RASGASCOMPANY

RasGas PLANT
HARMONICSSTUDY
HarmonicsMeasurement

Prof.LazharBenbrahim1,Prof.MohieddineBenammar1 ,
Eng.JesusRomero2
1

: Qatar University Professors and RasGas Chairs in Industrial Electronics

2

: Electrical Engineer at RasGas

01/8/2010
[The increasing use of nonlinear loads, in modern industry is keeping harmonic
distortion in distribution networks on the rise. Keeping the level harmonics under the
standard limits is very crucial to the stability of the power networks. The objective of
this harmonic study of RasGas LNG plant is the measurement of harmonics and
investigationofcompliancewithIEEE519harmonicsstandards.]

Acknowledgment

We would like to acknowledge the help from RasGas Engineers and Technicians
for their help in carrying out the measurements at RasGas plant.
We would like also to thank all those who helped in this project.

Prof.LazharBenBrahim
Prof.MohieddineBenammar
Eng.JesusRomero

Abstract
The increasing use of power electronics equipment in modern industry is
keeping harmonic distortion in distribution networks on the rise. The most nonlinear
devices used in the gas processing industry are the VFDs. These and other devices
generate harmonics in the network of the plant. Keeping the level of these disturbances
under certain limits is very crucial to the stability of the power networks. The objective of
this harmonic study of RasGas LNG plant is the measurement of harmonics and
investigation of compliance with IEEE 519 harmonics standards.
Measurements of harmonics at various points of the plant have been carried out
using dedicated power quality analyzers. The results of these measurements have been
thoroughly analyzed. The measurements and interpretation of the results indicate overall
compliance with IEEE 519 standard. All voltage harmonics (Total Harmonics Distortion
and individual harmonics) at the various PCC (33kV, 6.6kV and 415V) meet the
standard. Almost the same goes for the Total Demand Distortion (TDD) for the current.
However, in some cases, some concerns are noted for the 48th harmonic current around
the VSCF. The UPS and battery chargers exhibit high THDI but given their low power, in
many cases this translates to acceptable TDDI and in all cases the chargers have little
impact on the power network. It is noted also that some 415 buses are not balanced from
the point of view linear versus non-linear loads. It is recommended that this is taken into
consideration in future expansion, as significant unbalance may result in violations of
harmonics standards.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

1.

INTRODUCTION..................................................................................................5

1.1. Motivation ........................................................................................................... 5

1.2. Measurement Preparation & Planning ................................................................ 6
2. BACKGROUND ....................................................................................................7
2.1. Terminology ........................................................................................................ 7
2.2. Scope of Study and Standards............................................................................. 9
2.3. Plant Network ................................................................................................... 12
2.4. Nonlinear Loads ................................................................................................ 13
3. MEASUREMENT................................................................................................13
4.

ANALYSIS ...........................................................................................................18

4.1. Introduction ....................................................................................................... 18

4.2. Analysis............................................................................................................. 19
4.2.1. Voltage Harmonics Study ........................................................................... 19
4.2.2. Current Harmonics Study ........................................................................... 20
5. CONCLUSIONS & RECOMMENDATIONS ..................................................23
6.

REFERENCES.....................................................................................................24

APPENDIX.Appendix1

1. INTRODUCTION
1.1. Motivation
Power quality is a big concern to facility designers and operators. When the quality of
electrical power supplied to equipment is deficient, performance degradation results. A
good power quality necessitates a thorough study of several issues (Fig. 1) [1]. In its
quest to make sure that the power quality of its network is up to the international
standards, RasGas has launched several studies. Among these studies is the harmonics
study of their LNG plant.
LNG plants are relying more and more on modern electronic equipments which are
nonlinear loads that may cause harmonic distortion in distribution networks. The most
used nonlinear device in modern industry is perhaps the static power electronics
converter (e.g., UPS, battery chargers and drives), [1]. A situation that has raised
waveform distortion levels in distribution networks. Keeping the level of these
disturbances (also called harmonics) under certain limits is very crucial to the stability of
the power networks. Harmonic studies are effective way to keep networks and equipment
under acceptable operating conditions and to foresee potential problems with the
installation.

