Generation of Harmonics Due to Power Electronics and Methods for Mitigation: A Review
Keywords:
Fundamental frequency, IEEE-519, Power electronic equipment, Short circuit current, THD (Total Harmonic Distortion), UPS (Uninterruptible Power Supply)Abstract
The utilisation of power electronic equipment in the system generates different types of harmonics. These reduce the efficiency, reliability, and safety of the equipment. It is mandatory to reduce voltage and current harmonics to the level as per international standards of IEEE 519 and IEC 61000. The standards also specify limits of voltage and current harmonics, and they have to be measured in terms of % Total Harmonic Distortion (%THD). As per IEEE-2022, the voltage harmonics should be < 5% THD for nominal voltages of ≤ 69 kV and current harmonics <8% THD for ISC/IL (maximum short-circuit current/fundamental frequency load current at PCC, ratio between 20-50). The harmonics present in the system are odd, even, triplen, and interharmonics, with respect to the fundamental frequency of 50 or 60 Hz. There are various methods to limit these harmonics to the level required by standards. These are harmonic filters. The types of filters available are shunt, series, passive, active, and hybrid active filters, the usage of which will depend on the type of power electronic equipment used in the system. This paper discusses the various harmonic frequencies present in the system and which methods to adopt to bring them to the level accepted by the standards. A pilot plant is taken up for investigating the level of harmonics present and the methods adopted to bring them to the accepted level.
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