Basic Harmonics

Online WEB Training Module

Revision 002

Learning Objectives
In this training module we will learn the fundamentals of Harmonics.
We will focus on:
The Ideal vs. Distorted Waveform.
Definition of Harmonics
Time Domain / Frequency Domain Analysis
Calculation of THiD
Harmonic Producing Loads
Standards and Recommendations
Harmonic Mitigation Techniques
Software Tools

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The Ideal Waveform

In public power distribution networks the ideal undistorted AC electrical signal has a
typical frequency of 50Hz or 60Hz depending on the country or region.

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The Ideal Waveform

In public power distribution networks the ideal undistorted AC electrical signal has a
typical frequency of 50Hz or 60Hz depending on the country or region.

Due to the method of generation, the signal alternates between proportionally equal,
positive and negative values.
In reality however these signals contain many types of disturbances.

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Power Disturbances
The power grid normally experiences huge
variations of load and reacts to changes in
the voltage waveform.

Causes of power disturbances range from

electrical switching circuits to lightning.

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Power Disturbances
The power grid normally experiences huge
variations of load and reacts to changes in
the voltage waveform.

Voltage
dip
Power
interruption
Voltage rise
Transient
over-voltage

Causes of power disturbances range from

electrical switching circuits to lightning.

Harmonic
distortion
Commutation
dips/notches
Voltage
fluctuation
Frequency
fluctuation

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Power Disturbances
The power grid normally experiences huge
variations of load and reacts to changes in
the voltage waveform.

Voltage
dip
Power
interruption
Voltage rise
Transient
over-voltage

Causes of power disturbances range from

electrical switching circuits to lightning.
Harmonic distortions are repetitive and
continuous deformations of the voltage or
current waveforms.
All distortions result in deviations from the
ideal sinusoidal waveform.

Harmonic
distortion
Commutation
dips/notches
Voltage
fluctuation
Frequency
fluctuation

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Learning Objectives

The Ideal vs. Distorted Waveform.

Definition of Harmonics
Time Domain / Frequency Domain Analysis
Calculation of THiD
Harmonic Producing Loads
Standards and Recommendations
Harmonic Mitigation Techniques
Software Tools

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Definition of Harmonics
In a periodic signal the primary, desired frequency is the "Fundamental Frequency.

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Definition of Harmonics
In a periodic signal the primary, desired frequency is the "Fundamental Frequency.
A Harmonic refers to a component of a periodic signal, that is itself:
a periodic sinusoidal signal, with a frequency that is an integer multiple of the
fundamental frequency.

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Definition of Harmonics
In a periodic signal the primary, desired frequency is the "Fundamental Frequency.
A Harmonic refers to a component of a periodic signal, that is itself:
a periodic sinusoidal signal, with a frequency that is an integer multiple of the
fundamental frequency.
Therefore in public power distribution networks:
The frequency of an nth Harmonic is:

fn = n X 50Hz

or

fn = n X 60Hz

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Definition of Harmonics
In a periodic signal the primary, desired frequency is the "Fundamental Frequency.
A Harmonic refers to a component of a periodic signal, that is itself:
a periodic sinusoidal signal, with a frequency that is an integer multiple of the
fundamental frequency.
Therefore in public power distribution networks:
The frequency of an nth Harmonic is:
Fundamental Freq.
1st Harmonic
2nd Harmonic
f1 = 50Hz
f2 = 100Hz
f1 = 60Hz
f2 = 120Hz

fn = n X 50Hz

or

3rd Harmonic
f3 = 150Hz
f3 = 180Hz

fn = n X 60Hz
4th Harmonic
f4 = 200 Hz
f4 = 240 Hz

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The Study of Harmonics

Harmonics appear in many fields of science and in the natural world.

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The Study of Harmonics

Harmonics appear in many fields of science and in the natural world.

In electrical systems harmonics are primarily caused by loads that draw current
repetitively but in a non-sinusoidal manner.
Harmonics are typically regarded as an undesired, costly and sometimes dangerous
bi-product of active electrical systems.

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The Study of Harmonics

Harmonics appear in many fields of science and in the natural world.