PowerQuality

POWER
FREQUENCY
DISTURBANCES

POWER
SYSTEM
TRANSIENTS

ELECTRO
MAGNETIC
INTERFERENCE

Fig. 1: Power quality issues

GROUNDING
AND
BONDING

POWER
SYSTEM
HARMONICS

ELECTRO
STATIC
DISCHARGE

POWER
FACTOR

1.2. Measurement Preparation & Planning

The RasGas chairs together with Engineer Romero have carried out a thorough search of
suitable equipment to be used in the harmonics study. The main features of the
recommended equipment, the manufacturer and regional supplier, datasheets and sample
quotation from a vendor were included in the proposal. It was decided to acquire two sets
of power quality analyzers (PQA) type HIOKI-3196 from Japan. This equipment is a
highly advanced measuring instrument with excellent features that enable monitoring and
recording of normal and abnormal phenomena related to power supply quality. The
process of acquiring the equipment was lengthy, and as a result it was received on 6th of
January 2009.
The RasGas industrial electronics chairs received one of these two sets for testing and
calibration in the Power Electronics Lab at Qatar University. Extensive tests have been
carried out using a test bench made of power electronics equipment that can generate
specific and controlled harmonics spectrum. It was concluded from these tests that the
Hioki-3196 provides highly accurate harmonics measurements and is well suited to the
harmonics study at RasGas plant.
Following successful testing of the equipment in the lab, it was decided to proceed with
training of RasGas engineers/technicians and with subsequent data collection from the
plant as follows:
1. Training was offered on February 3rd 2009 at the Power Electronics Lab of Qatar
University (Fig. 2). Five persons from RasGas: 3 engineers and 2 technicians have
attended this training on proper use and handling of the power quality analyzer
(HIOKI-3196). After an appropriate introduction about power harmonics (see
training slides in Appendix), various aspects have been detailed including
techniques of connections and setting of the system for the measurement, what to
measure, where to measure, for how long, how to record and collect the data, etc.
RasGas engineers were then able to use the PQA in a real power system with
proper power electronics equipment.

2. The measurements and data collection in the plant was planned. All critical points
where potential generation of harmonics was suspected have been considered
(VFDs, UPSs, Battery Chargers etc.).

Fig. 2: Harmonics Measurement Training: RasGas engineers and technicians in the training
about the PQA at the Power Electronics Laboratory of Qatar University on February 3rd 2009

2. BACKGROUND
2.1. Terminology
9 Point of Common Connection (PCC): A point of metering between the utility
and consumer. Within an industrial plant, the PCC is the point between the
nonlinear load and other loads. This implies that harmonic limits must be met
internally, in the consumers system. Many consultants, for example, use this
7

statement to try to force manufacturers of nonlinear loads (drives, UPS, battery

chargers, rectifiers, etc.) to adhere to the IEEE 519 limits for a single load [2].
Furthermore, in LNG plant, power is generated in house and several PCC exist as
a result harmonics limit should be met at all voltage level and all bus bars.
9 Short Circuit Ratio (ISC/IL): The ratio of the short circuit current (ISC) available
at the point of common coupling (PCC) to the maximum fundamental load current
(IL).
9 Voltage THD (THDV): Total Harmonic Distortion of the voltage waveform. The
ratio of the rms (root-mean-square) value of the harmonic content of the voltage
to the rms value of the fundamental voltage:

THD

h=2

V h2

V 22 + V 3 2 + V 42 + V 5 2 + ....

V1

V1

100 % (1)

where Vh is the rms of the hth harmonic voltage, in volt. V1 refers to the
fundamental frequency (50Hz) voltage. V2 refers to the second harmonic, or the
voltage at twice the fundamental frequency (100 Hz, if the fundamental is 50 Hz)
and so on.
9 Current THD (THDI): Total Harmonic Distortion of the current waveform. The
ratio of the rms value of the harmonic content of the current to the rms value of
the fundamental current:

THD

h=2

I1

I h2
=

I 22 + I 32 + I 42 + I 52 + ....
I1

100 % (2)

Where Ih is the rms of the hth harmonic current, in Amperes. I1 refers to the
fundamental frequency (50Hz) current. I2 refers to the second harmonic, or the
current at twice the fundamental frequency (100 Hz) and so on.
9 Current TDD (TDDI): Total Demand Distortion of the current waveform. The
ratio of the rms value of the harmonic content of the current to the maximum
demand load current:

TDD

h=2

I h2
=

I 22 + I 32 + I 42 + I 52 + ....

100 % (3)

Where IL is the maximum demand load current, in Amperes.

