Harmonic Distortion
Modern technology has led to the ever increasing use of thyristors and other solid state devices in static power converters. These systems provide many benefits, but they also create harmonics which distort the AC wave form.
Many types of equipment cause harmonics. However, it is the increased use of Static Power Converters that is the major cause of the substantial rise in harmonics on electrical systems. These Power Converters are used in modern UPS (Uninterruptible Power Supplies) and Motor Speed Control Systems.
This type of equipment usually operates at a low power factor thus also introducing the need for additional power factor correction equipment.
Harmonic distortion is found in both the voltage and the current waveform. Most current distortion is generated by electronic loads, also called non-linear loads. These non-linear loads might be single phase loads, or three-phase as in variable speed drives. As current distortion is conducted is causes voltage distortion, as per ohms law. While current distortion travels along the power path of the load, voltage distortion affects all loads connected to that phase. Harmonics affects the power distribution equipment and may directly or indirectly cause damage to equipment connected to it. Example of this are transformers and motors overheating, flickering lighting circuits or power supplies being destroyed.
The following are all possible symptoms of harmonic waveform distortion:-
Increase in the losses on the network and transformers.
Detrimental effect upon motor efficiency.
Nuisance tripping of circuit breakers.
Premature ageing of electrical insulation.
Malfunction or failure of some electronic circuits.
Some types of metering can be subject to erroneous operation.
Fuses suffer de-rating because of the heat generated by harmonics during normal operation.
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Procuro are able to offer the services of a fully qualified team of engineers, who can provide assistance and complete harmonic analyses.
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