Professional Documents
Culture Documents
CT 159 Inverters - and - Harmonics PDF
CT 159 Inverters - and - Harmonics PDF
CT 159 Inverters - and - Harmonics PDF
inverters and
harmonics
(case studies of
non-linear loads)
summary
1. Introduction p. 4
2. Characteristics of non-sinusoidal Harmonic analysis of a periodic
alternating quantities function p. 4
Effective value of a non-sinusoidal
alternating quantity p. 4
Distortion rate p. 4
Power factors and cos 1 p. 5
Distortion factor p. 5
Crest factor p. 5
Relation between current distortion
and voltage distortion p. 5
3. Impedances of some conventional Impedance of a transformer p. 6
sources Impedance of an alternator p. 7
Output impedance of an inverter p. 7
Impedance of line p. 11
4. Micro and mini-computer loads Description p. 12
Influence of source impedance p. 12
Calculation of source power
for supplying RCD type loads p. 13
5. Conclusion p. 16
Appendix 1: influence of line impedances on voltage distortions p. 16
Appendix 2: input filters in computer/micro-processor equipment p. 18
Appendix 3: bibliography p. 19
Static UPS are virtually perfect electric view of frequency stability as well as that modern inverters are excellent
generators. voltage stability, performances generators of sinusoidal voltage even
They are highly reliable and, by superior to those of the mains. when they supply non-linear loads.
The only doubtful characteristic is, in This is considered quite normal as
nature, ensure (within the performance
the opinion of many engineers, its UPS are designed and very often
limits of the battery) the uninterrupted
ability to deliver a sinusoidal voltage utilised to supply computer/
availability of electric power.
regardless of the shape of the current microprocessor systems which draw
As regards electrical characteristics, drawn by the load. non-sinusoidal currents.
the inverter (which constitutes the UPS The aim of this Cahier Technique is
generator) possesses from the point of to clarify this point and to demonstrate
sinusoidal periodic function can be
represented by a series of terms Y rms = 1 y 2 (t) dt Note: when the distortion rate is low, as
consisting: T 0 is most frequently the case for the
of a sinusoidal term at fundamental
voltage, the two definitions lead in
gives with harmonic representation: practice to the same result.
frequency,
of sinusoidal terms whose n= For example, if:
frequencies are whole multiples of the Y rms = Yn 2
n=
n=1
fundamental (harmonics), Yn 2 = 10 % de Y 1
and eventually of a continuous n=2
component (DC component). distortion rates The IEC expression gives:
The formula denoting the harmonic Harmonic rates
analysis of a periodic function is as (0.1) 2
(as defined in IEC dictionary) THD = DF = 100 = 9.95 %
follows: 1 + (0.1) 2
This parameter, also called harmonic
n= distortion or distortion factor represents Whereas the CIGREE expression
y (t) = Yo + Yn 2 sin (nt - n) the ratio of the effective value of gives:
n=1 harmonics (n 2) to that of the
where: alternating quantity: D % = 100 0.1 = 10 %
Yo: value of continuous component 1
n=
generally equal to zero and considered Hereafter we shall retain for the
as such hereafter, Yn 2
distortion rate, the expression D
THD % = DF % = 100 n=2
Yn: effective value of harmonic of n= which corresponds to a more analytical
order n, Yn 2 view of the influence of harmonics on a
: pulsation of fundamental frequency, n=1 non-deformed wave.
Very often the impedance Zs (at 50 Hz) of UccR is of the order of 1 % to The behaviour of a transformer towards
of a generator is given as percentage of several % (this latter value becoming these harmonics is therefore dependent
nominal impedance of load Zc: correspondingly smaller as the power on the homopolar impedance Zh of the
rating of transformer increases). transformer (refer to Cahier
Zs % = 100 Zs In practice, as regards harmonics, Technique n 18 Analyse des
Zc since only the inductance impedance is rseaux triphass en rgime perturb
For the nominal current, the voltage frequency dependent, it is the l'aide des composantes symtriques).