The term total demand distortion or TDD is very much like the total harmonic distortion,
or THD. The two definitions are very much alike. The only difference is the denominator.
The THD calculation compares the measured harmonics with the measured fundamental
current. The TDD calculation compares the measured harmonics with the maximum
demand current. Similarly, the individual harmonic current limits are not given in terms
of percent of fundamental (as is typical of most harmonic measurements) at a given point
of time. The current limits in the standards are given in terms of Maximum Harmonic
Current Distortion in Percent of IL. Note that commercially available instruments
measure THD and individual harmonics in percent of I1. So a post-processing of
measured data may be necessary to verify whether the measurement are complying with
the standards or not.

2.2. Scope of Study and Standards

The scope of the present study is the measurement of harmonics for RasGas plant and the
verification of the compliance of the plant power network with the standards. The IEEE
519, Recommended Practice and Requirements for Harmonic Control in Electrical
Power Systems (1992) has been used in this study [2].
If harmonics increase above certain limits, some harmful effects on electrical equipment
may occur. Some of these effects are listed below:
9 Capacitor bank failure
9 Excessive losses, heating, and harmonic torques in AC motors
9 Over-voltages and excessive currents in the power system, resulting from
resonance.
9

9 Derating of cables due to additional eddy current heating and skin effect losses.
9 Inductive interference with telecommunication circuits.
9 Signal interference and relay malfunctions, particularly in solid-state and digitally
controlled systems.
9 Unstable operation of firing circuits relying on zero voltage crossing detection
and latching.
9 Interference with large motor controllers
Standards were developed to keep harmonics under some acceptable limits. These
limits are described by IEEE 519 harmonics standard which indicates the Recommended
Practice and Requirements for Harmonic Control in Electrical Power Systems (see Table
1&2). Note that voltage harmonics and current harmonics are assessed through the THD
and TDD respectively. The TDD is the total demand distortion and is identical to the
THD except that the maximum load current (IL) is used instead of the fundamental
current component (I1). The measured harmonics distortion of voltage and current levels
are therefore compared to the allowable limits recommended by IEEE-519 standards [2].

Table 1: IEEE 519-1992 Standard: Recommended Practices and Requirements for Harmonic
Control in Electrical Power Systems (Voltage Distortion Limits)

Maximum harmonic voltage distortion in percentage of the fundamental

Bus Voltage

Voltage Harmonic limit as (%) of fundamental

THD_V %

<= 69KV

3.0

5.0

69 - 161KV

1.5

2.5

>= 161 KV

1.0

1.5

10

Table 2: IEEE standard 519-1992 maximum current distortion

Maximum harmonic current distortion in percentage of the fundamental

V 69 kV
I /I
SC

h<11

11h<17

17h23

23h35

35h

TDD %

<20*

4.0

2.0

1.5

0.6

0.3

5.0

20-50

7.0

3.5

2.5

1.0

0.5

8.0

50-100

10.0

4.5

4.0

1.5

0.7

12.0

100-1000

12.0

5.5

5.0

2.0

1.0

15.0

>1000

15.0

7.0

6.0

2.5

1.4

20.0

69 kV < V 161kV
<20

2.0

1.0

0.75

0.3

0.15

2.5

20-50

3.5

1.75

1.25

0.5

0.25

4.0

50-100

5.0

2.25

2.0

0.75

0.35

6.0

100-1000

6.0

2.75

2.5

1.0

0.5

7.5

>1000

7.5

3.5

3.0

1.25

0.7

10.0

ISC is the maximum short circuit current at the PCC and IL is the maximum demand load current (Fundamental
frequency component) at PCC.
*All power generation equipment is limited to these values of current distortion, regardless of actual ISC/IL

11

2.3. Plant Network

The electrical network of the RasGas LNG plant is fed from Kahrama and local in house
generators. All sources are working in parallel. The electrical network configuration used
for the harmonic analysis is the complete system in normal operation with all the loads of
Train 1 to 5 connected and Train 6&7 under commissioning.
9 Utility KAHRAMAA (QGEWC) and 91-GT 052, 91-GT 053, 91-GT 054, 91-GT
055 generators feed the SS A HV 132kV substation.
9 The LNG Trains 3 & 4 are fed by 91-GT 051 generator and by the SS A HV
132kV substation through three step down transformers 132/34.5 kV, 60/75 MVA
(ONAN/ONAF) with automatic OLTC.
9 The LNG Train 5 is fed by the SS A HV 132kV substation through two step down
transformers 132/34.5 kV, 85/100MVA (ONAN/ONAF) with automatic OLTC
9 The LNG Trains 1&2 are fed by four generators and export to SS A HV 132kV
substation through one step down transformer 138/33 kV, 60/75 MVA
(ONAN/ONAF) with automatic OLTC
9 The substation SS 102 is fed by the SS A HV 132 kV substation through three
step down transformers 132/34.5 kV, 75/90 MVA (ONAN/ONAF) with
automatic OLTC.
9 The LNG Train 6 & 7 are fed by two generators per train, EVFDs and backed up
by the SS A HV 132 kV transformer 132/34.5 kV, 75/90 MVA (ONAN/ONAF)
with automatic OLTC.
9 The substation SS 103 is fed by the SS A HV 132 kV substation through two step
down transformers 132/34.5 kV, 75/90 MVA (ONAN/ONAF) with automatic
OLTC.

