Power / Harmonic Distortion

The Problem – Harmonic Distortion

Harmonic problems are almost always introduced by the consumers’ equipment and installation practices. Harmonic distortion is caused by the high use of non-linear load equipment such as computer power supplies, electronic ballasts, compact fluorescent lamps and variable speed drives etc, which create high current flow with harmonic frequency components. The limiting rating for most electrical circuit elements is determined by the amount of heat that can be dissipated to avoid overheating of busbars, circuit breakers, neutral conductors, transformer windings or generator alternators.

Harmonic currents add to the fundamental load current and can affect revenue billing by introducing errors into kilowatt hour metering systems, which will directly increase the net billable kilowatt demand and kilowatt hour consumption charges. The commercial effects of harmonic distortion to power quality are dramatically shorter equipment lifetimes, reduced energy efficiency and a susceptibility to nuisance tripping. The costs of supply interruption are high, however caused, resulting in data corruption, disruption of process manufacturing and failure of telecommunications facilities etc.

The answer…

Simple monitoring over a set period using our state of the equipment will tell us if harmonic distortion exists within your electrical system. The information provided by the survey will also allow our power Engineers to establish what types of harmonics are present, and how they are being produced. Following this diagnostic survey, our Engineers will establish the best possible solution which can include the installation of specially designed harmonic filters (passive or active) to balance the effects of the problem, reducing the level of non-linear equipment within your installation where possible or even carrying out phase balancing exercises within distribution boards.

Whatever the solution, by reducing the level of Total Harmonic Distortion (THD) within your installation, you will be contributing to the improvement of the performance of equipment, reducing the negative effects of heat within the system and ultimately saving money by prolonging the life expectancy of expensive plant and equipment.