second generation of high power active harmonic conditioner based on the current injection principle

authors:
n Serge BERNARD n Grard TROCHAIN page n abstract............................................................................................... 2

1. introduction ...................................................................................... 3

2. topologies of active harmonic conditioners.................................... 4

n series conditioners................................................................................ 4 n pararrel conditioners.............................................................................. 4 n hybrid conditioners................................................................................ 5

3. second generation of parallel active harmonic conditioner: system description .............................................................................. 6

n n n n operating principle................................................................................. 6 recording of real currents....................................................................... 6 detailed description............................................................................... 7 product range description....................................................................... 8

4. points of connection and configuration ......................................... 10

n point of connection of the active conditioner........................................... 10 n parallel configuration............................................................................ 11 n cascade configuration.................................................................... 11

5. application tests results ................................................................ 12

n 60 A conditioner upstream a three phase UPS......................................... 12 n 30 A conditioner connected between the UPS output and computer loads (case study).......................................................................................... 13 n 60 A conditioner upstream of computer loads.......................................... 14 n 60 A conditioner upstream of computer loads, compensating only 3rd harmonic............................................................................................... 15 n 120 A conditioner upstream of a variable speed drive............................... 16 n 30 A conditioner upstream of a 40 kW variable speed drives (case study)... 18

6. comparison between harmonic conditioner and tuned passive (LC) filter............................................................................................. 19

7. conclusion ..................................................................................... 20

appendice 1 ....................................................................................... 21
n references......................................................................................... 21

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second generation of high power active harmonic conditioner based on the current injection principle (cont.)
abstract
In little more than ten years, electricity power quality has grown from obscurity to a major issue. Particularly, the increasing penetration of power electronics-based loads is creating a growing concern for harmonic distortion in the AC supply system. Then, electricity power quality is a major issue for utilities and for their customers, and both are quickly adopting the philosophy and the limits proposed in the new International Standards (IEC, EN, BS, IEEE). Consequently, power conditioning equipment is becoming more important for electric utilities and their customers. Up to now, various harmonic mitigation equipment or solutions have been proposed. Most of them are of the passive type: transformers, tuned passive filters, series reactors. Actually, these solutions experience some disadvantages such as limited attenuation, high cost, risk of system resonance and destruction of phase displacement capacitors. Hopefully, recent advances in power electronic technology are now providing an unprecedented capability for conditioning and compensating harmonic distortion generated by the non-linear loads, thanks to the active harmonic conditioner or active filters. Among the various topologies of Active Harmonic Conditioner, MGE UPS SYSTEMS has selected the parallel or shunt topology. After a review of the existing active conditioning technologies, the paper evaluates the second generation of a three phase Active Harmonic Conditioner designed by MGE UPS Systems. Its principle is based on the injection, at the connection point, of the image of the harmonic current consumed by the load. The conditioner architecture is described, as well as the new innovative features. This second generation of active conditioners uses the most advanced technologies, such as IGBT's and DSP, resulting in an unmatched compactness and low cost solution combined with unsurpassed harmonic reduction. The paper describes the two methods of harmonic compensation, global or FFT , as well as the method of phase displacement compensation. Harmonic currents from orders 2 to 25 are reduced with a minimum attenuation of 10:1 of the total harmonic current distortion. The results of the tests, carried out both in laboratory and in the field, are presented to demonstrate the here above excellent performances, whatever is the type of load. Also, this second generation is extremely compact. By using the most advanced technologies, and a high level of integration of the sub-assemblies, the size of the conditioner was drastically reduced. Finally, this new innovative active conditioner offers ease of use, with high degree of flexibility, and very low heat rejection. It is cost effective, with capability to compensate up to 360 A rms of harmonic currents (excluding fundamental).