12

2.4. Nonlinear Loads

Nonlinear loads are loads in which the current waveform does not resemble the applied
voltage waveform due to a number of reasons [3]. Among the most common nonlinear
loads in power systems are:
9 Power converters
9 Variable Frequency Drives (VFDs)
9 DC Drives
9 Cycloconverters
9 Cranes
9 Elevators
9 Power supplies
9 Uninterruptible Power Supplies (UPSs)
9 Battery chargers (BCs)
9 Inverters
9 Fluorescent lighting
9 ARC furnaces
9 Welding machines
In an LNG plant many nonlinear loads exist especially the VFDs, UPSs and BCs which
are the main sources for voltage and current harmonics in the power plant networks.

3. MEASUREMENT
Following the acquisition of the two sets of PQA and the adequate training carried out
for RasGas engineers, the first measurement was conducted on March 2nd 2009, we have
recorded some data around a well know harmonics-generating equipment (SS53:TR5342,TR5343, TR5344 which includes VFDs installations and we also verified the
UPS units UPS5731A and UPS5731B) and the data confirmed the existence of harmonics
as expected. This initial test gave us trust on the technician measurement capability and a
confidence in the reliability of the PQA, and decided to proceed with a wide range of
measurements at various locations in the plant. Instructions were given by the chairs to
13

the measurement team composed of RasGas engineers and technicians (to check the
direction of connections of the current sensors and to increase the sampling frequency of
measurement as the data taken is two little).
Extensive measurement has started on April 7th 2009, and due to periodic maintenance
at the RasGas plant several delays in the measurement occur. It is worth noting that we
were suspecting harmonics from nonlinear loads such as VFDs, UPSs, BCs and in a
lesser gravity from transformers that may operate in saturation or resonant conditions. As
data was received, the chairs and engineer Romero were checking for data that may
represent a threat to the grid. Depending on measurement results, in some cases further
measurements were carried out to verify the causes for some of the measured harmonics,
this is the case of the Variable Speed Constant Frequency (VSCF) generators. Therefore,
harmonics spectrum especially at the 6.6kV may change depending on the operating
conditions of the plant where VSCF is in service. This has caused some delays in order to
investigate more the causes of these harmonics. The last data collected were carried out
by mid-December 2009. The period of measurement lasted 8 months which were enough
to carry out measurement at various operating conditions.
Sample of measurement data are shown in the Appendix. For each measurement point the
followings are given:
1. A general information about the measurement point (Hioki DMM tables)
2. Voltages and currents waveforms as well as harmonics spectrum
3. Lists of harmonics and THDs for the voltages and currents
Note that all measured data are stored into a CD included with this report.
The plant is composed of several trains and several substations which are more or less
similar.

Measurements shown in this report were selected and represent all types of

loads within the plant. Focus is on the SubStation SS02 which contains the most critical
nonlinear loads of the plant. Measurements at other substations (SS01 & SS03) were
carried out for the validation of the results obtained in SS02.
14

A summary of the results obtained from measurements carried out in SS01, SS03 and
mainly in SS02 is given in Table 3 below. A detailed analysis of these results is given in
the section below.

Table 3 : Summary of voltage/current harmonics measurement (the noted problems are

highlighted).
LoadTypes

TR 0221
(GT 051)
TR 5143
TR 5142
TR 5154-2
1950 KVA

TR 5141B
4/5 MVA

POWER
(MW)
(measured)

VOLTAGE(kV)
(atMeasurement
point)
Short Circuit
TotalHarmonic
Current Isc (kA)
DistortionTHDV
12.00
33
THDV=3.15%
11.96
33
THDV=2.67%
12.38
33
THDV=2.74%
1.13
6.6
Isc= 0.2

