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Power Quality
1. INTRODUCTION
Since last 25 years there has been an increase in the use of solid state electronic
technology. This new, highly efficient, electronic technology provides product quality
with increased productivity. Today, we are able to produce products at costs less than in
the years passed, with the introduction of automation by using the solid state electronic
technology .This new technology requires clear electric power.
The conventional speed control systems are being replaced by modern power
electronic systems, bringing a verity of advantages to the users. Classic examples are
DC $ AC drives, UPS, soft stators, etc. Since the thrusters converter technology is
rapidly gaining in the modern industrial plants, the power supply systems are
contaminated as the ideal sinusoidal current and voltage waveforms are getting
distorted. This is in turn is affecting the performance of the equipment in the electrical
network.
Dept. of EEE
MESCE, Kuttippuram
Seminar Report 03
Power Quality
Dept. of EEE
MESCE, Kuttippuram
Seminar Report 03
Power Quality
3. HARMONICS-BASIC CONCEPTS
Because this is a deviation from a pure sine wave, the deviation is in the form of
a periodic function and by definition, the voltage distortion contains harmonics. When a
sinusoidal voltage is applied to a certain type of load, the current drawn by the load is
proportional to the voltage and impedance and follows the envelope of the voltage wave
form .These loads are referred to as linear loads (loads where the voltage and current
follow one another without any distortion to their pure sine waves).examples of
nonlinear loads are resistive heaters, incandescent lamps and constant speed induction
and synchronous motors.
In contrast some loads cause the current to vary disproportionately with the
voltage during each half cycle. These loads are classified as nonlinear loads and the
current and voltage have waveforms that are non sinusoidal containing distortions where
by 50 Hz waveform has numerous additional waveforms superimposed upon it creating
multiple frequencies within the normal 50 Hz sine wave .The multiple frequencies are
harmonics of the fundamental frequency.
Dept. of EEE
MESCE, Kuttippuram
Seminar Report 03
Power Quality
Dept. of EEE
MESCE, Kuttippuram
Seminar Report 03
Power Quality
4. THE AFFECTS
The actual problems of any building/industry will vary depending on the type
and number of installed harmonics producing
withstand nonlinear loads of up to 15% of the total electrical system capacity without
concern but when the nonlinear loads exceed 15% some non expected negative
consequences can be expected. .for electrical networks , they have on linear loading of
more than 25% particular problems can be apparent.
Dept. of EEE
MESCE, Kuttippuram
Seminar Report 03
Power Quality
apart from safety risks. Voltage distortions can lead to over heating of equipment
failure, expensive down time
voltage distortions are becoming the most severe and complex electrical challenge for
the electrical industry .The problems associated with nonlinear loads were once limited
to isolated devices and computer rooms, but now the problem can appear through the
entire network and utility system
The point at which the harmonic limits are applied is called the point of common
coupling (PCC). When the input transformer is the point of measurement then the PCC
refers to this point where the facility electrical system is common to the facility of
additional consumers. If there is a distortion present on the electrical power system at
this point it may be experienced by the neigh boring facilities as well. So we need to
avoid this situation
Dept. of EEE
MESCE, Kuttippuram
Seminar Report 03
Power Quality
5. SOLUTION
Users of variable frequency drives often have strict demands placed on them to
mitigate harmonic distortion caused by the nonlinear loads. Many choices are available
to them including line reactors, harmonic traps, 12 pulse rectifier, 18 pulse rectifiers,
and low pass filters.
These reactors are also used to solve the problems in variable frequency drive
installations.Eg: harmonic attenuation , drive tripping .The line reactors are always used
in the line side or input of the variable frequency drives. Thus they are called the line
reactors. The line reactors cannot be used at the output of the variable frequency drives
Because the reactors are over heated due to the harmonic content of the output
waveform of the VFD Harmonic compensated reactors can be used on the either side of
the variable frequency drives .Due to the introduction of the Harmonic compensated
reactors the following problems are eliminated: motor noise, low efficiency of the
motors, temperature rise in motors and variable frequency drives short circuit problem.
Dept. of EEE
MESCE, Kuttippuram
Seminar Report 03
Power Quality
Dept. of EEE
MESCE, Kuttippuram
Seminar Report 03
Power Quality
absorbed by the filter, the present power system resonant frequency, and the expected
system resonant frequency after the filter (trap) is installed. Field tuning of this filter
may be required if adverse conditions are experienced.