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1. introduction

Today, the situation on low-voltage AC systems has become a serious concern. The quality of electrical power in commercial and industrial installations is undeniably degrading. In addition to external disturbances, such as outages, sags and spikes due to switching and atmospheric phenomenon, there are inherent, internal problems specific to each site, resulting from the combined use of linear and non-linear loads. Untimely tripping of protection devices, harmonic overloads, high levels of voltage and current distortion, temperature rise in conductors, transformers and generators all contribute to reducing the quality and the reliability of a lowvoltage AC systems. The above disturbances are well understood and directly related to the proliferation of loads consuming non-sinusoidal current, referred to as nonlinear loads . This type of load is used for the conversion, variation and regulation of electrical power in commercial, industrial and residential installations. The prospect of a rapid return to linear-load conditions will remain a dream. Recent studies show that the consumption of non-linear current will sharply increase in the years to come. However, the remarkable progress acheived in the field of power electronic devices in the recent years, fast IGBT's, makes it possible to design and offer self adaptable harmonic suppressors called Active Harmonic Conditioner, known also as Active Filters. Active Harmonic Conditioners are proving to be viable option for controlling harmonic distortion levels across a wide band of harmonics.

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2. topologies of active harmonic conditioners

The idea of Active Harmonic Conditioners, also named Active Filters, is relatively old, however the lack of an effective technique at a competitive price slowed its development for a number of years. To-day, the wide-spread use of IGBT components, mastery of their implementation and the availability of new digital signal processing (DSP) techniques are paving the way to a much brighter future for the Active Harmonic Conditioner. The Active Harmonic Conditioner concept uses power electronics to produce harmonic components which cancel the harmonic components of the non-linear loads. A number of different topology are being proposed, and some of them are described here after. Within each topologies there are issues of required components ratings and method of rating the overall conditioner for the loads to be compensated.

series conditioners
This type of conditioner, connected in series in the distribution network, compensates both the harmonic currents generated by the load and the voltage distortion already present on the AC system. This solution is technically similar to a line conditioners and must be sized for the total load rating.
source Active Condit NL load

Fig. 01 - NL = non-linear

parallel conditioners
Also called shunt conditioners, they are connected in parallel with the AC line and need to be sized only for the harmonic power (harmonic current) drawn by the non linear load(s). The parallel topology selected for SineWave is in no way dependent on the load or electrical AC system characteristics. It is described in detail in the section 3.
NL load Active Condit

source

Fig. 02 - NL = non-linear

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2. topologies of active harmonic conditioners (cont.)

hybrid conditioners

This solution, combining an active conditioner and a passive filter, may be either of the series or parallel type. In certain cases, it may be a cost-effective solution. The passive filter carries out basic filtering (5th order, for example) and the active conditioner, due to its precise and dynamic technique, covers the other harmonic orders.
source NL load

Active Condit

Fig. 03 - NL = non-linear

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3. second generation of parallel active harmonic conditioner: system description

operating principle
The Active Conditioner is connected in-parallel with the AC line, and constantly injects harmonic currents that precisely correspond to the harmonic components drawn by the load. The result is that the current supplied by the power source remains sinusoidal.
Power source Is II Non-linear load

Ic Active Harmonic Conditioner

I load = I fundamental + I harmonic I conditioner = I harmonic I load = I source + I conditioner

Fig. 04 - Active harmonic compensation principle

Hence, the only source supplies the load with the fundamental component of the current. The normal power source provides the fundamental current, and the harmonic currents required by the load are supplied by the Active Harmonic Conditioner (AHC). The entire low-frequency harmonic spectrum (H2 to H25) is supported. If the harmonic currents drawn by the load are greater than the rating of the Active Conditioner, the Conditioner automatically limits its output current to its maximum rating,therefore avoiding overload situation. Easy to implement, an active conditioner may be installed at any point on a lowvoltage AC network to compensate the power drawn by one or several non-linear loads, thus avoiding the circulation of harmonic currents throughout the lowvoltage AC distribution system.

recording of real currents

V C:(0,0 s, -1,58181 V) 2,0 1,5 1,0 0,5 0,0 -0,5 -1,0 -1,5 -2,0 0,010 0,015 0,020 0,025 0,030 0,035 0,040

Fichier 1

0,045

I load = load current (Graetz bridge) I rms = 82 A THDI = 41 %

Fig. 05

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3. second generation of parallel active harmonic conditioner: system description (cont.)

