Content of the presentation

1. Power quality in general (EMC)

Consequences of poor Power Quality
Economical impacts
Standard (EN 50160)

Power quality and proactive network monitoring

Power quality quantities

Marko Pikkarainen
Tampere University of Technology
The Department of Electrical Energy Engineering
marko.pikkarainen@tut.fi

2. Some recent changes in the field of power quality

Flicker

SET-1520 New Applications in Electrical Energy Engineering

27.3.2012

3. Proactive power quality monitoring

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Power quality in general

Consequences of poor PQ

Power Quality: The characteristics of the electricity at a given point on

in electrical system, evaluated against a set of reference technical
parameters (IEC 61000-4-30)
Electromagnetic compatibility (EMC): The ability of an electrical
equipment or system to function satisfactorily in its electromagnetic
environment without introducing intolerable electromagnetic
disturbances to anything in that environment

Poor power quality can have different effects. The range reaches from
disturbing effect on human beings (flicker) up to consequences on
operation of equipment.
There are long term and momentary effects. Harmonics and unbalance
cause increased losses in the utilities equipment and reduce life time of
components.
Momentary effects are a sudden malfunction or damage of a device.
They commonly appear with the quality parameters such as: voltage
interruption, voltage dips and transient overvoltage.
The most commonly reported symptoms of power quality phenomena
are light flickering, circuit breakers tripping and computers locking up or
restarting. Also some damages are reported due to voltage quality
problems

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Economical impacts of power quality

Regulation and standardisation

The importance of power quality problems can be reviewed by its

economic impacts.

There are several regulations, standards and laws that regulate the
distribution utilities actions and design and use of electrical equipments
national laws and regulations
directives and standards
general guidelines by field of business

In the USA economical losses due to interruptions are estimated to be

between 104-164*109 dollar annually.
Other power quality problems are estimated to have 15-24*109 dollar
economic loss impact annually.
Gross domestic product of USA was 14 526*109 dollar (2010)

EMC standard
IEC 61000 series

61000-1-x

General

61000-2-x

Environment

Description of the environment

Classification of the environment
Compatibility levels

61000-3-x

Limits

Emission limits
Immunity limits

61000-4-x

Testing and measurement

techniques

Measurement techniques
Testing techniques

61000-5-x

Installation and mitigation

guidelines

Installation guidelines
Mitigation methods and devices

61000-6-x

Generic standards

61000-9-x

Miscellaneous

All the rest

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EN 50160

Voltage fluctuations and flicker

Standard EN 50160 defines, describes and specifies the main

Flicker (PST, PLT) is the subjective impression of luminance variations of lightning as a result of voltage
fluctuations.
Flicker is more a physiological than a physical value.
The flicker effect depends on: the amplitude of the relative voltage fluctuation and the repetition rate of the
appearance of the voltage fluctuation. With the same frequency of the voltage fluctuation the flicker effect is
directly proportionally to the amplitude of the voltage variation.
Flicker causes normally no damage of devices or an interference of their function.
PST and PLT occurs without dimension (pu).
The borderline was established laboratory tests with individuals. (for incandescent lamps)

characteristics of the voltage at a network user's supply terminals in

public low, medium and high voltage AC electricity distribution networks
under normal operating conditions. (EN 50160)
Some problems :
10

Covers only normal operation and even for that case only during 95% of time
obligatory

u (t)
U

U
[%]
U

For some power quality parameters only indicative values are given

2 U

P st=1

EN 50160 is not EMC standard, compliance with EN 50160 standard doesnt

guarantee undisturbed operation of all devices
Describes maximum values or variations of the voltage characteristics under
normal operating conditions which can be expected by the customer at any
place of the network

0.1
0.1
0.00 1

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1
0.01

10
0.1

10 0

100 0

10

100 00 change s/m in

re gu lar
sin u so ida l
v o lta g e
flu c tua tio n

reg u lar
re c tan g ula r
v olta ge
flu ctu a tio n

arb itra ry
re cta ng u lar
vo ltag e
fluctua tion

10 0 Hz flickerfrequ ency

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Voltage fluctuations and flicker

Voltage fluctuations and flicker

Very common reason for customer complaints (it is easy to observe)

Under normal operating conditions excluding the periods with interruptions, supply
voltage variations should not exceed 10 % of the nominal voltage Un.
In cases of electricity supplies in networks not interconnected with transmission
systems or for special remote network users, voltage variations should not exceed
+10 % / - 15 % of Un. Network users should be informed of the conditions.