THDV=3.03%

0.67

6.6

CURRENT(A)
(atMeasurementpoint)
TotalHarmonicDistortionTHDI
TotalDemandDistortionTDDI
222.7
THDI=3.28%
228
THDI=1.8%
239
THDI=0.43%
99.7
THDI=4.46%
Isc /IL=1.2
69.7
THDI=6.8%

Isc= 5.6

THDV=2.72%
Isc /IL=16

0.884
TR 5155-2
1550 KVA

TR 5151A
1600 KVA

TR 5151B
1600 KVA
15

TDDI=2.61%
(<5%)

6.6

Isc= 0.2

THDV=2.65%

0.330

0.415

Isc= 26

THDV=2.26%

0.047

0.415

Isc= 25.5

THDV=2.60%

I48/I1=3.7%
I48/IL=2.16%
(>0.3%)
I48/I1 =4.3%

TDDI=1.35%
(<5%)

I48/IL=0.86%
(>0.3%)

TDDI=3.82%
(<5%)

I48/I1=3.9%
I48/IL=2.24%
(>0.3%)

TDDI=0.36%
(<5%)

I48=0.9%
I48/IL=0.22%
(<0.3%)

TDDI=0.19%
(<5%)

I48/I1=0.89%
I48/IL=0.04%
(<0.3%)

77.88
THDI=6.65%
Isc /IL=1.5
540.8
THDI=1.52%
Isc /IL=11
97.6
THDI=4.36%
Isc /IL=11

TR 5152E
400 KVA

TR 5153A
1250 KVA
UPS
5171A
100 KVA

0.047

0.415

Isc= 24.6

THDV=1.53%

0.248

0.415

Isc= 24.8

THDV=2.83%

0.016

0.415

90.23
THDI=30.73%
Isc /IL=44

Isc /IL=14

TR 5241A
25/30
MVA

0.407

6.6

39.2

THDV=0.94%

THDI=0.54%

TR 5241B
25/30
MVA

0.748

66

72.8

THDV=0.92%

THDI=0.72%

0.415

13.99
THDI=14.81%

TR 5342
16 MVA

Isc= 37.4

THDV=0.91%

10.49

33

Isc= 33.3

THDV=2.78%

TR 5343
12.84
(LCI VFD
+filter)
TR 5344
7.12
(LCI
VFD+filter
)
0.524
TR 5341A
4/5 MVA
Isc= 5.6

Isc /IL=67

Isc /IL=118

THDV=2.62%

THDI=1.75%

33

125

THDV=2.68%

THDI=2.89%

6.6

57.3
THDI=6.66%

6.6

TR 5341B
4/5 MVA

Isc= 5.6

THDV=2.90%

TR 5354-2

0.674

6.6

I5/I1=5.77%
I5/IL=1.65%
(<4.0%)

TDDI=9.47%
(<15%)

Isc /IL=16

TDDI=0.37%
(<12%)

I5/I1=7.42%
I5/IL=0.18%
(<10.0%)

TDDI=1.98%
(<15%)

I11/I1=2.52%
I11/IL=1.63%
(<5.50%)

TDDI=1.09%
(<5%)

I48/I1=5.27%
I48/IL=0.86%
(>0.30%)

TDDI=1.09%
(<5%)

I48/I1=4.69%
I48/IL=0.82%
(>0.30%)

61.3
THDI=6.66%
Isc /IL=16
73.7

I5/I1=34.94%
I5/IL=1.65%
(<12.0%)
I48/I1=0.04%

I48/I1=0.02%

181.2
THDI=3.07%

242

0.561

16

Isc /IL=177

33

THDV=2.98%

TDDI=1.98%
(<5%)

33.78
THDI=38.98%

THDV=2.15%

0.008

I5/I1=28.52%
I5/IL=4.64%
(<7.0%)

499.3
THDI=6.9%

Isc= 24.6

TR 5252E
400 KVA

TDDI=5.0%
(<8%)

1950 KVA

TR 5355-2
1550 KVA

TR 5351A
1600 KVA

TR 5351B
1600 KVA

TR 5352E
400 KVA

TR 5353A
1250 KVA

TR 5353B
1250 KVA

THDI=4.26%
Isc= 0.2

THDV=2.94%

0.733

6.6

Isc= 0.2

THDV=2.79%

0.366

0.415

Isc= 26

THDV=2.02%

0.065

0.415

Isc= 24.4

THDV=3.0%

0.049

0.415

Isc= 30.1

THDV=2.02%

0.257

0.415

Isc= 24.8

THDV=2.96%

0.137

0.415

Isc /IL=1.2

Isc /IL=1.5

TDDI=2.38%
(<5%)

