understanding how their presence will affect the
system, especially in the presence of Harmonics.
RESONANCE:
The operation of nonlinear loads in a power distribution system creates
harmonic currents that flow throughout the power system. The inductive
reactance of the power system increases and the capacitive reactance
decreases as the frequency increases, as shown in fig3.
PARALLEL RESONANCE:
At a given harmonic frequency in any system where a capacitor exists,
there will be a crossover point where the network impedance and
capacitive reactances are equal. This crossover point, called the parallel
resonant point, is where the power system has coincidental similarity of
system impedances. Every system with a capacitor has a parallel
resonant point. Parallel resonance causes problems only if a source of
harmonics exists at the frequency where the impedances match. This is typically called harmonic
resonance. Harmonic resonance results in very high harmonic currents and voltages at the
resonant frequency.

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HV Bus

Harmonic
source

Network
Inductance

Capacitor Bank
Harmonic generating load

PARALLEL RESONANT CIRCUIT AND ITS EQUIVALENT

Capacitance of
Capacitor Bank

At resonant frequency the resultant impedance of a parallel resonant circuit increases to a very
high value. This leads to excitation of Parallel resonance circuit between the Power Factor
correction capacitor and the network inductance resulting in a high voltage across the inductors
and very high circulating current inside the loop.
SERIES RESONANCE:
The Increased use of non linear loads distorts the Current waveform thereby affecting the voltage
profile. In case of Voltage Distortion the series resonant circuit formed by the capacitance of the
capacitor and the short circuit inductance of the Transformer draws high harmonic current
through the capacitor. Series Resonance can create high voltage distortion in the LV side of the
Transformer.
HV Bus

HV Bus

Transformer's
Inductance's

400 V

Capacitor Bank
Harmonic generating load

Harmonic source

Capacitance of the
Capacitor Bank

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SERIES RESONANT CIRCUIT AND ITS EQUIVALENT

For example, consider a 1500 KVA Transformer and a capacitor bank rating of 250 KVAR. Sub,
these values in the equation given below will yield the harmonic order at which this combination
will form a parallel resonant circuit

(A 1,500kVA transformer with 5% impedance yields about 30 MVAsc (1.5 MVA 0.05)).So the
250KVAR capacitor bank will be resonant with that source impedance at the 11th harmonic. If
any amplitude of 11th harmonic current flows on the power system at that bus, the effect could be
catastrophic.
Due to the combination of Inductance and capacitance in series the nett impedance of the circuit
reduces to a bare minimum level at the resonant frequency and this impedance is basically
resistive in nature at resonant frequency, since at resonant frequency, the capacitive reactance
and the Inductive reactance are equal. This low impedance to the input power at resonant
frequency will result in multiple increase in current.

ELIMINATION OF RESONANCE
In a larger System it is possible to Install Capacitors in a part of System that will not result in a parallel
resonance with the supply. Varying the KVAR Output rating of the Capacitor bank will alter the
Resonant Frequency. With Capacitor Switching there will be different Resonant Frequency for each
step. Changing the number of switching steps may avoid Resonance at each step of switching

Detuned Varying Capacitance

IMPEDENCE

IMPEDENCE

Detuned - Fixed Capacitance

50

BARON

150

189

250

50

FREQUENCY

150 189

250

FREQUENCY

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However, the best way to solve the problem associated with resonance to Install Harmonic Filter
consisting of a Capacitor in series with a reactor such that the Capacitor/Reactor combination is
inductive at Critical frequencies but Capacitive at Fundamental frequency. To achieve this
capacitor and reactor should have a tuning frequency below the lowest critical order of
Harmonics, which is usually the 5th. The impedance of the Filter is zero at the Tuning Frequency;
therefore Harmonic currents are absorbed by the Filter. In the de-tuned capacitance circuit,
basically the inductance acts like Harmonic Blocking Device. For the capacitors, the normal detuning factor is around 7% which will tune the resonance frequency to 189 Hz.

