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Introduction to Harmonics

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Harmonic Issues

What are Harmonics? Where do they come from? What are the effects of Harmonics? What are the current standards? How do you measure Harmonics? How do you know if theres a harmonic problem? How can they be controlled or eliminated? Common myths and misconceptions References
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Definition of Harmonics

They are AC currents or voltages at integer multiples of the fundamental frequency The fundamental is the lowest frequency in the waveform, generally the repetition frequency They cannot transfer power on the average Harmonics are present in any non-sinusoidal waveform More rapid changes in the waveform require the presence of higher order harmonics

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Square Wave Harmonic Content

Fund 3 3,5 3,5,7 3,5,7,9 3,5,7,9,11 3,5,7,9,11,13
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Sources of Harmonics

They arise from non-linear loads in which current is not strictly proportional to voltage Linear loads like resistors, capacitors and inductors do not produce harmonics Since diodes and SCRs are non-linear, those circuits generate harmonic currents Other equipment which causes harmonics:
UPS, rectifiers, transformers, ballasts, welders, arc furnaces, and

personal computers

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CSI Current Waveform

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PWM Current Waveform

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Effects of Harmonics

Reduction of power system efficiency Increased heating of transformers (K-factor) Excitation of power system resonances Increased acoustical noise in motors RFI generation Interference with sensitive equipment There are no good effects!

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Examples of Sensitive Equipment

Carrier synchronized clocks Audio/video recording equipment Generator regulators and synchronizers Telephone equipment Fluorescent lights AM radio receivers Medical equipment PLCs

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Harmonic Standards

IEEE-519 1992 Definitions:

Voltage total harmonic distortion (VTHD) Current total harmonic distortion (CTHD)

K-Factor Point of Common Coupling VTHD Limits, Table 10.2 CTHD Limits, Table 10.3
Dilution by linear loads

There are no Susceptibility Limits!

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THD Definitions from IEEE-519

Voltage Total Harmonic Distortion VTHD Sum of squares of amplitudes of all voltage harmonics Amplitude of fundamental voltage

Current Total Harmonic Distortion CTHD Sum of squares of amplitudes of all current harmonics Amplitude of fundamental Current

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Point of Common Coupling

The point of common coupling is the location in the power distribution system where harmonic distortion is to be measured, usually where harmonic currents flow into a bus which feeds other equipment. Its location must be specified! In the absence of a specified location, the POCC for current harmonics is the plant-utility interface

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Definition of K-Factor
K Factor =
S (Square of P.U. Harmonic Current)*(Square of Harmonic Number)

K-Factor theoretically represents the increase in stray losses (conductor eddy currents) in a magnetic component DITs need to have a K-Factor specification CSI VFDs typically have a K-Factor of 13 PWM VFDs typically have a K-Factor of 6

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IEEE 519 Table 10.2

Low Voltage System Classification and Distortion Limits

Special Applications Notch Depth VTHD Notch Area 10% 3% 16400

General Systems 20% 5% 22800

Dedicated Systems 50% 10% 36500

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IEEE 519 Table 10.3

Current Distortion Limits for General Distribution Systems

Isc/Il
< 20 20<50 50<100
100<1000

< 11 (5, 7)

11<=h 17 (11, 13)

17<=h<23 (17, 19)

23<=h<35 (23, 31)

35 <=h (35 up)

TDD
5.0 8.0 12.0 15.0 20.0

4.0 7.0 10.0 12.0 15.0

2.0 3.5 4.5 5.5 7.0

1.5 2.5 4.0 5.0 6.0

0.6 1.0 1.5 2.0 2.5

0.3 0.5 0.7 1.0 1.4

> 1000

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Harmonic Analysis Tools and Techniques

For simple cases, use Short-Circuit Ratio and look up VTHD on a curve for that product
Short Circuit Ratio is the short circuit current at the POCC divided

by the drive rated current

For simple cases, use TURBOSIM to make a more precise calculation of VTHD There is no simple way of getting CTHD short of a specific calculation For complex multi-VFD cases, use VFDNET Watch out for underlying assumptions in the calculations!
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CSI Voltage Distortion Chart