I48/IL=3.56%
I48/IL=2.00%
(>0.30%)

563
THDI=2.17%
Isc /IL=11

TDDI=0.55%
(<5%)

140
THDI=4.32%
Isc /IL=11

Isc /IL=54

TDDI=0.27%
(<5%)

TDDI=0.65%
(<12%)

I5/I1=28.41%
I5/IL=0.18%
(<10.0%)

TDDI=2.08%
(<5%)

I5/I1=5.86%
I5/IL=1.72%
(<4.0%)

TDDI=1.41%
(<5%)

I5/I1=7.52%
I5/IL=1.3%
(<4.0%)

512.7
THDI=7.06%
Isc /IL=14
289.4
THDI=8.51%

UPS
5371A
100 KVA

0.0154

0.415

Isc= 30.1

THDV=2.27%

TR 5441A
25/30
MVA
TR 5441B
25/30
MVA

2.22

6.6

218

THDV=0.87%

THDI=0.97%

6.6

553

THDV=0.83%

THDI=1.05%

0.013

0.415

TR 5452E
400 KVA

17.22
THDI=14.75%

Isc= 36.4

THDV=0.8%

TR 5542

3.47

33

Isc /IL=14
35.0
THDI=42%
Isc /IL=216

Isc /IL=65
62.4

I48/I1=1.19%
I48/IL=0.301
%
(>0.30%)
I48/I1=0.45%
I48/IL=0.03%
(<0.30%)

97.18
THDI=3.72%

THDV=3.02%

17

I48/I1=3.64%
I48/IL=1.57%
(>0.30%)

76.38
THDI=4.24%

Isc= 24.4

5.66

TDDI=1.84%
(<5%)

TDDI=10.5%
(<15%)

I5/I1=36.0%
I5/IL=9.1%
(<12.0%)
I48/I1=0.09%
I48/I1=0.02%

TDDI=0.46%
(<15%)

I5=6.54%
I5/IL=0.21%
(<12.0%)

11.5/2-5.75
MVA

Isc= 31.4

THDV=2.66%

TR 50142

12.0

0.0017

33
THDV=1.23%
33
THDV=1.24%
33
THDV=1.30%
0.415

Isc= 30.0

THDV=1.87%

0.0136

415

TR 50143
TR 50144
BC
50181A
44 KVA
UPS
50171A
100 KVA
TR 50342
11.5/2-5.75
MVA

BC 0181B
70 KVA
UPS
0171A
30 KVA

THDI=8.87%

10.7
3.24

Isc= 30.0

THDV=1.23%

0.308

33

Isc /IL=156

TDDI=2.75%
(<15%)

I11/I1=7.03%
I11/IL=2.18%
(<5.5%)

TDDI=5.32%
(<15%)

I5/I1=34.4%
I5/IL=3.24%
(<12.0%)

TDDI=13.5%
(<15%)

I5/I1=40.8%
I5/IL=10.1%
(<12.0%)

210.7
THDI=2.82%
198.2
THDI=1.99%
70.8
THDI=3.25%
5.76
THDI=56.51%
Isc /IL=490
34.5
THDI=52.66%
Isc /IL=215
5.4
THDI=66.5%

Isc= 19.9

THDV=1.23%

0.003

0.415

Isc= 29.2

THDV=0.48%

0.0042

0.415

Isc= 29.2

THDV=0.45%

Isc /IL=99

I11/I1=46.71%
TDDI=1.78%
(<12%)

I11/IL=1.25%
(<4.5%)

TDDI=5.17%
(<15%)

I5/I1=35.6%
I5/IL=3.43%
(<12.0%)

TDDI=16.9%
(>15%)

I5/I1=43.14%
I5/IL=12.9%
(>12.0%)

9.4
THDI=53.33%
Isc /IL=299
12.5
THDI=56.75%
Isc /IL=699

4. ANALYSIS
4.1. Introduction
Harmonics analysis was based on measurements collected for both currents and
voltages. The measurements were carried out as follows:
1. Voltage harmonics measurement data measured at the PCC of the following
buses:
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a. 33kV bus level

b. 6.6kV bus level
c. 415V bus level

2. Current harmonics measurement data measured at nonlinear and linear loads

which are connected to PCCs with various voltage levels.