V C:(0,0 s, 0,49542 V) Fichier 1

1,5 1,0 0,5 0,0 -0,5 -1,0 -1,5 -2,0 0,010 0,015 0,020 0,025 0,030 0,035 0,040 0,045 s

I conditioner, I rms = 30 A
Fig. 06

V C:(0,0 s, 0,77771 V) 1,5 1,0 0,5 0,0 -0,5 -1,0 -1,5 -2,0 0,005

Fichier 1

0,010

0,015

0,020

0,025

0,030

0,035

0,040

0,045

I source = source current I rms = 75 A THDI = 3.6 %

Fig. 07

detailed description
SOURCE
C2

R1
FU1 K1

Lf

CT2

L1

Cf

INVERTER LEG
Im

C3

CT1

EXTRACTION
OF HARMONICS

Udc Ih REGULATION AND MONITORING

LOAD

GENERATION OF CONTROL ELECTRONICS CONTROL SIGNALS

Control Signals
Fig 2

Fig. 08 - Active conditioner single-line diagram

The Active harmonic Conditioner is made up of the following elements: n R1 and contactor K1: precharge system for electrolitic capacitors C2 & C3; n Lf & Cf: filter intended to attenuate the effects of chopping; n L1, DC/ac converter, C2 and C3: PWM inverter leg; n CT2: current transformers for inverter currents; n control electronics; n CT1: external current transformer for current drawn by the load.
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3. second generation of parallel active harmonic conditioner: system description (cont.)

The converter comprises of a three phase IGBT current inverter leg that chops at an average switching frequency of 16 kHz, electrolitic capacitor C2 and C3 providing back up energy. The conditioner draws from the power source only the active power required for its operation. The control electronics comprise: n an harmonic-extraction module which generates a regulation set point proportional to the harmonic components of the load current; n a module that regulates inverter currents and the DC voltage; n a monitoring module which ensures filter protection in the event of overload or an internal fault; n a control module which generates the control signals necessary for inverter operation. To enhance the compensation current capacity at a given point in the installation, it is possible to connect up to three active conditioners in parallel.

product range description

n power ratings and main characteristics: The first generation of Active conditioner was limited to one single power rating (30A). This second generation is composed of six power ratings: 20, 30 45, 60, 90, and 120 A rms of harmonic compensation at 400 V three phases, 3 or 4 wires, 50 or 60 Hz. Harmonic currents from 2nd order to 25th order are compensated, with a minimum attenuation ratio of 10:1 of the Total Harmonic Current Distortion (THDI). Response time is lower than 40 ms.

sinewave

Fig. 09

n features: Thanks to multi-language graphic interface, users can access: o measurements such as % load, Irms, THDI, harmonic spectrum, line voltage; o status and alarms, diagnosis and help menu; o personnalisation: selection of language, compensation of phase displacement.

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3. second generation of parallel active harmonic conditioner: system description (cont.)

F1 7 4 1 0

F2 8 5 2

F3 9 6 3 RUN ESC ENT STOP

Fig. 10

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3. second generation of parallel active harmonic conditioner: system description (cont.)

n methods of harmonic compensation: Two methods are proposed: o the global method allows for compensation of the harmonics and interharmonics, and is really suited to the unstable and fluctuating loads; o the FFT method , allows for compensation of the harmonics and interhamonics, and also for a given (user selectable) harmonic order. It is mainly suited for stable loads, and offers a greater level of attenuation than the global method. In addition to the harmonic compensation, the Active Harmonic Conditioner can also compensate the phase displacement. Therefore, power factor can be unity.