12 Pulse drives are frequently specified by the engineers for heating, ventilating
and air conditioning applications because their ability to reduce harmonic current
distortion. In the mid 1960s when power semiconductors were only available in limited
ratings, twelve-pulse drives provided a simpler and more cost effective approach to
achieving higher current ratings than direct paralleling of power semiconductors.
A typical diagram of a large twelve-pulse drive appears in figure the drive's input
circuit consists of two six-pulse rectifiers, displaced by 30 electrical degrees, operating
in parallel. The 30-degree phase shift is obtained by using a phase shifting transformer.
The circuit in figure simply uses an isolation transformer with a delta primary, a delta
connected secondary, and a second wye connected secondary to obtain the necessary
phase shift. Because the instantaneous outputs of each rectifier are not equal, an inter
phase reactor is used to support the difference in instantaneous rectifier output voltages
and permit each rectifier to operate independently. The primary current in the
transformer is the sum of each six-pulse rectifier or a twelve-pulse wave form.
Theoretical input current harmonics for rectifier circuits are a function of pulse
number and can be expressed as:
h = (np + 1) where n= 1, 2, 3, and p = pulse number
Dept. of EEE
MESCE, Kuttippuram
Seminar Report 03
Power Quality
For a six-pulse rectifier, the input current will have harmonic components at the
following multiples of the fundamental frequency.
5, 7, 11, 13, 17, 19, 23, 25, 29, 31, etc.
For the twelve-pulse system shown in figure 1, the input current will have
theoretical harmonic components at the following multiples of the fundamental
frequency:
11, 13, 23, 25, 35, 37, etc.
Note that the 5th and 7th harmonics are absent in the twelve-pulse system. Since
the magnitude of each harmonic is proportional to the reciprocal of the harmonic
number, the twelve-pulse system has a lower theoretical harmonic current distortion.
12 PULSE RECTIFIERS
Dept. of EEE
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MESCE, Kuttippuram
Seminar Report 03
Power Quality
Figure shows the actual measurement of input current harmonic distortion for 12
pulse rectifier supplied from a balanced 3 phase voltage source while operating at full
load conditions. For test purpose transformer has delta primary and delta,wye secondary
windings. To obtain the best results, the bridge rectifier is connected in series so equal
dc windings. To obtain the best results, the bridge rectifier is connected in series so
equal dc
The data shows when the current through both sets of the rectifiers is equal,
harmonics can be as low as 10% to 12% total harmonic current distortion, at full load.
Current sharing reactors will help parallel connected bridge rectifiers to share current
equally. Even with balanced current harmonic current distortion can increase
appreciably at light loaded conditions. Even with perfectly balanced line voltages, the
resultant % total harmonic current distortion increases as the load increases. As the load
reduced, that is 23% total harmonic current distortion at 20% load.
Dept. of EEE
11
MESCE, Kuttippuram
Seminar Report 03
Power Quality
The primary current in the transformer is the sum of each six-pulse rectifier or an
eighteen-pulse wave form.
Theoretical input current harmonics for rectifier circuits are a function of pulse
number and can be expressed as:
h = (np 1) where n= 1, 2, 3,... and p = pulse number
For a six-pulse rectifier, the input current will have harmonic components at the
following multiples of the fundamental frequency.
5, 7, 11, 13, 17, 19, 23, 25, 29, 31, 35, 37, 41, 43, 47, 49, 53, 55, etc.
For the eighteen-pulse system shown in figure 1, the input current will have
theoretical harmonic components at the following multiples of the fundamental
frequency:
Dept. of EEE
12
MESCE, Kuttippuram
Seminar Report 03
Power Quality
17, 19, 35, 37, 53, 55, etc.
Note that the 5th and 7th, 11th and 13th harmonics are absent in the theoretical
eighteen-pulse system. Since the magnitude of each harmonic is proportional to the
reciprocal of the harmonic number, the eighteen-pulse system has a lower theoretical
harmonic current distortion.
Care was taken in the physical construction of the transformer to balance the
leakage reactance and output voltage of the three secondary windings. The system was
tested with line voltage unbalance ranging from 0% to 3% and with loads ranging from
5% to 100%. The input total harmonic current distortion, THID, is shown in figure 3.
THID varied from 7.4% at full load with balanced line voltages to 59% at 30% load
with a 3% unbalance. The data show that the harmonic performance of eighteen-pulse
drives degrades rapidly with increasing line voltage unbalance and decreasing load.