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PWM Voltage Distortion Chart

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Current Distortion System Example

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Example Calculation
VTHD CTHD 5 th DRIVE TYPE P W M 2.5% LR P W M 5% LR CS I 2.5% LR CS I 5% LR CS I 12-P u ls e P W M 12-P u ls e Cle a n p o we r P e rfe c t Ha rmony 9 2.7 2 4 3.1 2.2 1 0.35 0.56 15.4 12.2 10.8 10.3 4.39 2.78 1.35 1.3 0.45 14.2 11.5 7.88 7.8 0 0 0.98 0 0 4.88 3.11 4.8 4.69 0 0 0.38 0 0 2.74 2.29 3.3 3.11 3.15 2.4 0.38 0 0 1.24 1.24 2.55 2.36 2.59 1.24 0.45 0 0 1.16 0.83 1.99 1.76 0 0 0.38 1.03 0 0.71 0.68 1.69 1.43 0 0 0.26 0.72 0 0.6 0.38 1.39 1.05 1.13 0.41 0.15 0 0 0.49 0.38 1.2 0.86 0.98 0.41 0.08 0 0 0.34 0.26 0.98 0.64 0 0 0 0 0.32 0.34 0.23 0.86 0.53 0 0 0 0 0.3 0.23 0.19 0.71 0.34 0.41 0.19 0.04 0.2 0 0.23 0.15 0.64 0.3 0.34 0.15 0 0.17 0 7 th 1 1 th 1 3 th 1 7 th 1 9 th 23rd 2 5 th 2 9 th 3 1 s t 3 5 th 3 7 th

P e rfe c t Ha r m o n y 1 5 0.31

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Current Harmonics of Various Drives

CTHD5th DRIV TYPE E 6-P PWM 2.5% LR 6-P PWM 5% LR 6-P CSI 2.5% LR 6-P CSI 5% LR CSI 12-Pulse PWM 12-Pulse Cleanpower Perfect Harmony 9 41 37.8 32.6 30.6 28.8 13 8.3 7.3 6.1 8.8 8.3 8.4 6.4 1 0 0 3.3 3.3 6.8 6.3 6.9 3.3 1.2 3.1 2.2 5.3 4.7 0 0 1 1.9 1.8 4.5 3.8 0 0 0.7 1.6 1 3.7 2.8 3 1.1 0.4 0 0 1.3 1 3.2 2.3 2.6 1.1 0.2 0 0.9 0.7 2.6 1.7 0 0 0 0 0.9 0.6 2.3 1.4 0 0 0 0.6 0.5 1.9 0.9 1.1 0.5 0.1 0.6 0.4 1.7 0.8 0.9 0.4 0 7th 11th 13th 17th 19th 23rd 25th 29th 31s t 35th 37th

21 12.8

27.5 20.8 12.5 11.7 7.4 3.6 0 0 2.6 0 0 1 0 0

3.47 0.01

0 2.75 1.93 0 0 0

0 0.53 0.46 0 0

Perfect Harmony 15 1.21 0.01

0 0.85 0.81

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Harmonic Analysis Gotchas

Analysis assumes perfect phase and amplitude balance in the power source! Cable reactance is neglected unless specified -- it can have a significant effect on the results Transformers are assumed to have 5.75% impedance unless otherwise specified Pre-existing distortion is neglected -- this can be very severe on generator sources Power factor correction capacitors are presumed not to be present unless otherwise specified
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Harmonic Mitigation Techniques

Load segregation Input Line Reactance Harmonic Filters Higher Pulse Numbers
Perfect Harmony Lowest Harmonics are Pulse Number +/- 1

Poor Mans Twelve Pulse Input Switching Converter

Cleanpower VFD

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Load Segregation

Load Segregation seeks to connect VFDs and other harmonic producing loads to the power distribution system at the lowest impedance point rather than connecting to a higher impedance local bus. It is frequently accomplished by using a DIT to connect the drive directly to a medium voltage bus. It can also include using a UPS to isolate sensitive equipment.