In electrical systems harmonics are primarily caused by loads that draw current
repetitively but in a non-sinusoidal manner.
Harmonics are typically regarded as an undesired, costly and sometimes dangerous
bi-product of active electrical systems.
We use a combination of Time Domain graphs, Frequency Domain graphs and
mathematics to determine the extent of the problem.
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Learning Objectives

The Ideal vs. Distorted Waveform.

Definition of Harmonics
Time Domain / Frequency Domain Analysis
Calculation of THiD
Harmonic Producing Loads
Standards and Recommendations
Harmonic Mitigation Techniques
Software Tools

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Time Domain Graphs

In electrical engineering, "time domain" is a term used to describe the analysis of
electrical signals with respect to time.

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Time Domain Graphs

In electrical engineering, "time domain" is a term used to describe the analysis of
electrical signals with respect to time.
In the graph below we have an example of an ideal un-distorted alternating voltage
or current signal. The values of the signal fluctuate between positive and negative
amplitudes over time.

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Time Domain Graphs

In electrical engineering, "time domain" is a term used to describe the analysis of
electrical signals with respect to time.
In the graph below we have an example of an ideal un-distorted alternating voltage
or current signal. The values of the signal fluctuate between positive and negative
amplitudes over time.

As time progresses, the graphical representation clearly displays the variance in

amplitude.
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Frequency Domain Graphs

Frequency Domain graphs allow us to see the amplitudes of the frequencies that
make up a signal.

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Frequency Domain Graphs

Frequency Domain graphs allow us to see the amplitudes of the frequencies that
make up a signal.
We use Fourier Series transforms to create Frequency Domain graphs.

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Frequency Domain Graphs

Frequency Domain graphs allow us to see the amplitudes of the frequencies that
make up a signal.
We use Fourier Series transforms to create Frequency Domain graphs.

Time Domain

Fourier Series Transform

Frequency Domain

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Harmonics Illustrator Demonstration

We are now going to look at a short demonstration of transforming time domain
signals into the frequency domain using the:

Harmonic Illustrator

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Harmonics Orders
f1, f2, f3 etc. are referred to as Harmonic Orders.
Only loads such as half wave rectifiers drawing current with a DC component
generate even numbered Harmonic Orders.

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Harmonics Orders
f1, f2, f3 etc. are referred to as Harmonic Orders.
Only loads such as half wave rectifiers drawing current with a DC component
generate even numbered Harmonic Orders.
Single Phase AC harmonic generating loads, generate odd numbered harmonics.

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Harmonics Orders
f1, f2, f3 etc. are referred to as Harmonic Orders.
Only loads such as half wave rectifiers drawing current with a DC component
generate even numbered Harmonic Orders.
Single Phase AC harmonic gernerating loads, generate odd numbered harmonics.

Ideal three phase AC harmonic generating loads, generally draw current equally from
each phase so the harmonic numbers divisible by 3 are cancelled.

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Tools for Frequency Domain Analysis

The most common tools used in industry to display such graphs in electrical
engineering are Spectrum Analyzers.

Spectrum Analyzer
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Tools for Frequency Domain Analysis

The most common tools used in industry to display such graphs in electrical
engineering are Spectrum Analyzers.
Modern oscilloscopes typically have a simple spectrum analyzer included as standard.

Spectrum Analyzer
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Tools for Frequency Domain Analysis

The most common tools used in industry to display such graphs in electrical
engineering are Spectrum Analyzers.
Modern oscilloscopes typically have a simple spectrum analyzer included as standard.
More sophisticated analyzers can measure a very wide range of frequencies that can
be useful in electronics and high frequency analysis of electrical disturbances.

Spectrum Analyzer
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Tools for Frequency Domain Analysis

The most common tools used in industry to display such graphs in electrical
engineering are Spectrum Analyzers.
Modern oscilloscopes typically have a simple spectrum analyzer included as standard.
More sophisticated analyzers can measure a very wide range of frequencies that can
be useful in electronics and high frequency analysis of electrical disturbances.
Others can contain dedicated functions to measure electrical distortions such as
harmonics in three phase systems and can be called Power Quality Analyzers.

Spectrum Analyzer

Power Quality Analyzer

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Learning Objectives

The Ideal vs. Distorted Waveform.