EFFECT OF HARMONICS ON POWER SYSTEM

Distribution Side:
Tripping of circuit breakers and fuses
Due to resonance effects, the current levels may rise to multifold levels, which results in tripping
of the breakers and melting fuses. This situation results into serious problems in industries,
which rely on the quality of power for the continuous operation of their sensitive processes.
Impact of Harmonics on Transformers
Transformers are designed to deliver power at network frequency (50/60Hz). The Iron losses are
composed of the eddy current loss (which increase with the square of the frequency) and
hysterisis losses (which increase linearly with the frequency). Eddy current concentrations are
higher at the ends of the transformer windings due to the crowding effect of the leakage magnetic
fields at the coil extremities. Very often, the damage to the coils in a transformer is not known
until a failure occurs. With increasing frequencies the losses also increase, causing an additional
heating of the transformer.
Impact of Harmonics on Motors:
Hysteresis and eddy current losses are part of iron losses that are produced in the core due to
the alternating magnetic field. Hysteresis losses are proportional to frequency, and eddy current
losses vary as the square of the frequency. Therefore, higher frequency voltage components
produce additional losses in the core of AC motors, which in turn, increase the operating
temperature of the core and the windings surrounding the core. Application of non-sinusoidal
voltages to motors results in harmonic current circulation in the windings of motors.

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Stray motor losses, which include winding eddy current losses, high frequency rotor and stator
surface losses, and tooth pulsation losses, also increase due to harmonic voltages and currents
The interaction between the positive and negative sequence magnetic fields and currents
produces torsional oscillations of the motor shaft. These oscillations result in shaft vibrations. If
the frequency of oscillations coincides with the natural mechanical frequency of the shaft, the
vibrations are amplified and severe damage to the motor shaft may occur
Overloading of the capacitors :
The rated current through capacitor is calculated as follows:
Ic = V = V.2...C
Xc
However due to Harmonics, the Capacitors are overloaded according to the following equation
producing excessive heat
2

2 2

Ich = ( Ic + 9 Ich3 + 25 Ich5 + 49 I ch7 + ..n I chn)

As the capacitive reactance decreases with the frequencies,even smaller amplitudes of the
harmonic voltages result into higher currents, which are detrimental to the capacitors.

Losses in distribution equipment

Harmonics in addition to the fundamental current cause additional losses in the cables, fuses and
also the bus bars.

Excessive currents in the neutral conductor

Under balanced load conditions without harmonics, the phase currents cancel each other in
neutral, and resultant neutral current is zero. However, in a 4 wire system with single phase non
rd
th
th
linear loads, odd numbered multiples of the third harmonics (3 , 9 , 15 ) do not cancel, rather
add together in the neutral conductor.
In systems with substantial amount of the non linear single phase loads, the neutral currents may
rise to a dangerously high level. There is a possibility of excessive heating of the neutral
conductor since there are no circuit breakers in the neutral conductors like in the phase
conductors.
Malfunctioning of the Electronic Controls and Computers
Electronic controls and computers relay on power quality for their reliable operation. Harmonics
result into distorted waveforms, neutral currents and over voltages which affect the performance
of these gadgets.

Measurement errors in the metering systems

The Accuracy of metering systems is affected by the presence of harmonics. Watt-hour meters
accurately register the direction of power flow at harmonic frequencies, but they have amplitude
errors which increase with frequency.
Generation Side:

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Generally Power Electronic devices cause line current to be non-sinusoidal. This harmonics
increases the losses in the stator conductors and it affects the field and damper currents, thus
distorting the voltage profile. The voltage profile distortion depends on the current harmonics and
the alternator characteristics. The following points needs to be accounted :

Increased summated Nett Current flows through the Alternator Winding.

Reverse Harmonic Current flow in the Windings: Harmonic Current flows back into the
Alternator, thereby distorting the voltage waveform (voltage harmonics). Basically voltage
harmonics affects all the loads either linear or non-linear and the voltage harmonics also
induces current harmonics even for linear loads.
Increased Winding resistance for Harmonic Frequencies: Harmonic current produces large
heating than the fundamental current due to the increase in resistance at different
th
frequencies. 5 Harmonic current produces approximately 5 times more heat and similarly
higher order of harmonics produces higher heating. This leads to higher temperature in the
winding.
Rotor Jerking: Due to the reverse flow of Harmonics, there is blocking movement in the
alternator speed i.e., jerking of the rotor takes place due to harmonic current flow.
Rotor Retardation: Due to inherent distortion in the voltage waveform, induced EMF rotates at
th
different frequencies. Depending on the phase angle of the 5 Harmonics, this may have
retardation or acceleration effect on the rotor.