drop across this impedance represents, inductance alone which determines the Two types of secondary windings are
therefore, as percentage in relation to behaviour/performance of the suitable for not amplifying or reducing
the nominal voltage, the value of this transformer. harmonic distortions:
source impedance: in three phase transformers, it is star connected secondary with
necessary to take into account the distributed neutral
Zs . In % = 100 Zs . In different possible connection types of
Un Un primary and secondary windings, as
where Zc . In = Un these exert an influence on the source
impedance for some harmonics (in
Zs . In % = 100 Zs . In = 100 Zs particular, third harmonic and
Un Zc . In Zc multiples of 3). L R
In fact, in the case of a transformer e
impedance of a which supplies to each of its secondary
windings distorted and balanced
transformer currents comprising harmonics of order
Figure 1 represents an equivalent circuit 3 and multiples of 3, say 3 k, and
diagram of a single phase transformer considering that these currents are fig. 1: equivalent circuit diagram of a single
seen from secondary winding. balanced, it is thus possible to write for phase transformer seen from secondary
The transformer impedance consists of each of these phases: winding.
an inductance L in series with a
I1 3 k = I sin 3 k t
resistance R. An equivalent value of the
relative impedance is given by the
I2 3 k = I sin 3 k ( t - 2 )
transformer short-circuit voltage Ucc. 3
Indeed, by definition, the short-circuit
voltage is the voltage that must be I3 3 k = I sin 3 k ( t - 4 )
applied across a winding in order to 3
induce a nominal current in the other or Ucc Uccx = L I2n
winding also under short-circuit,
I1 3 k = I sin 3 k t
Ucc % = 100 Ucc I2 3 k = I sin (3 k t - k 2)
Un
I3 3 k = I sin (3 k t - k 4)
Ucc % = 100 Zs . In = 100 Zs = Zs %
Un Zc These equations show that the
three currents are in phase. It is this
This short-circuit voltage is made up of Ucc R = R I2n I2cc = I2n
phenomenon which leads one to
two terms: UccR et Uccx (see fig. 2). observe in the neutral conductor of A B
in distribution transformers or general some wiring installations (neon tubes
purpose transformers with ratings for example) the presence of much fig. 2: Kapp triangle of a transformer (values
superior to 1 kVA, the value of Uccx higher currents than originally referred to secondary).
ranges from 4 - 6 %, whereas the value anticipated.
fig. 22: variation of principle characteristic parameters of current and voltage for a computer type load supplied from a source of impedance UccR
constant and equal to 2 % for values of Uccx varying from 0.25 % to 8 %.
Static inverters equipped with PWM are market for supplying electronic and them to supply a low distortion voltage
nearly perfect sources of voltage. micro-processor loads. The high speed to receivers that are generators of
Besides their qualities as regards response of their regulation systems harmonic currents (non-linear loads).
voltage stability and frequency stability, endows them with a very low
they are the best generators on the harmonic impedance; thus enables
The end of paragraph 3 stresses the characteristics of transformer: first assuming that Z2 = 0 (load very
fact that it is desirable to supply 50 kVA (with Uccx = 4 % et close to transformer).
receivers that are generators of UccR = 2 %). Curves in figure 23 will give
harmonic currents by means of special It is necessary to calculate the D = 4.6 % = D2.
lines. impedances of the inductive short- it is necessary now to calculate D et
This is true for loads of RCD type, but circuit and resistive short-circuit of the D2 with a line 100 m/10 mm2
also for all receivers utilising power transformer but referred to the active (i.e. 100 m long and a section 10 mm2):
electronics such as rectifiers, battery power of micro-computers, thus: thus short-circuit impedances of the
chargers, speed controllers etc. line referred to PR:
The use of a special line provides U'1ccx = U1ccx . PR
isolation of harmonics through Ps U'2ccx = l . PR . 100
impedance (see fig. 25). Un 2
U'1ccR = U1ccR . PR
For a clean receiver Ps U'2ccR = R . PR . 10
The distortion rate D1 is practically Un 2
thus
identical to D, and this is all the more thus with:
true as the impedance of line Z1 is
small compared with that of U'1ccx = 4 % . 10 = 0.8 % l = 0.1 . 100 = 10 m
50 1,000
receiver Zp.