13
MESCE, Kuttippuram
Seminar Report 03
Power Quality
applications where drives will operate for long periods of time at 30% to 60% load
eighteen pulse drives to not meet expectations.
18 PULSE RECTIFIER
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MESCE, Kuttippuram
Seminar Report 03
Power Quality
show that the harmonic performance of eighteen-pulse drives degrades rapidly with
increasing line voltage unbalance and decreasing load. Simply focusing on harmonic
performance under the best operating conditions, perfectly balanced line voltages and
full load, is not a useful indicator of performance under practical operating conditions.
In heating, ventilating and air conditioning applications where drives will operate for
long periods of time at 30% to 60% load eighteen pulse drives to not meet expectations.
Figure 3
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MESCE, Kuttippuram
Seminar Report 03
Power Quality
Transformer Design
Secondary
Leakage
Volts
3.67
160.00
-20
4.73
160.50
+20
5.33
160.50
Table 1
Transformer Full Load Data
Secondary
Unbalance
Unbalance
Winding
At Full Load
Per
Across
Secondary
Secondary
Group
Groups
Average
Phase Shift
Volts
Degrees
A
154.3
154.4 154.1
154.26
0.10
-20
157.9
157.0 157.6
157.50
0.32
+20
156.6
155.4 156.9
156.30
0.57
Average
156.02
1.12
Table 2
Dept. of EEE
16
MESCE, Kuttippuram
Seminar Report 03
Power Quality
The addition of 5% line reactors at the input to each of the three rectifiers results
in a significant improvement in the operation Drives are applied in heating, ventilating,
and air conditioning applications because loads are variable and users demand energy
efficiency and comfort. Varying loads result in load unbalances within building power
distribution systems which add to the utility line voltage unbalance at the point of
common coupling. Harmonic mitigation techniques which are not effective with line
voltage unbalances of 1% to 3% at the point of utilization will not as a practical matter
achieve useful results. The data in this report show that a standard six-pulse drive fed
from a low pass Matrix Filter provides superior harmonic performance to an eighteenpulse drive in applications with variable loads and line voltage unbalances ranging from
0% to 3%.
Low pass harmonic filters, also referred to as broad band harmonic suppressors,
offer a non-invasive approach to harmonic mitigation. Rather than being tuned for a
specific harmonic, they filter all harmonic frequencies, including the third harmonic.
They are connected in series with the non-linear load with a large series connected
impedance, therefore they dont create system resonance problems. No field tuning is
required with the low pass filter.
Dept. of EEE
17
MESCE, Kuttippuram
Seminar Report 03
Power Quality
Due to the presence of the large series impedance, it is extremely difficult for
harmonics to enter the filter / drive from the power source. Rather they are supplied to
the drive via the filter capacitor. For this reason, it is very easy to predict the distortion
levels which will be achieved and to guarantee the results.
A low pass (broad band) harmonic filter can easily offer guaranteed harmonic current
levels, right at the drive / filter input, as low as 8% to 12% THID. (To achieve 8%
maximum current distortion one can typically select the broad band harmonic
suppressor based on a HP / KW rating which is 25-30% larger than the total drive load
to be supplied). In most cases, this results in less than 5% THID at the facility input
transformer and meets most international standards.
Fig. 6 Actual input current waveform for VFD fitted with Broad Band Harmonic
Suppressor.
The low pass filter not only offers guaranteed results, it is also more economical
than 12 or 18 pulse rectifier systems, active filters or in many cases even harmonic traps.
They are intended for use with 6-pulse drives having a six diode input rectifier in
variable torque applications. This typically means fan and pump applications. For the
sake of economy, a single Broad Band Harmonic Suppressor may be used to supply
several drives (VFDs). When operating at reduced load, the THID at the filter input will
be even lower than the guaranteed full load values.
Dept. of EEE
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MESCE, Kuttippuram
Seminar Report 03
Power Quality
6. BENEFITS
MOTOR TEMPERATURE REDUCTION
Motors operated on a VFD tend to run warmer than when they are operated on
pure 60hz, such as in an across-the-line stator application. The reason is that the output
waveform of the VFD is not pure 60hz,, but rather it contains harmonics which are
currents flowing at higher frequencies. The higher frequencies cause additional watts
loss and heat to be dissipated by the iron of the motor, while the higher currents cause
additional watts loss and heat to be dissipated by the copper windings of the motor.
