International Journal of Advanced Technology & Engineering Research (IJATER)

HARMONIC EFFECTS AND ITS MITIGATION TECH-

NIQUES FOR A NON-LINEAR LOAD
Uma P BalaRaju1, Bala Krishna Kethineni2, Rahul H Shewale3, Shiva Gourishetti4
Electrical Department, VJTI, Mumbai
umak.ele@gmail.com1, kethineni999@gmail.com2
rahulshewale31@gmail.com3, shiva.gourishetti@gmail.com4

power. There are several methods are present which are

Abstract
It is well known that harmonic currents are present in
modern electrical systems caused from non-linear loads like
variable frequency drives, lighting and computers. VFD uses
power electronics to vary the frequency of input power to
the motor. While PWM allows for nearly sinusoidal currents
to be applied to a motor load, the diode rectifier of the VFD
takes square wave current pulses out of the ac grid, creating
harmonic distortion in the power line voltage. Harmonics
can cause a variety of problems ranging from poor power
factor and motor failures, to overload transformers and con-
ductors, therefore it become necessary to reduce high magni-
tude harmonics to get a clean and efficient power. One of the
most effective way to eliminate harmonics is to use a tech-
nique known as “phase shifting”.
In this paper the behavior of a VFD, generation of har-
monics, it effects on the load and the concept of applying
phase shifting transformer to reduce harmonics generated by
non-linear loads is presented.
Keywords: Harmonic currents, variable frequency drive
(VFD), pulse width modulation (PWM), phase shifting, phase
shift transformer (PST), zigzag transformer.
I. Introduction
Distortions of the voltage and current waveforms have
adverse effect on the electrical equipment. Harmonics are
one of the major power quality concerns. The application of
nonlinear loads as a result of power electronic development
is growing very fast, that causes the number of harmonics in
a system[1]. There are several terms used to describe nonli-
near loads that controls speed of a motor, like Variable fre-
quency drives(VFD), Variable speed drives(VSD), Adjusta-
ble speed drives(ASD)[2].
briefly discussed and it has mainly the method of phase
shifting to reduce high magnitude harmonics by use of phase
shifting transformer. For better understanding some simula-
tion results for VFD as well as phase shift transformer has
performed.
II. Variable Frequency Drives
In particular the VFD’s are widely preferred in industries
for individual medium to high power variable speed drive
systems, driving a group of motors connected in parallel at
economic costs[3].
Most modern variable frequency drives operate by con-
verting a three phase voltage source to DC using rectifier.
After the power flows through the rectifiers it is stored in a
dc bus. The dc bus contains capacitors to accept power from
the rectifier, stores it, and later deliver that power through
the inverter section. The inverter contains transistors that
deliver power to the motor. The “Insulated Gate Bipolar
Transistor” (IGBT) is a common choice in modern VFDs.
The IGBT can switch on and off several thousand times per
second and precisely control the power delivered to the mo-
tor. The IGBT uses “pulse width modulation” (PWM) tech-
nique to simulate a sine wave current at the desired frequen-
cy to the motor [3].

This paper will discuss only VFDs, which is a device uses Fig. 1: VFD system.
power electronics to vary the frequency of input power to
the motor, there by controlling motor speed. It also consist A. Simulation Model
the effect as well as its mitigation technique to get better

ISSN NO: 2250-3536 VOLUME 2, ISSUE 2, MAY 2012 122

 International Journal of Advanced Technology & Engineering Research (IJATER)

Computer simulation is the discipline of designing a mod-

el of an actual or theoretical physical system , executing the
model on a digital computer, and analyzing the execution
output. Simulation model of the VFD system developed in
MATLAB[4] has been used for this study as shown in fig. 2.
A three phase supply source along with source impedances
to make it non-ideal has been included in the model. First
stage is an uncontrolled rectifier followed by dc link capaci-
tor and reactor. A non-linear load (50 W, 380 Vrms, 50 Hz.)
is connected with it for completion of the system. Control
signals for switches are generated by a sinusoidal pulse
width modulator (SPWM) controller.

Fig. 3: Voltage responses for each stage of VFD.