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Load Segregation

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Input Line Reactance

Input reactance reduces the level of VTHD It can be added with a DIT or line reactor It has only a small effect on CTHD It is mandatory on our PWM drives as it is a vital part of the device protection scheme If a DIT is used for this purpose it needs to have an appropriate K-Factor

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Harmonic Filters

A filter consisting of L-C-R components can be designed to meet an harmonic requirement Filter are specific to the power system characteristics and must be re-designed for every application Filters are large, expensive, wasteful of power and time-consuming to design They are especially hard to design when an emergency generator is the source, or when multiple utility feeds are involved

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Harmonic Filter

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Higher Pulse Numbers

Using Higher Pulse Numbers is an effective way to reduce harmonics. It reduces the CTHD substantially Magnetic components are required to provide phaseshifted sources Additional input conversion devices (thyristors or diodes are required) This technique is not affected by power system impedance changes. The Perfect Harmony uses this technique
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Perfect Harmony Circuit

POWER CELL C1 POWER CELL C2 POWER CELL C3

POWER CELL B1

POWER CELL B2

POWER CELL B3

2300 VAC INDUCTION MOTOR

POWER CELL A1

POWER CELL A2

POWER CELL A3

INPUT POWER

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Perfect Harmony Input

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Poor Mans Twelve-Pulse

This technique is applicable only where there are a number of similarly sized VFDs on a bus About Half of the VFDs are connected through deltawye DITs, while the other half are connected through line reactors or delta-delta DITs The phase shifting effects of the transformers results in significant harmonic cancellation of the fifth and seventh harmonic on the primary side It is more effective for PWM drives than CSIs

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Poor Mans 12-Pulse

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Input Switching Converters

By using transistor switches on the input, the current harmonics can be shifted to much higher frequency-typically above 35th harmonic. They may then be removed by a very small filter integral to the drive. This technique results in unity power factor and the ability to regenerate power back to the line. The Cleanpower drive utilizes this technique.

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Clean Power Circuit

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Clean Power Input Waveform

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Clean Power Input Waveform

EXT

2V

10mV

2ms

SAVE

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Comparison of CTHDs

6-Pulse PWM with 2.5% LR 6-Pulse CSI with 2.5% LR 12-Pulse CSI with %5 DIT 12 Pulse PWM with 5% LR Cleanpower VFD Perfect Harmony (5 cells/phase)

40% 30% 15% 9% <5% <2%

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Harmonic Myths and Misconceptions

Diode Input circuits cause no harmonics DITs Prevent Harmonics from Flowing into the power system Higher Order Harmonics (>23) need not be considered

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Conclusions

Harmonic Control is a major issue with consultants and customers. HRG has the Knowledge, Experience, and Products to deal with any VFD harmonic issue. We can exploit this advantage because many of our competitors are not so well equipped. The competition must not be permitted to get away with avoiding or ignoring the harmonic issues on projects.

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Square Wave Harmonic Content

Fund 3 3,5 3,5,7 3,5,7,9 3,5,7,9,11 3,5,7,9,11,13
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Practical Motor Drive Circuits

Almost all motor drive circuits consist of three parts: A input converter to change the AC to DC; A DC link to store and filter the DC; An output inverter to change the DC into AC. Both output voltage and frequency must be controlled together for motor load.
DC Link
Capacitor or Inductor

AC-DC Conversion AC Input; fixed Frequency, fixed Voltage

DC-AC Conversion

Motor AC Output; variable Frequency, variable Voltage

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Basic VFD Topologies

The line-side converter determines the input harmonic current and power factor; there is almost no influence from the inverter, as it is isolated by the DC line. There are only two choices of topologies:
Current-Fed Voltage-Fed circuits.

Then, the line-side converter circuit is determined.

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The Basic AC-DC Rectifier

The bridge rectifier is the workhorse of power electronics. It is used in 1 phase and 3 phase versions most commonly. The output voltage is a DC voltage equal to 3/ * Vllpk This is also used as the input power conversion for PWM AC drives.