n size (in mm):

sinewave

sinewave
sinewave

SW 20/30 H x L x D: 680 x 540 x 280

Fig. 11

SW 45/60 780 x 590 x 325

SW 90/120 (2 x 780) x 590 x 325

The second generation 30 A Conditioner is only 1/7th of its previous size. The compactness of the unit allows for either wall mounted installation or integration within LV distribution switchboard.

n cost: Thanks to the integration of advanced technologies (DSP, SMD, microcontroler), and to the use of variable speed drive converter bridges produced in high quantities, the cost was drastically reduced. Expected price on the market is between US $ 200 and 300 per Amp rms of compensated harmonic, depending on the power rating. This new generation of Active Conditioner is to very cost-competitive when compared with the bulky tuned passive (LC) filter.

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4. points of connection and configuration (cont.)

point of connection of the active conditioner

main low-voltage switchboard

MV LV MLVS

feeder MS1

feeder MS2

feeder MSn

AHC

secondary switchboard

AHC feeder S1 feeder S2 feeder S3

final panelboard

AHC M M LOADS M

Fig. 12 - Three level radial low voltage AC distribution system

The Active Conditioner may be installed at different points in AC distribution systems: n centrally, at the CPC level, for global compensation of harmonic currents (position A); n partial compensation of harmonic currents (position B); n close to the loads generating high level of harmonic pollution to ensure local compensation of harmonic currents (position C). Ideally, compensation of harmonics should take place at their point of origin. A number of costing and technical criteria are used for optimum solution. In order to optimize the harmonic compensation, several conditioners may be connected in various configurations. These configurations can be used at any point in the AC distribution system, offering a total flexibility and a large choice of compensation strategies. The most common configuration are described in the next two paragraphs.

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4. points of connection and configuration

parallel configuration

This configuration meets two different requirements: n increased compensation capacity at a given point of the AC system by connecting up to three conditioners of the same rating; n increased compensation capacity for any future load expansion; n improved reliability by using conditioner of the same rating in redundant operation mode.

sinewave

sinewave

Fig. 13

cascade configuration

This configuration have the following benefits: n increase the overall compensation capacity using conditioner of the same or different rating; n compensate partly and locally the harmonics or a specific harmonic order of a given load, and compensate globally a group of non linear loads.

sinewave

sinewave

Fig.14

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5. application tests results (cont.)

This section describes the waveform and the characteristics of the current supplied by the power source to different types of loads, with and without Active Harmonic Conditioner of various ratings. The data presented below is the result of in-depth study of several different types of pollutant loads both in house and on site. The figures demonstrate the compensation levels achieved with typical applications, in industry and in commercial buildings.

60 A conditioner upstream a three phase UPS

1,5 1 0,5 0 -0,5 -1 -1,5

Fig. 15 - Line (load = source) current waveform without Active Conditioner

1,5 1 0,5 0 -0,5 -1 -1,5

Fig. 16 - Line (source) current waveform with Active Conditioner

100 90 80 70 60 50 40 30 20 10 0 H1 H3 H5 H7 H9 H11 H13 H15 H17 H19 H21

Fig. 17 - Line (load=source) current spectrum (% of H1) without Active Conditioner

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5. application tests results

100 90 80 70 60 50 40 30 20 10 0 H1 H3 H5 H7 H9 H11 H13 H15 H17 H19 H21

Fig. 18 - Line (source) current spectrum (% of H1) with Active Conditioner

Conclusion: For three phase rectifiers as a load, the characteristics of the active harmonic conditioner at its full rating are per following: n attenuation ratio: 12:1 (from 30.4 % to 2.6 %); n improvement of the power factor from 0.84 (without conditioner) to 0.89 (with).

30 A conditioner connected between the UPS output and computer loads (case study)

2 1,5 1 0,5 0 -0,5 -1 -1,5 -2

Fig. 19 - UPS output load current waveform without Active Conditioner

1,5 1 0,5 0 -0,5 -1 -1,5

Fig. 20 - UPS output load current waveform with Active Conditioner

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5. application tests results (cont.)