CLASSIFICATION OF HARMONIC FILTERS

HARMONIC FILTERS

PASSIVE
FILTERS

ACTIVE FILTERS

BARON
DE-TUNED
FILTERS

ABHF
Blocking Filters

TUNED
FILTERS

ADHF
Suppression Filters

ASHF
Absorption Filters

TYPES OF PASSIVE FILTER SYSTEMS

Passive Harmonic Filters are Reactor based Systems basically used for the suppression of
Harmonics and maintenance of healthy Power Factor. These Filters are broadly classified as:

Detuned Filters
Tuned Filters

The classification of De-Tuned Filters and Tuned Filters basically depends on the Tuning
Frequency of the Filter Reactor & Capacitor Circuit and the selection of Harmonic Filter type
depends on the level & order of Harmonics present in the Distribution Network.
De-Tuned Harmonic Filters:
The De-Tuned Filters are effective in circuits where variation of Q and Different Order of
Harmonics level are anticipated. Such Filters are shunt connected with matching Tuning
Frequencies below the predominant Harmonic Frequency, thus having most reliable life, but also
achieving the required harmonic reduction. The selection of the Tuning Frequency depends on
the system Impedance behavior under varying loads or constant loads.
The system impedance needs a detailed harmonic behavioral study to arrive at the correct tuning
frequency. However depending on the predominant level of Harmonics present, following tuning
frequencies are generally selected:
rd

ABHF Wherever the level of 3 Harmonics is predominant in the Distribution Network, it is

necessary to select ABHF Filter systems of tuning frequency 136 Hz. These Filters are designed
rd
to block the effect of 3 Harmonics affecting the life of shunt connected Capacitors and reduces
the risk of Harmonic Resonance and Amplification.

BARON
th

ADHF Wherever the level of 5 Harmonics is predominant, it is necessary to select ADHF Filter
th
Systems of tuning frequency 189 Hz. These Filters are also designed to block the effect of 5
harmonics affecting the life of the shunt connected capacitors & suppress the Line Current
Harmonics. In general following are the benefits of ABHF & ADHF Filters:

Avoids Premature failure of Capacitors due to the basic blocking nature of the Filters
Harmonic Amplification due to impedance matching is avoided
Possibility of Harmonic Resonance is avoided

Tuned Harmonic Filters :

The Tuned Filters are basically designed to match to the predominant harmonic frequency, but
slightly tuned away from the harmonic frequency, since the supply frequency variations needs to
be accounted. Even the Tuned Filters act like a De-Tuned Filters when the frequency is at the
normal level, but they operate as Tuned Filters only at the minimum defined supply frequency
These type of Filters are tuned above the Detuned filter frequencies, thus having the impact of
blocking filter and harmonic absorption capability. In other words, these filters not only improve
the power factor, but also absorb the harmonics. Here, the Capacitors are fully protected due to
the blocking nature of the filters, thus ensuring a long life for the Filter Circuit. Such filters are
normally used for both harmonic suppression and power factor improvement.
However for Standardization purpose we have provided the technical specifications and Price list
for Tuned Filter system considering the predominant Harmonics as 5th where the Tuning
frequency varies from 210 Hz to 235 Hz. Such filters are referred as ASHF
Combination filters for different order harmonics and Triplen Filters can also be offered for
specific cases

BASIC THEORY OF REACTOR BASED HARMONIC FILTERS AN OVERVIEW

The effectiveness of a Filter design depends on the Filter Reactive Power Output, Tuning
Frequency and the Impedance of the network at the point of connection. To effectively deal with
Harmonic Filter techniques it is first necessary to know the level and order of Harmonics present,
nature of load, system impedance etc.
HARMONIC ORDER AND SEQUENCE:
The frequency of each Harmonic order is
merely the product of the order
numbers(1,2,3 etc.) times fundamental
frequency. All these higher order
frequencies are pure sine waves and are
all contained as components of the total
Sine wave. These components fit together
in a sequence of conditions for each
frequency. Three phase sequences are
more complicated as mentioned below:
POSITIVE &
CURRENTS:

NEGATIVE

SEQUENCE

Positive Sequence Currents flow through

impedances and make positive sequence
Voltages that produce Positive direction current for Induction Motors. The negative sequence
currents make negative voltages that produce negative torque, tending to make motors run
th
backward. When Harmonics in a System contain high negative components especially the 5 ,
Induction Motors may experience torque fight. Under such circumstances the motor has too little
th
th
th
th
torque to do effective work and there is higher risk of motor burning up. The 5 , 7 , 11 , 13
Harmonic Orders are associated with the operation of three phase circuits and the Harmonic
Current generated by 6 and 12 Pulse Power Conversion equipment.