Origins for flicker:

starting currents of induction motors, fluctuating torque of load (stone crusher), welding
machines, electro heat devices with thermostat, Electric arc furnaces
Remedial measures:
Increase short circuit capacity of the network
Starting current limitation
Smoothing of load torque
Avoidance of sharp load changes
Automatic welding machines, 3-phase instead of 1-phase welding machine
For EAFs: use of DC EAF, power-factor correction, use of dynamic compensation units
Limits in EN 50160
Under normal operating conditions, in any period of one week the long term flicker severity
caused by voltage fluctuation should be Plt 1 for 95 % of the time.

Under normal operating conditions:

during each period of one week 95 % of the 10 min mean r.m.s. values of the
supply voltage shall be within the range of Un 10 %; and
all 10 min mean r.m.s. values of the supply voltage shall be within the range of
Un + 10 % / - 15 %.

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Voltage unbalance

Voltage unbalance

In EN 50160 voltage unbalance is defined as a ratio of the negative

sequence voltage and positive sequence voltage

Remedial measures

ku

U2

Iu

Increase short circuit capacity of the network (network strengthening)

Distribute single phase loads evenly between phases, use three phase loads

I2
I1

Consequences of unbalance:
U
Increase of the losses in the grid components
Increase losses and vibration moments in electrical machines
Could increase non-characteristical harmonic currents of rectifier and
inverter
1

Disconnection via converter sets of a three-phase motor and a single-phase

alternator
Use inverters to change three phase system to single or two phase system
Balancing using Steinmetz principle

Limits in EN 50160
during each period of one week, 95 % of the 10 min mean r.m.s. values of the
negative phase sequence component (fundamental) of the supply voltage shall be
within the range 0 % to 2 % of the positive phase sequence component
(fundamental). In some areas with partly single phase or two phase connected
network users' installations, unbalances up to about 3 % at three-phase supply
terminals occur.

Sources for unbalance:

Non three phase loads (most of the loads in LV level / customer end)
Railways
Electric Arc Furnaces

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13

Harmonics

Harmonics

When the waveform of voltage or current is not pure sine wave those can be
modelled using Fourier transform method (in real life it rarely is)

Sources for harmonics:

Power electronics
Transformers, iron core inductor (in normal mode
effect negligible)
Electric arc furnaces

Fundamental: Signal component that occurs with the line frequency

Harmonics: Signal components which frequencies are multiple integer of the fundamental
Interharmonics: Signal components which frequencies are not multiple integer of the
fundamental (no limits in EN 50160)

Remedial measures:

Subharmonics: Signal components which frequencies are below the mains frequency (no
limits in EN 50160)

Consequences of harmonics:
increase thermal and mechanical stress of the components and devices, increases grid
losses, might produce influence for ripple-control devices, might produce flicker by
interharmonics.

Limits in EN 50160
during each period of one week, 95 % of the 10 min

Even ha rmonics

Not mul tiples of 3

Order h
Rel ative
a mplitude uh
5
7

Power factor correction (passive, active)

Central filter systems (also distributed)
Changing of the mains circuits switching state, in
order to avoid resonances
Increase short circuit capacity

The classical harmonics-theory deals with frequencies from 0 Hz to about 2500 Hz (50 th
harmonic, Bashir tell you more about higher frequencies)

Odd ha rmonics

Mul ti ples of 3
Order h Rel ative
Order h Rel ative
a mplitude uh
a mplitude uh

6,00 %
5,00 %

3
9

5,00 %
1,50 %

2
4

2,00 %
1,00 %

6..24

0,50 %

11

3,50 %

15

0,50 %

13

3,00 %

21

0,50 %

17

2,00 %

19

1,50 %

23

1,50 %

25

1,50 %

NOTE: No va l ues are given for harmonics of order higher than 25, a s they a re
us ually s mall, but largely unpredictable due to resonance effects.

mean r.m.s. values of each individual harmonic

voltage shall be less than or equal to the value given
in table
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Frequency

Frequency

The mains frequency is global quantity in interconnected networks. The

change in frequency is result of change between power production and
consumption. In interconnected networks with controlled reserves, the
frequency shows only low fluctuation.
Frequency rise (more production than consumption)
Frequency falls (more consumption than production)

