Harmonic Analysis Variable Speed Drive of
Induction Motor inside Conveyor System as Coal
Distribution Transport
1st Wahdiyatun Nisa Jakarta
Depaertment of Electrical Engineering wahdiyatun2110045@itpln.ac.id
PLN Institute of Technology
Abstract— Harmonics arise due to nonlinear loads in the
network system. The focus of this study is PT. Baramulti
Suksessarana Tbk, which utilizes a variable speed drive to
control the three-phase induction motor system in the
conveyor. Harmonic sources originate from the variable speed
drive used to control the speed of the three-phase induction
motor. These harmonics can have a negative impact if they
exceed standard limits, significantly reducing the lifetime of the
three-phase induction motor. To address this issue, the use of a
single-tuned passive filter is proposed as a solution to reduce
harmonics to permissible levels. However, determining the
parameter values of the filter components requires a specific
study in its design to ensure effective harmonic reduction. This
paper proposes a frequency domain method to determine the
values of passive filter components for effective harmonic
reduction at PT. BSSR. Additionally, the analysis presented is
based on simulation data using ETAP.
Keywords—harmonic, passive filter, induction motor
I. INTRODUCTION
Electricity is a primary requirement for the continuous
operation of any system in the industry. Uninterrupted
availability of electricity is crucial for every industrial
operation. The increasing demand for electrical energy is
accompanied by advancements in electrical system
technology, such as the discovery of various electrical
components contributing to the smooth operation of the
system. For instance, the use of Variable Speed Drive
(VSD)/Inverter in controlling three-phase induction motors
in industries as the main driver of the system (Reval, 2023).
Additionally, there are other electronic components used in
offices, including air conditioning, LED lights, computers,
and various equipment (Yulianta, 2022). he mentioned
equipment above supports the continuous operation of a
company. However, it is undeniable that their use can have
negative impacts on the system, even for high-value
inventory equipment. This is because the load from these
components is nonlinear. In other words, their usage leads to
non-constant resistance, resulting in nonlinear current and
voltage waves. This nonlinearity causes distortion in current
and voltage, leading to harmonic disturbances (Ummi, 2022).
In the PLN system, the ideal frequency is set at 50 Hz (Bima,
2018). When these components are connected to the system,
current and voltage distortion occurs, causing the waves to be
no longer purely sinusoidal but a combination of
fundamental and harmonic waves. Harmonic waves are
multiples of the fundamental frequency (Mustamam, 2019).
In the mining industry, conveyors play a vital role in the
distribution process of coal. These conveyors require motors
as their main driving force. The motors in the conveyor area
are controlled by Variable Speed Drive (VSD) to adjust the
motor's rotational speed according to the company's needs.
XXX-X-XXXX-XXXX-X/XX/$XX.00 ©20XX IEEE
During normal production and operation conditions, the
motor speed operates at the maximum rated speed at a
frequency of 50 Hz to expedite the loading of coal onto
barges or to fill stockpiles. However, during routine
maintenance checks for motors and conveyor components,
the conveyor speed is slowed down as needed in the field. To
increase or decrease the conveyor speed, VSD controls the
input frequency by adjusting it to the induction motor
system, ensuring the motor works according to operational
requirements. At high speeds, VSD tends to generate higher
harmonics due to faster switching and increased pulse
voltage. This can lead to an increase in harmonic levels in the
system. When the speed is reduced, VSD produces lower
harmonics. However, changes in motor speed over a short
period have a minimal impact, so calculations of Total
Harmonic Distortion Voltage (THDV) and Total Harmonic
Distortion Current (THDI) are typically used when VSD
operates at maximum rated speed (Reval, 2023). The use of
VSD has negative effects on the electrical system of the
company due to the generation of harmonic disturbances
caused by its nonlinear load characteristics. The impact of
harmonics on the system includes a reduction in power
quality, affecting the performance of existing equipment,
leading to excessive heat and reduced equipment lifespan
(Reval, 2023). Additionally, harmonics can result in
measurement errors in electricity consumption due to
detected harmonic losses, causing losses for both the industry
and the power provider (Jason, 2018). Currently, there are
various alternative solutions to address harmonic issues in
the system, such as the use of passive filters. However, a
specific study is needed to determine the optimal filter circuit
values and their placement based on high-risk harmonic
disturbance points. The overall impact of harmonic
disturbances can be reduced and mitigated by using these
passive filters on both low and high voltage sides (Jason,
2018).
II. ELEMENT METHOD
A. Total Harmonic Distortion Standard
Harmonics have several indicators, such as Individual
Harmonic Distortion (IHD) and Total Harmonic Distortion
(THD). According to the Institute of Electrical and
Electronics Engineers (IEEE), IHD is the ratio between the
Root Mean Square (RMS) value of each harmonic and the
RMS value of the first harmonic. Individual Harmonic
Current (IHDI) applies to current harmonics, and Individual
Harmonic Distortion Voltage (IHDv) applies to voltage
(Yulianta, 2022). The ratio for the RMS value of all
harmonic components and the RMS base value is expressed
as a percentage (%). THD is also often referred to as the
distortion factor. The THD value measures the deviation
from the existing periodic harmonic waveforms to pure
sinusoidal waveforms. The THD value for a pure sinusoid is
0% (Perdachi, 2019). The higher the THD value, the greater
the deviation produced, and consequently, the greater the
risk of network power quality degradation. Therefore, a
maximum standard THD value is provided as a tolerable
limit to prevent network quality deterioration. THD applies
to current (THDi) and voltage (THDv). THDi may vary for
each load, ranging from a few percent to over 100%.
However, THDv is generally less than 8% for 0.4 kV. IHDv
below 5% is not considered a disturbance. In addition to
THD, there is another index used to determine standard
harmonics, namely Total Demand Distortion (TDD). TDD is
the ratio of the total RMS value of harmonic current to the
maximum current load of the network (P. Straczynski,
2018). The calculation of the TDD value is explained in
Equations 2.3 through 2.7.
and symmetrical power system. This approach is widely
adopted.
C. Single Tuned Filter Applied
Passive filters in the industrial electrical world is an
effort to reduce the amplitude of certain frequencies that
arise due to voltage and current distortion. These filters are
designed with a composition of main components, namely
capacitors, inductors, and resistors, which are connected in
series or parallel depending on the effectiveness needed to
ensure that the load components operate at their designated
voltage rating and desired reactive power. One commonly
used type of passive filter is the single tuned filter. This
filter represents a series configuration applied to a capacitor
and inductor (RLC) circuit, as shown in Figure 2.6 below:

Ik
IHDI ¿ X 100
I1

Vk
IHDV = ¿ X 100% (2.4)
V1 The component values (R, L, and C) can be calculated
by first finding the value of C using the following equations
2.13 and 2.14:

√
∞ 2
Vll
THDI = ∑ Ik 2 (2.5) Xc
Qc
n =2
¿
I1
1
C=
2 πfXc

√∑
∞
2
THDV =
Vk (2.6) 1
n =2 L=
¿ 2
(2 πnf ) C
V1
𝑋𝐿 = 2𝑓 L

√
∞

TDD =
∑ Ik 2 (2.7)
n =2
¿ In this research, the object is PT. Baramulti Suksessarana
IL
cos φ
PF ¿ (2.8)
√1+THD 2
B. Freequency Domain Method
The frequency domain method provides steady-state
solutions for the consequential effects of injecting specific
individual frequencies (or harmonics) throughout the entire
power system. This method is typically used in analyzing
nonlinear load systems such as control systems. The most
well-known frequency domain solution method is the
Decoupled Harmonic Power Flow (DHPF). Generally, this
approach utilizes individually analyzed harmonics to
evaluate harmonic flow under the assumption of a balanced
III. DISCUSSION
Tbk (PT. BSSS). Data collection is carried out by requesting
permission from the management team of PT. BSSR Site for
data collection as materials to be analyzed in the research.
The data to be collected include voltage source data, bus
data, transformer data, and load data existing in the electrical
system of PT. BSSR. These data will be represented in the
form of a Single Line Diagram, which will be redesigned
using ETAP 16.0 software for simulation purposes. In the
distribution process of coal in the PT. BSSR system, there
are several terms used, such as Barge Loading Conveyor
(BLC), where the BLC system consists of belt conveyors
used to load coal into barges docked at the PT. BSSR jetty
area. Additionally, there is the term Over Line Conveyor
(OLC) used for coal distribution and transfer facilities. Based
on the data obtained from the company, the model of the
electrical system is depicted as shown in Figure 1, where the
main electrical distribution path is the transformer 1 line
leading to the conveyor system at bus 2 in the BLC and OLC
2 area. In bus 2, there are 8 three-phase induction motors
serving as the main drives for the belt conveyors.
In the electrical distribution path of the conveyor system
in the BLC and OLC 2 areas, voltage is supplied to each
VSD (Variable Speed Drive) and the induction motor loads
through bus 2. Therefore, the measurement and calculation of
harmonics in the BLC and OLC 2 areas are performed at bus
2. When the measurement and calculation at bus 2 are
accurate, it can be ensured that the voltage and current
supplied to each induction motor also have good quality.
The simulation results of the existing condition in Figure
3 indicate that the voltage parameter value at bus 2
experiences a voltage drop from 100% to 96.71%, where the
voltage value decreases due to the influence of harmonic
disturbances. From this load flow simulation result, it is
found that there is a voltage drop in the conveyor system area
BLC and OLC 2, leading to an increase in current due to the
presence of harmonic disturbances caused by the use of
VSDs in the network. Furthermore, this voltage drop can
result in excessive heat in the motor, thereby reducing the
lifetime of the three-phase induction motor due to operating
the motor outside its designed nameplate specifications.
From the simulation results using the Harmonic Analysis
module as shown in Figure 4.4 and summarized in Table 4.8,
the level of harmonic disturbance in the existing condition in
the conveyor system of areas BLC and OLC 2 exceeds the
permitted standard limit, with a THDV value of 20.4%. The
THDI value from the simulation results of the existing
condition is 19.6%. In determining the standard limit for
THDI, it is necessary to first know the values of ISC and IL,
where the calculation of these parameters needs to be done
manually. To find the values of ISC and IL, they are
calculated using the following formulas and calculations:
kW Average
IL =
KVA x 100 PF √ 3 x kV
Isc=
√ 3 x kV x Z ( % ) Trafo
1.000 KVA x 100 IL =
Isc=
√3 x 0 , 4 kV x 5 704 kW
0 , 92 x √3 x 0 , 4 kV
Isc=28.868 ,3 A IL = 1.104,5 A
ISc 28.868 ,3 A
= = 26,14
IL 1.104 , 5 A
From the calculation results, the ISC/IL value obtained is