4.2. Analysis
4.2.1.

Voltage Harmonics Study

This is the most critical information in the analysis of harmonics. The acceptance criteria
for the harmonic study according with the IEEE 519 standard (Table 1) are:
1. Maximum total voltage distortion THDV : 5%;
2. Maximum voltage distortion for each harmonic Vh : 3%;
Summary of all harmonics measurement data are given in Table 3. The study showed that
all the measured voltage harmonics at the plant comply with the IEEE 519 standard; the
highest THDV was only 3.03% and it is well below the 5% limit of the standard; this
maximum THD was recorded at the PCC SB5141A (TR5154-2, in train#4 Substation
SS51 at the 6.6kV level). It is worth to note that this distortion is at the point of coupling
with the Variable Speed Constant Frequency (VSCF) and was recorded on November
25th 2009. This VSCF indicated some concerns in the current harmonics compliance, and
is further discussed below.

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Figure 3: Voltage & current waveforms at 6.6kV PCC : TR5154-2 with THDV= 3.03%
(while the VSCF is connected to the PCC and generating power to the network).
4.2.2.

Current Harmonics Study

Methodology:
Unlike the voltage harmonic limits of the IEEE 519 standard, the current harmonic limits
depend on the short circuit level of the system they are being injected into. The limit for
the current harmonics according with the IEEE 519 (Table2) depends on (Isc/IL): ratio of
the short circuit current (Isc) available at the PCC to the maximum load current (IL).
In the current harmonics study, we should be selective as it is impractical to measure at
all loads. Sometimes current harmonic distortion can be assessed through simple
inspection of the types of loads. All this requires is familiarity with the characteristic
harmonic spectrum of each type of common nonlinear load. However, harmonics
measurement is essential to verify their compliance with the IEEE519 standards. These
current harmonic measurement data are useful for some of these nonlinear loads that may
need designing suitable harmonic filters. This involves direct measurements at selected
locations for example, the point of common coupling (PCC) and the node where
nonlinear loads are connected.

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We started the measurements by emphasis on the nonlinear high power loads which
consist of the Mega- drives called VDFs, AFDs or simply drives. Given that the power
quality analyzer (PQA) instruments provide measurement of the THD for both current
and voltage quantities, and in order to compare results against the IEEE standard, it was
necessary to compute the TDDI from the THDI, IL, I1, and Isc. Since the TDDI is always
less or equal than THDI, the followings procedure for current harmonics analysis is
adopted and applied in Table 3:
Case 1. THDI and all individual harmonics are less than the minimum of the
standard limits (for the strictest limit applicable to ISC/IL<20). In this case,
compliance with the standards is surely met and no further analysis is
needed.
Case 2. The measured load current is close to the rated current (I1IL which means
that TDDITHDI). If THDI or/and individual harmonic(s) are larger than
the maximum of the standard limits (for the limit applicable to
ISC/IL>1000), then there is violation of the IEEE 519 standards and no
further calculation is needed.
Case 3. Above cases are not applicable. In this case, we proceed as follows:
i. The ratio ISC/IL is determined to identify the appropriate row in
Table 2.
ii. TDDI is determined: TDDI= THDI(I1/IL).
iii. Determine harmonic current distortion in percent of IL from (Ih/I1)
which is PQA-measured value: Ih/IL= (Ih/I1)(I1/IL).
iv. Use the computed values in (ii) and (iii) to compare distortion to
the IEEE limits (Table 2). The example shown below illustrates the
applied method.
Analysis:
As illustrated in Table 3 the measurements show that the mega drives, whether VSI type
(without filters) or LCI type (with filters) used for the helper motors of the compressors,
are complying with the IEEE519 standards. This is a reassuring result as these drives are,
currently, the largest non-linear loads. From the table, we note for example that the THDI
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values for VFDs connected to TR5342, TR5343 and TR5344 are 3.07%, 1.75% and
2.89% respectively. These values are complying even with the strictest limits of the TDDI
(<5%). However we note that the 11th harmonics (I11/I1=2.52% ) of the TR5342 drive is
larger than the strictest limit (<2%). In order to verify the compliance with the IEEE 519
standards we proceed as explained in case 3 above. At the 33kV PCC SB0221 where this
VFD drive is connected, Isc=33.3kA [4], assuming a typical power factor of 0.85, the
value of IL is estimated from the rated power as follows:
12
3