1 0,5 0 -0,5 -1

Fig. 21 - UPS output voltage waveform without Active Conditioner

1,5 1 0,5 0 -0,5 -1 -1,5

Fig. 22 - UPS output voltage waveform with Active Conditioner

Conclusion: The characteristics of the 30 A active harmonic conditioner at 87 % its full rated capacity, with harmonics compensation limited to 13th order, are: n THDI attenuation ratio: 12:1 (from 82.6 % to 9 %); n reduction of 21 % in the UPS output current RMS value; n improvement of the power factor from 0.73 (without conditioner) to 0.98 (with).

60 A conditioner upstream of computer loads

Fig. 23 - Line (load=source) current waveform without Active Conditioner

Fig. 24 - Line (source) current waveform with Active Conditioner

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5. application tests results (cont.)

100 90 80 70 60 50 40 30 20 10 0 H1 H3 H5 H7 H9 H11 H13 H15 H17 H19 H21

Fig. 25 - Line (load=source) current spectrum (% of H1) without Active Conditioner

100 90 80 70 60 50 40 30 20 10 0 H1 H3 H5 H7 H9 H11 H13 H15 H17 H19 H21

Fig. 26 - Line (source) current spectrum (% of H1 ) with Active Conditioner

Conclusion: For computer loads, the characteristics of the 60 A active harmonic conditioner at 100 % of its full rated capacity are: n THDI attenuation ratio: 32:1 (from 92.6 % to 2.9 %); n reduction of third-order harmonic and their multiples circulating in the neutral current; n reduction of 21 % in the line current RMS value; n improvement of the power factor from 0.73 (without conditioner) to 1.0 (with).

60 A conditioner upstream of computer loads, compensating only 3rd harmonic

2 1 0 -1 -2

Fig. 27 - Line (load=source) current waveform without Active Conditioner

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5. application tests results (cont.)

1,5 1 0,5 0 -0,5 -1 -1,5

Fig. 28 - Line (source) current waveform with Active Conditioner

100 90 80 70 60 50 40 30 20 10 0 H1 H3 H5 H7 H9 H11 H13 H15 H17 H19 H21

Fig. 29 - Line (load=source) current spectrum (% of H1) without Active Conditioner

100 90 80 70 60 50 40 30 20 10 0 H1 H3 H5 H7 H9 H11 H13 H15 H17 H19 H21

Fig. 30 - Line (source) current spectrum (% of H1) with Active Conditioner

120 A conditioner upstream of a variable speed drive

Fig. 31 - Line (load=source) current waveform without Active Conditioner

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5. application tests results (cont.)

Fig. 32 - Line (source) current waveform with Active Conditioner

100 90 80 70 60 50 40 30 20 10 0 H1 H3 H5 H7 H9 H11 H13 H15 H17 H19 H21

Fig. 33 - Line (load=source) current spectrum (% of H1) without Active Conditioner

100 90 80 70 60 50 40 30 20 10 0 H1 H3 H5 H7 H9 H11 H13 H15 H17 H19 H21

Fig. 34 - Line (source) current spectrum (% of H1) with Active Conditioner

Conclusion: For such loads as variable speed drives, the characteristics of the active harmonic conditioner are: n attenuation ratio: 9.3:1 (from 124.3 % to 13.4 %); n reduction of 30 % in the line current RMS value.

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5. application tests results (cont.)

30 A conditioner upstream of a 40 kW variable speed drives (case study)

1,5 1 0,5 0 -0,5 -1 -1,5

Fig. 35 - Line (load=source) current waveform without Active Conditioner

1 0,5 0 -0,5 -1

Fig. 36 - Line (source) current waveform active with Active Conditioner

100 90 80 70 60 50 40 30 20 10 0 H1 H5 H7 H11 H13 H15

Fig. 37 - Line (load=source) current spectrum (% of H1) without Active Conditioner

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5. application tests results (cont.)