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Properties of the Bridge Rectifier

The positive bus is at the potential of the most positive line voltage, while the negative bus is at the potential of the most negative line voltage. (Its like an auction--the highest potential line wins) The input current is quite distorted, with large fifth and seventh current harmonics. But since the rate of change of current is low, there are few higher order harmonics. This circuit is used as the building block for multi-phase arrangements to reduce the current distortion. The input displacement power factor is uniformly high. This circuit cannot return energy to the line. AC and DC side inductors are frequently used to reduce the input harmonic current. This is arguably the most basic and inexpensive power conversion unit.

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Commutation
Commutation is the process of transferring current from one switching element to another. There are various ways that this is accomplished.
Line commutation: the AC line voltage causes the current to transfer Forced commutation: Another circuit element acts to transfer the current. Self commutation: the switching device turns off by itself.

Vba
Va Vb Ls: Source inductance Load

Ia

Ib

Line Commutation
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3-Phase Rectifier Input Current Line-side Reactance Only

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6-Pulse Thyristor Converter Input Current Waveform

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Current Harmonics of Various Drives

CTHD 5th DRIV TYPE E 6-P PWM 2.5% LR 6-P PWM 5% LR 6-P CSI 2.5% LR 6-P CSI 5% LR CSI 12-Pulse PWM 12-Pulse Cleanpower Perfect Harmony 9 41 37.8 32.6 30.6 28.8 13 8.3 7.3 6.1 8.8 8.3 8.4 6.4 1 0 0 3.3 3.3 6.8 6.3 6.9 3.3 1.2 3.1 2.2 5.3 4.7 0 0 1 1.9 1.8 4.5 3.8 0 0 0.7 1.6 1 3.7 2.8 3 1.1 0.4 0 0 1.3 1 3.2 2.3 2.6 1.1 0.2 0 0.9 0.7 2.6 1.7 0 0 0 0 0.9 0.6 2.3 1.4 0 0 0 0.6 0.5 1.9 0.9 1.1 0.5 0.1 0.6 0.4 1.7 0.8 0.9 0.4 0 7th 11th 13th 17th 19th 23rd 25th 29th 31s t 35th 37th

21 12.8

27.5 20.8 12.5 11.7 7.4 3.6 0 0 2.6 0 0 1 0 0

3.47 0.01

0 2.75 1.93 0 0 0

0 0.53 0.46 0 0

Perfect Harmony 15 1.21 0.01

0 0.85 0.81

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Input Switching Converter

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Input Switching Converters

By using transistor switches on the input, the current harmonics can be shifted to much higher frequency-typically above 35th harmonic. This is the same technique used on the output. They may then be removed by a very small filter integral to the drive. This technique results in unity power factor (or any power factor you want) and the ability to regenerate power back to the line.

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Comparison of Current Total Harmonic Distortion

6-Pulse PWM with 2.5% line reactor 40% 6-Pulse CSI with 2.5% line reactor 30% 12-Pulse CSI with %5 DIT 15% 12 Pulse PWM with 5% line reactor 9% Switching Converter <5% Perfect Harmony (5 cells/phase) <2%

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Twelve-Pulse Bridge Rectifier

To Inverter

3-PHASE MV INPUT

INPUT FILTER FOR HARMONIC CORRECTION

12recnv

To Inverter

12 Pulse Rectifier

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Harmonics of Rectifiers
35 30 25 20 15 10 5 0 5 7 11 1 3 17 1 9 23 25 29 31 35 37 P ercent Harm onic Current 6 -pu lse: A ll b a rs 12-pu lse : Black ba rs on ly

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The Controlled Rectifier

By substituting thyristors for diodes, we can control the DC voltage of the rectifier. In this form, it is usable as a regulated DC supply like a DC motor drive. It also is widely used as the input stage for variable frequency AC drives of the current-fed type. The output voltage is a function of the input and the phase delay of the turn on pulse to the SCRs.