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ZERO SEQUENCE CURRENTS:

rd

th

th

The Zero Sequence odd harmonics, 3 , 9 , 15 etc are specific to single phase power supplies
powered from three phase four wire system, among which the predominant harmonic of interest
rd
is the 3 primarily produced by the SMPS. While most of the harmonic currents cancel in the
rd
neutral wire, just as the 50 Hz currents do, the 3 Harmonic Currents and other currents divisible
rd
by 3 are additive in the neutral wire. Thus if the 3 Harmonic Current were 100 Amps in each
rd
phase, then the 3 Harmonic Current returning to the Transformer Connection along the Neutral
wire would be 300 Amps.
EVEN ORDER HARMONICS:
Even order harmonics are prevalent only in special cases, particularly when equipment is
malfunctioning
INTER HARMONICS:
If a signal decomposition with Fourier Transformation results in the presence of a Frequency that
is not an integer multiple of the Fundamental, then such harmonic is called as Inter Harmonics

Sources of Interharmonics are highly fluctuating loads such as Arc Furnaces, Welding Machines,
cycloconverters, regulators, frequency converters and low frequency power line carriers.
DETAIL OF INTERHARMONICS DFT SPECTRA

Harmonic
group

35 40

45 50 55

Inter Harmonic
group

60 65

70

75 80 85 90

Harmonic
group

95 100 105 110

How to mitigate the problems due to Harmonics:

BARON

Before the introduction of Filter technologies followings were the methods used to mitigate the
problems due to Harmonics:

9
9

First step was to overbuild the system to handle the extra current. Double sized neutrals,
oversized switchboards and panel boards and Transformers derated to less than their full
capacity are examples of System Overbuilding.
Special Transformers called K Rated Transformers were designed to reduce the chance
of Transformer failure due to overheating and overloading due to Harmonic current. The
K rated Transformers are provided with the following features:
1. Neutral Connection lugs are oversized and may be doubled to handle two neutral
wires.
2. Transformer Core with lower flux density
3. Multiple wires are used in the windings to handle extra currents.
Later K rated devices are replaced with Zig-Zig Reactors. These reactors are connected
rd
between the Phase and neutral of the wye System, thus diverting the 3 Harmonic
current through the device. This device protects the upstream wiring and the Transformer
but has no effect on the loads or load wiring.

However with the advent of Harmonic Filter technologies the above methods have become
obsolete. Though the Installation of Harmonic Filter is the ideal solution to get rid of Harmonics,
its design is very complicated as Harmonics below a particular Tuning Frequency will get
amplified and this necessitates proper analysis of the level and order of Harmonics prevalent in
the System. Where there are several Harmonics present in a System, Installation of Filter will
th
reduce one harmonics while increasing the others. For eg. A 5 Harmonic Filter creates a Parallel
rd
Resonant point near the 3 Harmonics causing the amplification of existing level of Harmonics.
th
rd
Therefore a 5 Harmonic filter requires a Third Harmonic filter also, if 3 Harmonics is
predominantly present in the System.

rd

ABHF Filters for predominant 3 Harmonic loads:

rd

rd

Though there are thousands of methods applicable for 3 Harmonic Mitigation, Installation of 3
Harmonic Filters still remains one of the reliable and safer method for Harmonic Current Filtration.
3 Phase 4 Wire System with grounded Neutral:

Following figure shows the flow of current in a 3 Phase 4 Wire system, where most of the
Harmonic Currents cancel in the neutral wire similar to that of the 50Hz Fundamental current
rd
whereas the 3 Harmonic and other currents divisible by 3 are additive in the Neutral wire.
Transformer
Panel

R
Y
IN=IR+IY+IB
B
N
G

Neutral
Ground

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3rd Harmonic and Unbalanced Current flow through the neutral

Hence the Neutral will contain large quantity of triple harmonics with high Neutral Current / high
neutral voltage harmonics.
Isolated Neutral:
In a Symmetrical 3 Phase, three wire, star connected system, the summation of all the phase
quantities of voltage and current shall be zero. When few harmonics are present in such system,
this balance is disturbed and some of these quantities are not zero. The triple harmonics needs to
flow through the neutral, but due to the non-availability of the neutral in the System, the triple
harmonics will not flow in and out of the supply system.
Ungrounded neutral / Floating neutral:
In a 3 phase 4 wire system each phase can complete its circuit through the neutral, but the
neutral here is ungrounded or floating. Hence, the triple harmonics cannot be drained in a floating
neutral. In each phase to neutral, there may be smaller amplitude of triple harmonics, but the flow
will be outside the System.
This type of System is widely adopted, because in the case of balanced load conditions, the
Fundamental Current cancels in the Neutral and the neutral current is zero. If the loads are
unbalanced the neutral current is the only unbalanced current. However when SMPS loads are
connected each Phase wire carries both Fundamental and Harmonic Current and the current
rd
flowing through the neutral is harmonic current predominantly 3 and those orders divisible by 3.