cos

33.3 10
247

33

10
10

0.85

247

135

Given the actual value of Isc/IL, the 4th row of the IEEE519 standards Table 2 should be
used. The THDI is well below the 15% limit for TDDI and the 11th harmonic of the
current is also well below the 5.5% limit. It is obvious that this drive is complying with
the standards. Similar analysis for other two drives (connected through TR5343 &
TR5344) and the compliance with the IEEE 519 standards is confirmed. The same
method was applied to all measured points; the results confirmed compliance with the
standards except for the following VSCF case discussed below. Other remarks are given
below for the UPS.
The VSCF is driven by a hydraulic turbine to generate power. This turbine operates on
recovered heat from the wasted heat recovery unit; this recovered heat supply depends on
plant operating condition, and therefore the VSCF is not continuously synchronized with
the network. During the data collection, the VSCF was operating and delivering power
through a transformer to the 6.6kV bus. As was shown in the voltage harmonics study
section, the dominant harmonic of the generated voltage from the VSCF at the PCC is the
48th harmonic which is a relatively high frequency component (Figure 3). This highest
voltage harmonic component (2.66%) was recorded on November 25th 2009. Although
this component is below the 3% limit of the IEEE standard, this was an unexpected
phenomenon that has led the team to investigate the sources of these harmonics by
22

carrying more measurements where VSCF are not connected to the bus. This has pointed
out to the fact that the 48th harmonic was not load-injected distortion but rather VSCFgenerated. This voltage harmonic component induced a current with the similar
harmonics content where the dominant harmonic was the 48th (see Figure 3). The IEEE
standard stipulates that the first row of Table 2 must be applied for all generators
regardless of the actual value of Isc/IL. As shown in Table 3 and after processing all the
data, the results indicate no violation at the TDDI level. However, the 48th harmonic
component of the current is beyond the limits for TR5154-2 (I48/IL=2.16%>0.3%) and
TR5155-2 (I48/IL=2.24%>0.3%), both of which are connected to the VSCF generators.
This harmonic component is most likely caused by the VSCF; this may be substantiated
by the following reasons: (a) the non-linear loads at the plant are not expected to inject
this 2.4 kHz component (48th harmonic); (b) measurements at substations where no
VSCF are connected show no presence of such harmonic (see data for TR5241A,
TR5241B, TR5441A and TR5441B in Table 3). This could be further confirmed by
measurement using the PQA, as this is capable distinguishing the outflow and inflow
harmonics. Unfortunately, many of the measurements taken including these taken around
the VSCF have been carried out by technicians without proper training. Thus the
collected data is adequate for evaluating harmonics but could not be used to precisely
determine source of injected harmonics.
We note that, although not violating the TDDI limits of the IEEE standard in all cases
except for one (UPS0171A in SS01), the UPS and battery chargers used in the plant are
exhibiting very high THDI (in some cases around 50%). The reason the TDDI limits are
not generally violated is because these units are operating well below their rated power.
Care must be taken in future in case the load of these units is increased, as this would
raise the TDDI to levels that may violate IEEE limits.

5. CONCLUSIONS & RECOMMENDATIONS

From the present harmonics study, the measurements and interpretation of the results
indicate overall compliance with IEEE 519 standard. All voltage harmonics (Total
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Harmonics Distortion and individual harmonics) at the various PCC (33kV, 6.6kV and
415V) meet the standard. Almost the same goes for the Total Demand Distortion (TDD)
for the current. However we note that, in some cases, the individual harmonic current
violates the IEEE limit especially around the VSCF. From harmonics point of view, this
VSCF generator is the weakest unit in the studied network; it is recommended that
solutions to mitigate harmonics generated by these units be considered. Although so far
this did not cause any problem to the LNG plant as the generated harmonics are
intermittent and therefore the better way to deal with it is to report findings to the
manufacturer in order to fix this within the equipment itself. The UPS and battery
chargers exhibit high THDI (in some cases around 50%). The reason the TDDI limits are
not generally violated is because these units are operating well below their rated power.
Care must be taken in future in case the load of these units is increased, as this would
raise the TDDI to levels that may violate IEEE limits.
It is noted that some 415 buses are not balanced from the point of view linear versus nonlinear loads. It is recommended that this is taken into consideration in future expansion,
as significant unbalance may result in violations harmonics standards.

6. REFERENCES
[1] Francisco C. De La Rosa, Harmonics and Power Systems Taylor & Francis
Group, LLC CRC Press, 2006.
[2] IEEE 519 Standard : Reference Standard
[3] Mohan, Undeland and Robbins Power Electronics: Converters, Application and
Design,. Published by John Wiley & Sons, 1989, 667 pages.
[4] RGX-S-91-2181-020Rev2- Electrical Network Studies-Short Circuit

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