Remedial measures
Use of reserve power plants
Load shedding
Limits in EN 50160
Interconnected 49,5 Hz - 50,5 Hz during 99,5% of a year
networks
47 Hz - 52 Hz during 100 % of the time

Consequences of abnormal frequency:

clocks that run synchronously to the line frequency may face some problems
Produce mechanical stresses in turbines

Islanded
networks

Affects to uncontrolled synchronous- and asynchronous drives

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49 Hz - 51 Hz during 95% of a week

42,5 Hz 57,5 Hz during 100 % of the time

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Voltage dips and swells short voltage

interuptions

Voltage dips and swells

Temporary reduction of the r.m.s. voltage at a point in the electrical

supply system when the voltage falls below 90 % of the reference
voltage

Sources for voltage dips

Faults
Motor starting
Transformer switching
Swells switching operations and
load disconnections

voltage dip duration (from 10 ms up to including 1 min)

voltage dip residual voltage (minimum voltage)
swells are same as dips but voltage rises above 110 % of the reference
voltage

Remedial measures

Consequences of voltage dips

Problems with programmable logic controllers
Problems with electronic devices (restarts of computers)
Problems with asynchronous motors (halt, antiphase)

Use of dynamic voltage restorer

Change of networks switching state
Improve grid reliability
Increase short circuit capacity of the network

Limits in EN 50160

grid

fast th yri stor

switch

rectifier

The vast majority of voltage dips has a duration less than 1 s and a
residual voltage above 40 %. However, voltage dips with a smaller
residual voltage and longer duration can occur infrequently. In some
areas, voltage dips with a residual voltage between 90 % and 85 % of
Uc can occur very frequently as a result of the switching of loads in
network users installations

Produces costs: shut down costs, standstill costs, restart costs, additional costs

load

~
=

=
energy
storage

inverte r

P
Q

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Interruptions

Interruptions

Definition

Remedial measures
Decrease fault occurrence (overhead lines -> underground cables)
Install remote controlled components to grid (switch, isolator)
Build backup connection or backup power generation units for sensitive
customers

condition in which the voltage at the supply terminals is lower than 5 % of the
reference voltage (EN 50160)
prearranged, when network users are informed in advance; or
accidental, caused by permanent or transient faults, mostly related to
external events, equipment failures or interference. An accidental
interruption is classified as:

Limits in EN 50160

a long interruption (longer than 3 min);

a short interruption (up to and including 3 min)

Under normal operating conditions, the annual frequency of voltage

interruptions longer than three minutes varies substantially between areas. This
is due to, among other things, differences in system layout (e.g. cable systems
versus overhead line systems), environmental and climatic conditions.
The duration of most of the short interruptions may be less than some seconds.
Indicative values, intended to provide readers with information on the range of
magnitude which can be expected, can be found in IEC/TR 61000-2-8

Consequences of interruptions
Produces costs: shut down costs, standstill costs, restart costs, additional costs
Sources for interruptions
Normally, interruptions are caused by the operation of switches or protective
devices. (faults)
Maintenance of components

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High frequency signals / Mains signalling

voltages

22

Transient over voltages

Signal superimposed on the supply voltage for the purpose of

transmission of information in the public supply network and to network
users' premises. Three types of signals in the public supply network can
be classified:

Short duration overvoltage usually with a duration of a few milliseconds

or less
Consequences of transient over voltages
Breakage of devices and components

ripple control signals: superimposed sinusoidal voltage signals in the frequency

range 110 Hz to 3 000 Hz;
power-line-carrier signals: superimposed sinusoidal voltage signals in the
frequency range 3 kHz to 148,5 kHz (for PLC purposes, in some networks also
frequencies above 148,5 kHz are used.);
mains marking signals: superimposed short time alterations (transients) at
selected points of the voltage waveform

Sources for transient over voltages

lightning, switching or operation of fuses
Remedial measures
surge protective devices (For withstanding transient overvoltages in the
vast majority of cases, LV Installations and end users appliances are
designed according to EN 60664-1.)

Consequences of signalling voltages

EMC problems might occur: the operation of touch dimmer lamps might be
disturbed by PLC (power line communication)
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Flicker sensitivity of compact florescent

lamps
Flicker is the subjective impression of luminance variations of lightning
as a result of voltage fluctuations. Flicker is more a physiological than a
physical value. The tests to produce the borderline of flicker were
established in laboratory with individuals. This borderline is valid for
incandescent lamps.
The result of the European Commission Regulation number 244/2009
is that incandescent bulbs will be gradually phased out from the market
Compact fluorescent lamps have different flicker response because the
working principle is different
Flickermeter is able to detect voltage changes with appearing
frequency from 0.05 Hz to 35 Hz.