26.14, which falls within the standardization range of 20-50
as per Table 2.3, with a standard TDD value of 8%. This
means that the THDI value of 19.6% has exceeded the
permitted IEEE TDD standard limit. The values of IHDv and
IHDI for the conveyor system in areas BLC and OLC 2 are
shown in Tables 4.9 and 4.10 respectively. The tolerance
limit for IHDV at low voltage levels of 0.4 kV according to
IEEE standardization in Table 2.3 is 5%. The simulation
results in Table 4.9 indicate that there are four orders where
the IHDV values exceed the tolerance limit, namely orders 5,
7, 11, and 13. Due to these IHDV values exceeding the
tolerance limit, immediate efforts are needed to reduce these
harmonics so that the IHDV values in the conveyor system of
areas BLC and OLC 2 comply with the permitted harmonic
standards. To reduce the existing harmonics, efforts are made
using single-tuned passive filters by designing the filter
components accordingly.
The simulation results in Table 4.9 indicate that there are
four orders where the IHDV values exceed the tolerance
limit, namely orders 5, 7, 11, and 13. Because these IHDV
values exceed the tolerance limit, immediate efforts are
needed to reduce these harmonics so that the IHDV values in
the conveyor system of areas BLC and OLC 2 comply with
the permitted harmonic standards. In designing harmonic
filters, it is necessary to calculate the values of each filter
component to determine the filter specifications that will be
used in the harmonic reduction problem based on the analysis
of the orders to be filtered in this study. The calculation of
the values of each component R, L, and C used for harmonic
reduction in this study utilizes the IHDV and IHDI values
that exceed the IEEE 519-2014 harmonic standard limits.
The Q value (quality factor) based on the standard ranges
between 30-60 kVAR, where the larger the Q value, the
smaller the resistance value will be. Consequently, losses in
passive harmonic filters will also decrease. Therefore, a Q
factor value of 60 is chosen for this study.
 The electrical system of PT. BSSR currently has a power
factor of 0.92 when operating at full load. The active power
value at full load is 704 kW. In the design of the single-tuned
passive filter parameters, it is intended to reduce harmonics
and voltage distortion simultaneously. For the tuning
frequency of the 5th order in harmonic reduction to reduce
voltage and current distortion, the power factor is designed to
increase to 94%. The calculation is as follows:
∆Q = P × (tan (𝑐𝑜𝑠-1𝜑 awal) – tan (𝑐𝑜𝑠−1𝜑 target)
= 704 × (tan (𝑐𝑜𝑠-1 0,92) – tan (𝑐𝑜𝑠−1 0,94)
= 704 × (tan (23,07) – tan (19,95)
= 704 × (0,426 – 0,363)
= 704 × (0,063)
= 44 kVAR.
The THDI value after adding the combination filter of orders
5, 7, 11, and 13 decreases from 19.6% to 0.57%, which is a
significant decrease and meets the IEEE standard allowed for
THDI in the conveyor network systems BLC and OLC 2,
where THDI should not exceed 15%. The THDV value after
adding this combination filter decreases from 20.4% to
5.64%, which is also a significant decrease and complies
with the IEEE standard for THDV, which should not exceed
8%. In meeting the standardization of the power network
system, two parameters are considered: THDV and THDI,
and both must be met to comply with the IEEE standards.
Therefore, the combination of adding filters of orders 5, 7,
11, and 13 can be considered as one of the options for
harmonic reduction solutions in the conveyor system of PT.
BSSR because the THDV and THDI values have met the
allowed IEEE standards.

Vll
2
1 1
X c= C= L= X L =2 πfL
Qc 2 πf X c 2
(2 πnf ) C
XL
Q=
R

2
400 IV. CONCLUSION
X c= 3
= 3,636 Ω
44 x 10 The results obtained after adding the single-tuned passive
filter with a combination of filters of orders 5, 7, and 13 in
the conveyor system at bus 2 in areas BLC and OLC 2 show
1 that the THDV value decreased from 20.4% to 5.71%.
C= = 0,000876 F Meanwhile, the THDI value also decreased from 19.6% to
2 x 3 ,14 x 50 x 3,636 0.83%. The THDV and THDI results after filter installation
are in line with and meet the allowed IEEE standardization
limits.
1
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