For a non-linear receiver U'1ccR = 2 % . 10 = 0.4 % r = 20 . 100 . 1 = 0.2
D2 will be all the more lower as the 50 1,000 10
sum Z2 + Zs will remain low, in other
words as the non-linear receiver will
have a low power rating in relation to
its supply. Zs
Z1
The following example shows more Ls Rs
clearly the influence of Z2 on D and D2. D D1
e Zp clean
Lets consider a set of micro-computer receiver
U1ccx U1CCR
absorbing 10 kW at 230 V that is being
supplied by a cable conductor 100 m Z2
long connected to a transformer. D2
non-linear
characteristics of cable: I r receiver
section: 10 mm2,
L = 0.1 /km at 50 Hz,
fig. 25: power supply through a specific line a receiver generator of harmonic currents.
r = 20 /km for a 1 mm2 section.
D R = D' R . U'1ccR
U'1ccR
thus:
fig. 26b: distortion rates due to UccR for various values of Uccx.
and D2 from 4.6 % to 5.52 %.
Their purpose is to stop the of differential mode which are present In fact, currents of the order of 1 to
propagation of disturbances caused by between the two conductors. 2 mA have been measured by UTE.
switched mode power supplies towards Inductance L offers a high impedance If a line supplies several electronic and
other equipment installations that could to currents of common mode but data processing equipment, the sum of
be adversely affected. practically none to those of differential the leakage currents can trip the highly
Conversely, they help attenuate some mode as its windings are wound in sensitive differential residual current
disturbances present in the network opposition. device (30 mA) inserted in the line.
which are likely to alter the functioning
Disturbances of common mode are Filtering of harmonics
of electronic and data information
conducted to earth by capacitors C1 The filters inserted between the mains
equipment.
and blocked by inductance L. and the RCD supply operate efficiently
The question is to know if these filters in the frequency band-pass ranging
Disturbances of differential mode are
attenuate harmonic currents generated from 10 kHz to 100 MHz.
attenuated by capacitors CA and CR
by RCD loads.
which, at high frequency, offer a low Unfortunately, they are of no use
Interference rejection in network impedance between the conductors. against harmonic currents injected into
Switched mode power supplies operate the mains network.
Protection of switched mode power
at high frequencies in an effort to
supply This is due to the fact that harmonic
reduce the size and weight of
The filter inserted between the AC currents produced by RCD supplies are
transformers.
mains and the RCD supply ensures a of relatively low frequency: 1 kHz
In figure 27, the load resistance R is the
second function: it protects the RCD corresponds in fact to a harmonic of
basic circuit shown in figure 19 is
replaced by a transformer and its load. supply from impulse type over-voltages order 20 in relation to a fundamental at
In this circuit, the line current remains and from HF interference of differential 50 Hz!
identical because of the presence of and common mode which are present
capacitor C. in the mains.
To achieve silent operation, the Leakages to earth
switching frequency is always high and The presence of capacitors C1 causes
+ 12 V
in any case in excess of 20 kHz. a leakage current at 50 Hz to flow to
earth.
The commutation times of a transistor
Design standards generally specify 0V
(change from non-conducting to
conducting state and vice versa) are values of leakage current not to be C
very brief and do not, in some cases, exceeded (a few milliamperes for
exceed a few tens of nano seconds. equipment connected to a mains point).
These high frequency commutations For example, standard specification
(switching) do generate HF interference IEC 950 relating to data processing
that is propagated by conduction and equipment recommends that these
radiation. This gives rise to the leakage currents should be kept below
presence of parasitic interference along 3.5 mA for equipment connected to a fig. 27: basic circuit diagram switched mode
the line upstream of the switching mains point. power supply to RCD load.
device, that is in the mains (on this
subject, it is recommended to refer to
Cahier Technique n 149 Imc Imd
Electromagnetic Compatibility).
@@
,,
In order to limit the circulation of these L
HF currents, constructors of data C1
information processing equipment mains
insert filters upstream of the switched CR CA RCD supply
supply
mode power supply unit; a typical C1
circuit of such filters is shown in
figure 28.
These filters reduce disturbances: Imc Imd
of common mode which affect in the
same way both conductors with respect fig. 28: basic circuit diagram of an antiparasitic interference filter.
to earth,
Normes
IEC 146-1-1
Semi-conductor converters. General
requirements and line commutated
convectors - part 1-1: specifications
basic requirements.
IEC 950
Safety of information technology
equipment including electrical business
equipment.
(NF C 77-210, modification 1
incorporated).
NF C 42-810
Alimentations sans interruption, de
puissance nominale infrieure 3 kVA.