Typically the larger horsepower motors (lower inductance motors) will experience the
greatest heating when operated on a VFD.
Reactors installed on the output of a VFD will reduce the motor operating
temperature by actually reducing the harmonic content in the output waveform. A five
percent impedance, harmonic compensated reactor will typically reduce the motor
temperature by 20 degrees Celsius or more. If we consider that the typical motor
insulation system has a "Ten Degree C Half Life" (Continual operation at 10 degrees C
above rated temperature results in one half expected motor life), then we can see that
motor life in VFD applications can easily be doubled. Harmonic compensated reactors
are actually designed for the harmonic currents and frequencies whereas the motor is
not.
Dept. of EEE
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MESCE, Kuttippuram
Seminar Report 03
Power Quality
MOTOR NOISE
Because the carrier frequency and harmonic spectrum of many Pulse Width
Modulated (PWM) drives is in the human audible range, we can actually hear the higher
frequencies in motors which are being operated by these drives. A five percent
impedance harmonic compensated reactor will virtually eliminate the higher order
harmonics (11th & up) and will substantially reduce the lower order harmonics (5th &
7th). By reducing these harmonics, the presence of higher frequencies is diminished and
thus the audible noise is reduced. Depending on motor size, load, speed, and
construction the audible noise can typically be reduced from 3 - 6 dB when a five
percent impedance harmonic compensated reactor is installed on the output of a PWM
drive. Because we humans hear logarithmically, every 3dB cuts the noise in half to our
ears. This means the motor is quieter and the remaining noise will not travel as far.
MOTOR EFFICIENCY
Because harmonic currents and frequencies cause additional watts loss in both
the copper windings and the iron of a motor, the actual mechanical ability of the motor
is reduced. These watts are expended as heat instead of as mechanical power. When a
harmonic compensated reactor is added to the VFD output, harmonics are reduced,
causing motor watts loss to be reduced. The motor is able to deliver more power to the
load at greater efficiency. Utility tests conducted on VFD's with and without output
reactors have documented efficiency increases of as much as eight percent (at 75% load)
when the harmonic compensated reactors were used. Even greater efficiency
improvements are realized as the load is increased.
Dept. of EEE
20
MESCE, Kuttippuram
Seminar Report 03
Power Quality
The above methods solve other problems on the load side of VFD's in
specialized applications also. Some of these include: Motor protection in IGBT drive
installations with long lead lengths between the drive and motor, Drive tripping when a
second motor is switched onto the drive output while another motor is already running,
and Drive tripping due to current surges from either a rapid increase or decrease in the
load.
Dept. of EEE
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MESCE, Kuttippuram
Seminar Report 03
Power Quality
7. CONCLUSION
VFD users have many choices when it comes to harmonic filtering. Of course
they may do nothing, or they may choose to employ one of the many techniques of
filtering available. Each filtering technique offers specific benefits and has a different
cost associated with it. Some may have the potential to interfere with the power system
while others will not.
For best overall results when using reactors or harmonic filters, be sure to install
them as close as possible to the non-linear loads which they are filtering. When you
minimize harmonics directly at their source you will be cleaning up the internal facility
mains wiring. This will also reduce the burden on upstream electrical equipment such as
circuit breakers, fuses, disconnect switches, conductors and transformers. The proper
application of harmonic filtering techniques can extend equipment life and will often
improve equipment reliability and facility productivity.
Dept. of EEE
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MESCE, Kuttippuram
Seminar Report 03
Power Quality
8. REFERENCES
Dept. of EEE
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MESCE, Kuttippuram
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Power Quality
ABSTRACT
Power quality is essential for smooth functioning of industrial process. As
industries expand, utilities become more interconnected and usage of electrically
equipment increases, power quality is jeopardized. The quality of power in the power
system is severely affected by the presence of harmonics. This harmonics adversely
effects the power system performance. Some of the effects are over heating of metal
parts, noise in motors, low efficiency in motors etc. The effects produced by the
harmonics are reduced by adopting some corrective measures.
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MESCE, Kuttippuram
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Power Quality
CONTENTS
1. INTRODUCTION
4. THE AFFECTS
5. SOLUTION
12
17
6. BENEFITS
19
7. CONCLUSION
22
8. REFERENCES
23
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MESCE, Kuttippuram
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Power Quality
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
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