Definition of Harmonics
Time Domain / Frequency Domain Analysis
Calculation of THiD
Harmonic Producing Loads
Standards and Recommendations
Harmonic Mitigation Techniques
Software Tools

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Total Harmonic Current Distortion THiD

Fundamental Current refers to the current carried in the fundamental frequency.
I(h1) (Example: f1 = 100 A)
Total harmonic current distortion refers to the ratio of all harmonic currents to the
fundamental current.

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Total Harmonic Current Distortion THiD

THiD =

( ) 100%

hmax

h=2

I( h) 2
I ( h1)

76 A 61A 26 A 13 A 6 A 4 A
=
100
+
+
+
+
+
100 A 100 A 100 A 100 A 100 A 100 A
= 102%
2

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Other Measurements of Harmonic Distortion

RMS Current of the distorted signal.
Peak Values for Current and Voltage.
THvD Total Harmonic Voltage Distortion.
TDD Total Demanded Distortion relating to Maximum Load Current.
PWHD Partial Weighted Harmonic Distortion relating to specific harmonic ranges.

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Learning Objectives

The Ideal vs. Distorted Waveform.

Definition of Harmonics
Time Domain / Frequency Domain Analysis
Calculation of THiD
Harmonic Producing Loads
Standards and Recommendations
Harmonic Mitigation Techniques
Software Tools

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Harmonic Producing Loads

Harmonics are primarily caused by loads that draw current repetitively but in a
non-sinusoidal manner.

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Harmonic Producing Loads

Harmonics are primarily caused by loads that draw current repetitively but in a
non-sinusoidal manner.
Examples of Harmonic Loads include:

Ballast / Fluorescent Lighting & Computer power supplies

Uninterruptable Power Supplies (UPS) & Variable Speed Drives
Charging circuits incorporating rectifiers
Arc Welders & 3 phase machines

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Harmonic Producing Loads

Harmonics are primarily caused by loads that draw current repetitively but in a
non-sinusoidal manner.
Examples of Harmonic Loads include:

Ballast / Fluorescent Lighting & Computer power supplies

Uninterruptable Power Supplies (UPS) & Variable Speed Drives
Charging circuits incorporating rectifiers
Arc Welders & 3 phase machines

Examples of load current waveforms with harmonics.

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Current vs. Voltage Distortion

Current distortion relates to load level
performance
I*Z=V

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Current vs. Voltage Distortion

Current distortion relates to load level
performance
I*Z=V
Voltage distortion relates to
system level performance.
Harmonic currents of the non-linear
load AND the system short-circuit
impedance are required to calculate
voltage distortion. It is NOT possible to
predict the voltage distortion knowing
only the load performance.

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Current vs. Voltage Distortion

Current distortion relates to load level
performance
I*Z=V
Voltage distortion relates to
system level performance.
Harmonic currents of the non-linear
load AND the system short-circuit
impedance are required to calculate
voltage distortion. It is NOT possible to
predict the voltage distortion knowing
only the load performance.
Background voltage distortion is also
related to system level performance.
Same as secondary transformer side
voltage distortion. Background
distortion can be caused by energy
consumers far away and is always
present to some extent (0.5 - 3%).
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Current Distortion

Problems caused by current distortion

Transformer overload and audible noise.
Tripping of serial relays and circuit breakers.
Stressing of Power Factor correction capacitors.
Premature aging of serially installed equipment.
Overheating of cables and insulation stress.
Overheating of transformers and insulation stress.

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Voltage Distortion

Problems caused by voltage distortion

Malfunction of electronic equipment
Breakdown of electronic equipment
Increased Electromagnetic Interference (EMI)
Increased losses at direct online motors
Torque ripples from direct online motors
Erratic operation

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Learning Objectives

The Ideal vs. Distorted Waveform.

Definition of Harmonics
Time Domain / Frequency Domain Analysis
Calculation of THiD
Harmonic Producing Loads
Standards and Recommendations
Harmonic Mitigation Techniques
Software Tools

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The EMC directive

Working
area

10Hz

100Hz

Harmonic
disturbance

1 kHz

10 kHz

Conducted
interference

100 kHz

1 MHz

Radiated
interference

10 MHz

Conducted emission
EN55011
(0,15-30MHz)

Conducted RF-CM
EN61000-4-6
(0,15-80MHz)

100 MHz

1 GHz

Electromagnetic compatibility (EMC)

Harmonic Norms are a part of EMC group of
Norms in IEC 61xxx-x-x.