Some changes in field of power quality

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Flicker sensitivity of compact florescent

lamps

26

Flicker sensitivity of compact florescent

lamps

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Flicker measurement in future

Same measurement method but new limit

Valid for traditional voltage changes

Interharmonics are not affecting to result

Proactive power quality monitoring

New measurement method with modified lamp characteristic

and old limit (1 pu)

Interharmonics could be taken into consideration

Replace flicker with rapid voltage changes

va ria b le g ain
T = 1 min

d e mo d u la tion
0.05Hz

35 Hz

we ig h ting filte r
la mp e -e ye
H(s)

squ a rin g a n d
smo o th in g

sta tistical
e va lu a tio n

0.53 Hz

8.8 Hz

Pst
P
lt

u (t)

U
U (t)

U
U (t) weig h ted

mome n ta ry
flicke rleve ll P f

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Traditional power quality monitoring

Power quality monitoring in the future

Power quality measurements are based on centralized measurements

from MV level

Power quality monitoring will need information from voltage from each
customer connection point

Outages, frequency problems and voltage levels in MV level have been

spotted from centralized measurements

AMI is obvious system to produce the needed data

In addition of voltage measurement a proper current measurement could
provide critical information to power quality monitoring application

From LV side power quality is usually monitored with case specific

measurements
customer complaints and clarification requests

AMI could short the clarification time of power quality disturbances and
make it more efficient

There has not been available comprehensive and continuous power

quality information over entire distribution network
The novel AMR technology and distribution substation automation has
increased the power quality awareness

If the clarification time decreases also it could speed up decisions and acts of
how to decrease the effect of disturbance
Savings
Also customer satisfaction level could increase

Of some power quality quantities:

Interruptions, voltage levels, harmonics...

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New model of proactive network monitoring

Proactive power quality monitoring

Network
Information

Goal:
To detect power quality and reliability problems automatically
To detect the most probable reason for power quality problems
automatically
To predict the behaviour of different power quality quantities in the
future

Operation

Customer
Information
Measurements
(AMR, condition
monitoring,
PQ, weather,
relay data, etc.)

Short term prediction (operations)

Long term prediction (planning)

Future
scenarios

To improve power quality, to operate network optimally

Analysis
Detection of
potential
problems
Priorisation

Immediate
actions
Maintenance
Proactive
actions
Planning

Standards,
recommendations

Methods:
efficient utilization of static and dynamic information
optimization of network monitoring processes and information
management
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Example of proactive network monitoring,

Flicker

H. Renner, M. Sakulin, Power quality, Textbook to lecture Power quality and supply reliability
H. Renner, Power quality and supply reliability, Lecture notes

Future
scenarios

Measurements
(AMR, condition
monitoring,
PQ, weather,
relay data, etc.)

REFERENCES

Customer
Information

Network
Information

34

M. Pikkarainen, B. A. Siddiqui, P. Pakonen, P. Verho, S. Vehvilinen, 2011, Vision of Power Quality Monitoring and
Management in Future Distribution Networks, Conference paper, CIRED 2011.
M. Pikkarainen, P. Nevalainen, P. Pakonen, P. Verho, 2010, "Practical Case Study: Measurement of Power Quality
Problems Caused by Common New Loads , Conference paper, NORDAC

Analysis
Simulation
Detection of
potential
problems
Priorisation

The Cost of Power Disturbances to Industrial & Digital Economy Companies, 2001, Consortium for Electric
Infrastructure to Support a Digital Society.
European Commission Regulation, 2009, implementing Directive 2005/32/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council
with regard to ecodesign requirements for non-directional household lamps, No 244/2009.
Rong Cai, 2009, Flicker Interaction Studies and Flickermeter Improvement, Dissertation, Eindhoven University of
Technology, Netherland

Planning

EN 50160, 2007, Voltage characteristics of electricity supplied by public distribution networks, Standard
L. P. Frater, N. R. Watson, Light Flicker Sensitivity of High Efficiency Compact Fluorescent Lamps, Power Engineering
Conference, 2007. AUPEC 2007. Australasian Universities

Standards,
recommendations
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Thank you for your attention

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