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12-Pulse Thyristor Converter

To Inverter

3-PHASE MV INPUT

INPUT FILTER FOR POWER FACTOR AND HARMONIC CORRECTION

12scrcnv

To Inverter

12 Pulse Thyristor Converter

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12-Pulse Thyristor Converter Waveforms

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Harmonics of Thyristor Converters 25

Percen t Ha rmonic Current 6-pulse: All bars 20 12-pulse : Bla c k bars only

15

10 5

0 5 7 11 13 17 19 23 25 29 31 35 37

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Voltage-Fed and Current-Fed Topologies

Voltage-fed and current-fed refer to the two basic VFD strategies of applying power to the motor. In Europe, these are called voltage-impressed and current-impressed, which is a clearer description. In voltage-fed circuits, the output of the inverter is a voltage, usually the DC link voltage. The motor and its load determines the current that flows. The inverter doesnt care what the current is. (within limits) In current-fed circuits, the output of the inverter is a current, usually the DC link current. The motor and its load determines the voltage. The inverter doesnt care what the voltage is.

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Comparison of Voltage-fed and Current-fed circuits

Today, voltage-fed VFDs use a rectifier bridge. This gives them consistently high P.F. and minimum high-order harmonics. The reactive power needs of the motor come from the capacitor, and are not reflected to the line. The DC link electrolytic capacitors can be a reliability and lifetime issue. Energy stored in the link is very high compared to the CSIs, and a fault in the inverter can lead to very high currents. The motors inherent inductance can be conveniently used to filter a PWM voltage wave. On the other hand, very fast wavefronts have become a concern to motor designers and users. The preferred approach in current-fed inverters is to use a thyristor converter to control the current. Thus the power factor is the load power factor times the PU speed. The reactive power demand of the motor is passed back to the line. High order harmonics are present due to the high di/dt. Link energy storage is relatively low, and the DC link reactor provides immunity to faults and grounds. Since the current is regulated, inverter faults do not cause high currents. One cannot change the motor current instantaneously, so all the CSI circuits require a capacitive filter on the motor to absorb the high di/dt of the inverter.

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CF versus VF VFDs
Current-fed Type Lower Cost at High HP Four- Quadrant P.F. = P.U. Speed*Load P.F. 96.5% Efficiency Immune to short circuits Low-Cost Components Large Magnetics Lower motor noise Non-Critical layout 30% Harmonic Current Low dV/dt at output Voltage-fed Type Lower Cost at Low HP Two-Quadrant 95% displacement P.F. 96-97.5% Efficiency Requires protection Higher-cost Components Small or no Magnetics Higher Motor Noise Critical Layout 40% Harmonic current High dV/dt at output

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Harmonic Standards
IEEE-519 1992 Definitions: Voltage total harmonic distortion (VTHD) Current total harmonic distortion (CTHD) K-Factor Point of Common Coupling VTHD Limits, Table 10.2 CTHD Limits, Table 10.3 Dilution by linear loads There are no Susceptibility Limits!

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THD Definitions from IEEE-519

Voltage Total Harmonic Distortion VTHD Sum of squares of amplitudes of all voltage harmonics Amplitude of fundamental voltage

Current Total Harmonic Distortion CTHD Sum of squares of amplitudes of all current harmonics Amplitude of fundamental Current

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Point of Common Coupling

The point of common coupling is the location in the power distribution system where harmonic distortion is to be measured, usually where harmonic currents flow into a bus which feeds other equipment. Its location must be specified! In the absence of a specified location, the POCC for current harmonics is the plant-utility interface

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Current Distortion System Example

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Example Calculation
VTHD CTHD 5 th DRIVE TYPE P W M 2.5% LR P W M 5% LR CS I 2.5% LR CS I 5% LR CS I 12-P u ls e P W M 12-P u ls e Cle a n p o we r P e rfe c t Ha rmony 9 2.7 2 4 3.1 2.2 1 0.35 0.56 15.4 12.2 10.8 10.3 4.39 2.78 1.35 1.3 0.45 14.2 11.5 7.88 7.8 0 0 0.98 0 0 4.88 3.11 4.8 4.69 0 0 0.38 0 0 2.74 2.29 3.3 3.11 3.15 2.4 0.38 0 0 1.24 1.24 2.55 2.36 2.59 1.24 0.45 0 0 1.16 0.83 1.99 1.76 0 0 0.38 1.03 0 0.71 0.68 1.69 1.43 0 0 0.26 0.72 0 0.6 0.38 1.39 1.05 1.13 0.41 0.15 0 0 0.49 0.38 1.2 0.86 0.98 0.41 0.08 0 0 0.34 0.26 0.98 0.64 0 0 0 0 0.32 0.34 0.23 0.86 0.53 0 0 0 0 0.3 0.23 0.19 0.71 0.34 0.41 0.19 0.04 0.2 0 0.23 0.15 0.64 0.3 0.34 0.15 0 0.17 0 7 th 1 1 th 1 3 th 1 7 th 1 9 th 23rd 2 5 th 2 9 th 3 1 s t 3 5 th 3 7 th