Fig. 2: Simulation model circuit diagram for VFD.

B. Simulation Results and Analysis

The discrete Fourier transform can be computed efficient-
ly using a Fast Fourier Transform (FFT) algorithm. Fig. 3 is
the graph showing the voltage waveform at each stage of the
VFD. This graph have four waveforms that are

a. First waveform shows Vdc i.e. the voltage wave-

form of the output of rectifier which will be dc in
nature.
b. It shows Vab i.e. voltage between the phase a and b
at the output of inverter which contains distortion
as shown.
c. It has Vab load i.e. voltage for the phase a-b at the
load side (50W, 380 Vrms, 50 Hz).
d. Last waveform shows the modulation index and its Fig. 4: Phase-A current FFT profile and hoarminc orders.
constant value.
III. Effects of Harmonics
Fig. 4 is the frequency domain transformed signal after
FFT of phase A current signal obtained from the model. Harmonics have deterious effects on electrical equip-
ment. they add to the peak and rms value of the waveform.
From the fig.4 it is clear that the FFT signature of the phase This could mean the equipment could receive a damagingly
A is not a perfect FFT signature for any device. It clearly high voltage and could therefore be susceptible to equipment
shows the higher magnitude of the odd harmonics present in failure.
the device, which causes the harmful effect on the load.

ISSN NO: 2250-3536 VOLUME 2, ISSUE 2, MAY 2012 123

 International Journal of Advanced Technology & Engineering Research (IJATER)
 Capacitor bank failure because of reactive power
overload, resonance and harmonic amplification.
 Excessive losses, heating, harmonic torques and os-
cillations in induction and synchronous machines,
which may give rise to torsion stresses.
 Increase in negative sequence current loading of
synchronous generators, endangering the rotor cir-
cuits and windings.
 Generation of harmonic fluxes and increase in flux
density in transformers, eddy current heating and
consequent de-rating.
 Over voltages and excessive currents in the power
system, resulting from resonance.
 De-rating of cables due to additional current heat-
ing and skin effect losses. A possible dielectric
breakdown.
 Inductive interference with telecommunication cir-
cuits.
 Signal interference and relay malfunctions, particu-
larly in solid state and microprocessor controlled
systems.
 Interference with ripple control and power line car-
rier systems, causing mis-operation of the systems,
which accomplish remote switching, load control
and metering.
 Unstable operation of firing circuits based on zero
voltage crossing detection and latching.
 Interference with large motor controllers and power
plant excitation systems.
IV. Mitigation of Harmonics
There are many techniques are present to resolve the prob-
lem of harmonics. Before applying those techniques, one
should know which order of harmonics are more effective
and which one is less.
Harmonics that is multiple of 2 cancels out each other.
The same is true for 3rd order harmonics (3rd, 6th, 9th etc.).
Because the power supply is 3 phase, the third order har-
monic cancel each other out in each phase. This leaves only
the 5th, 7th, 11th, 13th…… order harmonics. The magnitude of
the harmonics produced by a VFD is greatest for the lower
order harmonics (5th, 7th and 11th) and drops quickly as we
move into the higher order harmonics (13th and greater).
Some approaches to mitigate harmonics are like
 Line Reactors: Line reactors add reactance and
impedance to the circuit. Reactance and imped-
ance act to lower the current magnitude of har-
monics in the system and there by lower the
TDD. Line reactors also protect devices from
large current spikes with short rise times. They
ISSN NO: 2250-3536 VOLUME 2, ISSUE 2, MAY 2012
also protect the motor windings from voltage
peaks with extremely quick rise times.
 Passive Filters: Trap filters are devices that in-
clude an electrical circuit consisting of inductors,
reactors and capacitors designed to provide a low
impedance path to ground at the targeted fre-
quency. Since current will never through the low-
est impedance path, this prevents the harmonic
current at the targeted frequency from propagat-
ing through the system.
 Active Filters: Some devices measure harmonic
currents and quickly create opposite current har-
monic waveforms. The two waveforms then can-
celed out, preventing harmonic currents from be-
ing observed upstream of the filter. These types
of filters generally have excellent harmonic miti-
gating characteristics. Active filters may reduce
generator size requirements.
 Phase Shift Transformer: Its working principle is
similar with the active filters. It measures har-
monic currents too and create opposite current
harmonics. That will cancel out each other, later.
These paper use this technique only.
V. Phase Shift Transformer
Many approaches to and reduce the harmonics have been
studied and published. Previously, the harmonic reduction
was done by applying multipulse transformers too. This
technique was found to be excessive bulky and insufficient.
It is well known that certain harmonics can be cancelled
with the proper phase-shifting angle on the secondary side of
the transformers[5]. The concept is that harmonics generated
by one converter are cancelled with harmonics generated by
other converter. Reference [5-9] outlines a variety of line
frequency phase shifting transformer connections to reduce
harmonics generated by nonlinear loads in electric power
distribution system.
A. Phase Shifting and Harmonics
Phase shifting involves separating the electrical supply
into two or more outputs, each output being phase shifted
with respect to each other with an appropriate angle for the
harmonic pairs to be eliminated. The concept is to displace
the harmonic current pairs in order to bring each to a 180 ۫
phase shift so that they cancel each other out. Positive se-
quence currents will act against negative sequence currents,
whereas zero sequence currents act against each other in a
three phase system. Triplen harmonics are zero sequence
vectors; 5th, 11th, and 17th harmonics are negative sequence
124
 International Journal of Advanced Technology & Engineering Research (IJATER)