100 90 80 70 60 50 40 30 20 10 0 H1
100 90 80 70 60 50 40 30 20 10 0 H1 H5 H7 H11 H13 H15

H5

H7

H11

H13

H15

Fig. 38 - Line (source) current spectrum (% of H1) with Active Conditioner

Conclusion: For this load, the characteristics of the active harmonic conditioner, with harmonics compensation limited to 13th order, are: n attenuation ratio: 9:1 (from 20.5 % to 2.3 %); n reduction of 5 % in the line current RMS value.

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6. comparison between harmonic conditioner and tuned passive (LC) filter

LC passive filter harmonic-current control influence of a frequency variation influence of a modification in the impedance influence of an increase in current added equipment (load) harmonic control by order requires a filter for each frequency (bulky) reduced effectiveness risk of resonance risk of overload and damage in certain cases, requires modifications to the filter very difficult

active harmonic conditioner simultaneously monitors several frequencies no effect no effect no risk of overload, but less effective no problem if I-conditioner > Iload-harmonics possible via personalisations possible via repersonalisation of software small low average

modification in the fundamental cannot be modified frequency dimensions weight losses large high average

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7. conclusion

The second generation of shunt topology Active Harmonic Conditioners, ranging from 20 to 120 A rms, is successfully developed, and will be launched during early part of 1997. The tests carried out, both in laboratory and in the field, demonstrate excellent performances for a wide range of applications. The active harmonic conditioner can control and compensate harmonic currents for all types of non linear loads, including high neutral harmonic currents. Harmonic order from H2 to 23 are covered with a high THDI attenuation ratio (minimum 10:1). The unique features at competitive cost gives very good reasons to expect in a very short time the development of active harmonic conditioners market, from low to high compensation power ratings. High rise intelligent buildings and industrial applications are the prefered fields of applications for this new generation of active conditioners.

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appendice 1

references

G W Massey, Power Distribution System Design for Operation Under Non sinusoidal Load Conditions , IEEE Trans. Ind.Applic., vol.31 n 3, may/june 95. S Fukuda and T Endoh, Control Method for a Combined Active Filter System Employing a Current source Converter , IEEE Trans. Ind. Applic., vol. 31 n3, may/june 95. T Deflandre, C Courty, C Greiveldinger, EDF, Impact des Harmoniques sur les Rseaux Publics Franais , PPRD ,1995. T Key and J S Lai, Costs and benefits of Harmonic Current reduction for Switch-mode Power Supplies in a Commercial Building , sept 1995. W Russell, Hardening data Lines to IEC 1000-4-2, Compliance European Edition , jan/fen 1996. J Moravek, Benefits of Using a harmonic monitoring Program , EC&M, sept. 1994. L Lachaume and JM Vialars, Electric Energy Metering in Presence of Harmonics , EDF study, nov. 1994. R Waggoner, Beware of Single-phase Harmonic interactions , EC&M, jun.1994. P N Enjeti, W Shiren, P Packebush, I Pitel, Analysis and Design of a new active Power Filter to Cancel Neutral Current harmonics in Three-phase Four-wire Electric Distribution Systems , IEE Trans. Ind. Applic., vol. 30 n6, dec.1994. S Bernard, G Trochain, A New High PerformanceActive HarmonicConditioner Based on the Current Injection Mode , Power Quality 95, nov. 1995 . M Mc Granaghan, L Tang, S Beranrd, S Papoz, Evaluation of Active Filter Design and performance Using a Detailed EMTP Model , PQA 95, may 1995. H Akagi, New Trends in Active Filters , EPE 95, sept 1995. T Key, JS Lai, Comparison of Standards and Power Supply Design Options for Limiting Harmonic Distortion in Power Systems , IEEE Trans. Ind. Applic. , vol 29 n4, jul/aug 1993.

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