P e rfe c t Ha r m o n y 1 5 0.31

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Current Harmonics of Various Drives

CTHD 5th DRIV TYPE E 6-P PWM 2.5% LR 6-P PWM 5% LR 6-P CSI 2.5% LR 6-P CSI 5% LR CSI 12-Pulse PWM 12-Pulse Cleanpower Perfect Harmony 9 41 37.8 32.6 30.6 28.8 13 8.3 7.3 6.1 8.8 8.3 8.4 6.4 1 0 0 3.3 3.3 6.8 6.3 6.9 3.3 1.2 3.1 2.2 5.3 4.7 0 0 1 1.9 1.8 4.5 3.8 0 0 0.7 1.6 1 3.7 2.8 3 1.1 0.4 0 0 1.3 1 3.2 2.3 2.6 1.1 0.2 0 0.9 0.7 2.6 1.7 0 0 0 0 0.9 0.6 2.3 1.4 0 0 0 0.6 0.5 1.9 0.9 1.1 0.5 0.1 0.6 0.4 1.7 0.8 0.9 0.4 0 7th 11th 13th 17th 19th 23rd 25th 29th 31s t 35th 37th

21 12.8

27.5 20.8 12.5 11.7 7.4 3.6 0 0 2.6 0 0 1 0 0

3.47 0.01

0 2.75 1.93 0 0 0

0 0.53 0.46 0 0

Perfect Harmony 15 1.21 0.01

0 0.85 0.81

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Power Quality Drives

Harmonic Analysis Gotchas

Analysis assumes perfect phase and amplitude balance in the power source! Cable reactance is neglected unless specified -- it can have a significant effect on the results Transformers are assumed to have 5.75% impedance unless otherwise specified Pre-existing distortion is neglected -- this can be very severe on generator sources Power factor correction capacitors are presumed not to be present unless otherwise specified

ROBICON

Robicon 1997

The Sine of Quality

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Power Quality Drives

Harmonic Filters
A filter consisting of L-C-R components can be designed to meet an harmonic requirement Filter are specific to the power system characteristics and must be re-designed for every application Filters are large, expensive, wasteful of power and time-consuming to design They are especially hard to design when an emergency generator is the source, or when multiple utility feeds are involved

ROBICON

Robicon 1997

The Sine of Quality

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Power Quality Drives

Higher Pulse Numbers

Using Higher Pulse Numbers is an effective way to reduce harmonics. It reduces the CTHD substantially Magnetic components are required to provide phaseshifted sources Additional input conversion devices (thyristors or diodes are required) This technique is not affected by power system impedance changes. The Perfect Harmony uses this technique
ROBICON
Robicon 1997

The Sine of Quality

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Power Quality Drives

Harmonic Myths and Misconceptions

Diode Input circuits cause no harmonics DITs Prevent Harmonics from Flowing into the power system Higher Order Harmonics (>23) need not be considered

ROBICON

Robicon 1997

The Sine of Quality

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Power Quality Drives

Conclusions
Occasionally, VFDs can have an adverse effect on power quality, severe enough to cause problems with other equipment. But, there are a number of simple ways to minimize the effect of a non-linear load. Beginning in 1992, drive manufacturers have introduced new technology to overcome these problems. Today, one can obtain even the largest VFD of a design (Perfect Harmony and 18-pulse Clean Power) which presents virtually a linear, unity power factor load to the line.

ROBICON

Robicon 1997

The Sine of Quality