vector, and 7th, 13th and 19th harmonics are positive sequence an additional phase shift of +30 degrees is added to the
vectors. Hence, an angular displacement of phase angle. If the secondary winding is connected in delta
(D1), a phase shift of −30 degrees is added to the phase an-
 60 ۫ is required between two three phase outputs to gle[4].
cancel the 3rd harmonic currents.
 30 ۫ is required between three phase outputs to atte-
nuate the 5th and 7th harmonic current pairs.
 15 ۫ is required between two three phase outputs to
cancel the 11th and 13th harmonic current pairs[10].

For instance, in the case of two 6-pulse VFD of similar

rating, installing a delta-wye transformer (30 ۫ with respect
to the primary) on one drive, and a delta-delta transformer
(0 ۫ with respect to the primary) on the other drive, gives an
angular displacement of 30 ۫ between the two outputs, pro-
viding the equivalent of a 12 pulse system. On the common
supply of both transformers on the primary, phase shifting Fig. 5: Simulation model circuit diagram for Phase shift
transformer.
between the systems will reduce the 5th and 7th harmonic
currents. An angular displacement of 15 ۫ between outputs
provides the equivalent of a 24-pulse system, but requires C. Simulation Results and Analysis
four 6-pulse loads.
Fig. 6 & 7 are the graph showing the voltage waveform at
The approach of phase shifting nonlinear loads can be both side of the transformer. Fig. 6 for input voltages and
used to reduce the effect of selected harmonics. fig. 7 for output voltages. It has clear vision of having phase
shifted output which has set for 30 ۫ with out any change in
B. Simulation Model magnitude. This graphs have
a. Fig. 6 waveform shows Ua, Ub & Uc, i.e. the voltage
waveform of the input of transform for phase A, B
In fig.5 a zigzag transformer has used as a phase shifting and C.
transformer. Simulation model of the phase shift transformer b. Fig. 7 shows Va, Vb & Vc, i.e. the voltage waveform
has been developed in MATLAB[4] for this study. The Zig- at output of the transformer for phase A,B and C.
zag Phase-Shifting Transformer block implements a three-
phase transformer with a primary winding connected in a
zigzag configuration and a configurable secondary winding.
The model uses three single-phase, three- winding transfor-
mers. The primary winding connects the windings 1 and 2 of
the single-phase transformers in a zigzag configuration. The
secondary winding uses the windings 3 of the single phase
transformers, and they can be connected in one of the fol-
lowing ways:

 Y
 Y with accessible neutral
 Grounded Y
 Delta (D1), delta lagging Y by 30 degrees
 Delta (D11), delta leading Y by 30 degrees