BENEFITS OF HARMONIC FILTERS

BARON Harmonic Filters offers superior Harmonic Filtration along with following incomparable
benefits

Avoidance of frequent capacitor failures

Elimination of Resonance

Safeguards Neutral Conductor

Improves Voltage Stability

Reduces System losses

Shunts Harmonic Currents

Reduces Neutral Current

Increases System Capacity

Reduces local Neutral to Ground Voltage

Reduces Transformer Overloading

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PERFORMANCE OF HARMONIC FILTERS

400
300
400
200
300
200

0
0

0.005

0.01

0.015

0.02

0.025

0.03

-100

Current in amps , Voltage in volts

Current in amps , Voltage in volts

100

100
0
0

0.005

0.01

0.015

0.02

0.025

0.03

-100

-200

-200

-300

-300

-400

-400
Time in secs

Voltage
Current

VOLTAGE & CURRENT WAVEFORM

BEFORE FILTERATION

Time in secs

VOLTAGE & CURRENT WAVEFORM

AFTER FILTERATION

Voltage
Current

Improvement in Voltage Profile - With the Installation of Harmonic Filters, the RMS value of
Voltage Waveform is improved from 217.2 V to 227.2V, thereby avoiding motor winding burnouts, repetitive fuse failures etc due to low voltage and Improves Voltage Regulation.

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Improvement in Current Profile- With the Installation of Harmonic Filter the nett Current is
brought down due to the elimination of Harmonic Current thereby reducing losses in the Electrical
Distribution System and leads to enhanced life of Transformers, cables, switchgear etc.

ACTIVE FILTER TECHNOLOGY

Active Filters are IGBT based Power Electronic devices

installed in parallel to the harmonic generators. It analyses the
harmonic current produced by the non-linear loads and supplies
a 180 out-of-phase compensating current, either over the
nd

entire spectrum from the 2

th

to the 25 harmonic or a specially

selected harmonic. This technique is called as Active Injection

Mode (AIM). This is not done by absorbing currents, but by
injecting additional currents whenever required.

A current transformer first measures the current being drawn momentarily by the load. The
control unit in the harmonic filters then analyses this current for amplitude and harmonics. It
consequently feeds a current into the supply system whose amplitude and individual harmonic
numbers is exactly equal to the current drawn by the load but which is, however, 180 out of
phase with it. The harmonic currents cancel each other out and the supply network only has to
supply the fundamental frequency and is not contaminated with harmonics at the point of

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connection, provided that the system has been appropriately dimensioned.

The combination of harmonic filter and harmonic load appears to the network as an overall linear
load drawing a sinusoidal current. Installation is quite simple. A three-phase feeder with or
without a neutral conductor needs to be available. The current transformer is then installed in the
line to the non-linear load. One great advantage of the active filter compared to conventional
techniques is its flexibility in adapting the corrective power. Depending on the requirements, the
filter can supply more or less corrective current.

Even on overload, the filter does not switch off, but assumes a current-limiting mode i.e., the filter
supplies its maximum current and in doing so compensates for a large proportion of the
harmonics. Interaction with other system components, such as UPS units is therefore reduced to
a minimum that is not critical. There is no problem to extend the system or install a combination
of several filters. If operating or network conditions change, the filter automatically adapts to the
new conditions within the scope of its nominal rating.

TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS:

Nominal voltage

400 V -20% upto +15%

Nominal Frequency

50 Hz / 60 Hz 8%

CT Ratio

300/1 Amps upto 4000/1 Amps

Response Time

>40 ms

Environment Temperature

0 to 40 Degree Celsius

Relative Humidity

0% to 95%

ADVANTAGES:

Active filters are dynamic and can react almost instantly to load changes, such as
when a large drive comes online.

Active Filters can operate very efficiently canceling out typically 95% of the
harmonic current, yet occupying less space.

They are generally fitted centrally with in a System, rather than one to each piece
of equipment, thereby being cost effective too.

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The filter is not affected by changes in system impedance and is inherently non
resonating and can be configured to accommodate individual or multiple
nonlinear loads at the equipment, motor control centre, or switchboard level.

9
9
9
9

Incomparable Savings with reduction of THD Harmonics up to 5%

Harmonic Filtration is effective even till 50th order.
Decreases overheating of electrical cable, Switchgear and Transformer.
Increases Network reliability and reduces operating cost.

PERFORMANCE: