Harmonic Distortion can cause electrical equipment to

overheat and malfunction, power factor correction capacitors

to degenerate or fail, and circuit-breakers and relays to
operate erratically.
To complicate matters, harmonics
generated in one facility can enter a neighbouring facility
through the electricity distribution system, thus making the
source difficult to detect. Selectricity can assist you in
detecting the presence of suspected harmonic distortion, and
help identify the likely cause and solution.
What is Harmonic Distortion?
Australian electricity supply operates at a standard of 50 Hertz, or in
other words, 50 cycles per second.
This means that most
electrical devices are designed to operate with an alternating
current, where the electrical voltage changes smoothly from positive
to negative polarity and back again 50 times per second. This
smooth cycle is illustrated by the sine wave below:

For many years, electricity was predominantly used to power

motors, lights and heating devices. These early technologies are
linear loads, meaning that the current (amperage) rises and falls
in proportion to the voltage wave. As such, they have little effect
on
the
50-Hertz
base
sine
waveform.
However, in recent years many new technologies that distort the
waveform have emerged. Because their current flow is not directly
proportional to the voltage, these new technologies are called nonlinear loads.

Non-linear loads include Variable Speed Drives, Un-interuptable

Power Supplies, PLCs, Computers, Printers, Reduced Voltage Motor
Controllers, Solid State Rectifiers, Induction Heating Equipment,
Fluorescent, HID, Sodium and Mercury Vapour Lighting, Arc
Furnaces, Welding equipment, AC/DC Converters and Electronic
Ballasts.
Non-linear loads cause waveforms that are multiples of the normal
50-Hertz sine wave. For example, the second harmonic is a 100Hertz waveform (2 times 50 Hertz), the third harmonic is a 150Hertz waveform, and so on. These multiples are called harmonics
and are superimposed on the base sine waveform. To illustrate,
much like unseen undercurrents affecting the surface of literal water
waves, the combination of harmonics with the base sine waveform
creates a new waveform of entirely different shape. An example of
the base sine waveform, the third harmonic and the resultant
distorted waveform is provided below:

As most electrical equipment expects to see a smooth incoming 50

Hertz frequency, any distortion to the pure sine wave can cause
problems. However, even if Harmonics are present, you may be
unaware of any negative impact. This is because the degree of
impact is largely influenced by the levels and timing of the Harmonic
Distortion, and the sensitivity of other plant and equipment.
Regardless of what the cause is, who owns it, or when it occurs, one
certainty is that as Harmonic levels increase, the likelihood of
experiencing problems also increases. Harmonic Distortion often
causes the following symptoms:
Malfunctioning of microprocessor-based equipment
Overheating in neutral conductors, transformers, or

induction motors
Deterioration or failure of power factor correction capacitors
Erratic operation of breakers and relays
Pronounced magnetic fields near transformers and
switchgear
To further complicate this issue, Harmonics can sometimes be
transmitted from one facility back through the electricity network to
neighbouring businesses, especially if they share a common
transformer. This means Harmonics generated in your facility can
stress utility equipment or cause problems in your neighbours
facility, and vice versa.
Electricity distributors have now recognised this fact and have
adopted standards which define allowable Harmonic Distortion limits
at incoming electricity supply points. Such standards are designed
to protect both the electricity distributor and their customers.
Most facilities probably have some level of Harmonic distortion. So
the mere presence of Harmonics does not always warrant
immediate and costly action. However, if left undetected and
unchecked, Harmonic Distortion poses a significant and ongoing
threat to work safety, electrical equipment, plant efficiency and
business
profitability.
There are a number of ways to deal with Harmonic Distortion, but
no one solution or strategy is the panacea for all Harmonic issues.
Just as the root causes of Harmonics are as individual as you or
your neighbours plant, so too is the cure equally unique.
The first step in solving Harmonic Distortion is to carefully examine
your power system and electrical loads to determine the problems
nature, source and manifestation. In some cases highly suspect
loads can be easily identified up-front, without the need to install
sophisticated recording equipment. However, often a series of
Harmonic recordings is required to first detect and confirm the
presence of Harmonics, establish their cause, and then lead to a
solution.
The ideal time to consider Harmonics is well before their impact is
felt, and particularly during the design of new facilities, or when

purchasing new equipment. Known suspect loads can then be

identified and appropriate preventative measures taken.
Some variable speed drive manufacturers
correcting components as standard features
offer them as factory installed options. Be
representative about Harmonics correction
variable speed drives.

now offer Harmonics

of their drives. Others
sure to ask your drive
when specifying new

As Harmonics presents significant risk to capacitors, an independent

Harmonic recording is essential before any Power Factor Correction
equipment is designed or installed. Whilst most Power Factor
Correction equipment comes with blocking reactors, high levels of
distortion will require more sophisticated protection.
Harmonic distortion is a unique energy issue, best left in the hands
of a Supply Quality specialist. Whatever the Harmonic issue,
wherever it is caused, however it may impact, Selectricity looks
forward to helping you manage this challenging energy issue.