If the secondary winding is connected in Y, the secondary

phase voltages are leading or lagging the primary voltages
by the Phi phase angle specified in the parameters of the Fig. 6: Input voltage responses for each phase of transformer.
block. If the secondary winding is connected in delta (D11),

ISSN NO: 2250-3536 VOLUME 2, ISSUE 2, MAY 2012 125

 International Journal of Advanced Technology & Engineering Research (IJATER)
Fig. 7: Output voltage responses for each phase of transformer.
VI. Conclusion
For harmonics analysis fig. 8 shows the current waveform.
But the order and magnitude of the harmonics are not clearly
visible. For neat observation FFT graphs of this system has
shown in fig. 9.
VII. References
Vc
Fig. 8: Waveforms of current harmonics.
The discrete Fourier transform has been computed using a
Fast Fourier Transform (FFT) algorithm. Fig. 9 is the fre-
quency domain transformed signal after FFT of phase A
current signal obtained from the model.
ISSN NO: 2250-3536 VOLUME 2, ISSUE 2, MAY 2012
Fig. 9: FFT analysis of phase A for PST.
The spectrum of current harmonics are shown in fig. 9. One
can easily compare the FFT spectrums for both VFD and
PST (from fig. 4 and fig 9, respectively). Here, it is clearly
visible that the 5th, 7th ,11th….. order harmonics are having
approximately equal magnitudes, which will be responsible
for cancellation of same harmonics, later.
In this paper, VFD, influence of harmonics and its mitigating
techniques has discussed. The simulation results of the pro-
posed approach illustrates the presence and cancellation of
the harmonics. The results show that 5th, and 7th harmonic
current generated by non-linear load can be cancelled by use
of phase shifting techniques.
[1] Hashim O. M., Azim L. C., “Study of Harmonics ef-
fects on performance of Induction Motor,” Sharif
University, Tehran, Iran.
[2] Carrier Corporation, “operation and application of
VFD technology,” Syracuse, Newyork, Oct 2005.
[3] B. Biswas, S. Das, P. Purkait, M. S. Mandal, D. Mi-
tra, “Current harmonics analysis of inverter fed induc-
tion motor drive system under fault condition,” IM-
ECS 2009, Hongkong.
[4] www.mathworks.in
[5] A. Paice, “Power electronic converter harmonics mul-
tipulse methods for clean power,” IEEE press 1996.
[6] J. Kammeter, “Harmonic cancellation system,” U. S.
Patent 5,434,455, July 18, 1995.
[7] M. Levin, “Phase shifting transformer with low zero
phase sequence impedance,” U. S. patent 5,982,262,
November 9, 1999.
[8] S. Choi, P. Enjeti and I. Pitel, “New poly phase trans-
former arrangements with reduced KVA capacities
for harmonic current reduction in rectifier type utility
interface,” IEEE trans. Power electronics vol. 11, pp.
680-690, sep 1996.
126
 International Journal of Advanced Technology & Engineering Research (IJATER)

[9] M. Kang, P. Enjeti and I. Pitel, “A simplified auto

connected electronic transformer (SACET) approach
upgrades standard 6-pulse rectifier equipment with
12-pulse characterstics to facilitate harmonic com-
pliance”, IEEE trans.
[10] “Harmonic mitigation, power factor correction and
energy saving with proper transformer and phase shift
techniques,” Hammond Power solutions inc. PCIC-
2002-12.
[11] John F. Hibbard, Michael Z. Lownstein, “Meeting
IEEE 519-1992 harmonics limits using harmonic
guard passive filters,” (TRANS-COIL, INC).
[12] Toney Hoevennars, P. Eng, Kurt LeDoux, “Interpret-
ing IEEE std 519 and meeting its harmonics limits in
VFD applications” , P.E., Matt Colosina, 2003 (IEEE
paper no. PCIC-2003-XX).
[13] Gary Rockis, Glen Mazur, “Electrical motor controls”
American Technical publisher, Inc. 1997.
[14] Richard H. Smith, P. E., “Power quality vista looks
good thanks to IGBTs” P.E., pure power, 1999.

ISSN NO: 2250-3536 VOLUME 2, ISSUE 2, MAY 2012 127