Radiated
emission
EN55011
(30 -1000MHz )
Radiated
EN61000-4-3
( 801000MHz)

Harmonic
distortion
EN61000-32/4/12
Low
frequency
EN61000-22/4

Emissions /
Immunity

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The EMC directive

Working
area

10Hz

100Hz

Harmonic
disturbance

1 kHz

10 kHz

Conducted
interference

100 kHz

1 MHz

Radiated
interference

10 MHz

Conducted emission
EN55011
(0,15-30MHz)

Conducted RF-CM
EN61000-4-6
(0,15-80MHz)

100 MHz

1 GHz

Radiated
emission
EN55011
(30 -1000MHz )
Radiated
EN61000-4-3
( 801000MHz)

Harmonic
distortion
EN61000-32/4/12
Low
frequency
EN61000-22/4

Emissions /
Immunity

Electromagnetic compatibility (EMC)

Harmonic Norms are a part of EMC group of
Norms in IEC 61xxx-x-x.
There are no sharp lines between the
different disturbance/interference bands.
Amplitudes of harmonics are highest in the
lower frequency range.
We need to understand the entire frequency
range, as some mitigation equipment tends
to move the problem from low frequencies
to higher frequencies

Note: Only IEC norms is mentioned here! Others are

sometime to be fulfilled

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Standards & Recommendations

At utility level
EN 50160 System Voltage Requirements

M
M

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Standards & Recommendations

At utility level
EN 50160 System Voltage Requirements

At customer/system Level
IEEE519
G5/4 = EN61000-3-2/12 <= 400V
(THiD to 50th. Rsce or Isc depending, require background
harmonic survey, 15-30 min testing)

M
M

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Standards & Recommendations

At utility level
EN 50160 System Voltage Requirements

At customer/system Level
IEEE519
G5/4 = EN61000-3-2/12 <= 400V
(THiD to 50th. Rsce or Isc depending, require background
harmonic survey, 15-30 min testing)

EN61000-2-2 / 4 (THiD to 50th. Rsce dependent)

M
M

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Standards & Recommendations

At utility level
EN 50160 System Voltage Requirements

At customer/system Level
IEEE519
G5/4 = EN61000-3-2/12 <= 400V
(THiD to 50th. Rsce or Isc depending, require background
harmonic survey, 15-30 min testing)

EN61000-2-2 / 4 (THiD to 50th. Rsce dependent)

At product Level
M

M
M

EN61800-3
Variable Speed Drives
EN61000-3-2
<=16A
EN61000-3-12
16 to 75A
EN61000-3-4
16A <
(THiD 40th, public network, 2,5 min test period,
Rsce dependent)

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Learning Objectives

The Ideal vs. Distorted Waveform.

Definition of Harmonics
Time Domain / Frequency Domain Analysis
Calculation of THiD
Harmonic Producing Loads
Standards and Recommendations
Harmonic Mitigation Techniques
Software Tools

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Harmonic Mitigation Techniques for Drives

Passive:

Active:

DC-Inductors

AC-Inductors

Active filter & Low Harmonic Drive

12-pulse

18-pulse
+20%

D
y

///

///

0%

-20%

Advanced Harmonic
Filters

Active Front End with PWM-rectifier

///

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AC & DC Inductors
DC-Inductors are typically built-in as
standard.
Overlapping of magnetic fields in the inductor
reduces distortion.
AC-Inductors

Offers moderate mitigation performance.

Great RMS current reduction.
Practical / Easy production.
Cost efficient.

DC-Inductors

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12 & 18 Pulse Rectifiers

Well-known technology.
The power coming into the rectifier sections
is phase shifted by a special transformer to
cause cancellation of harmonics.
12-pulse rectifier

Offers fair mitigation performance

Dependant on high load and grid stability
Optimal for step-down / step-up solutions
Robust

18-pulse rectifier

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12 & 18 Pulse Rectifiers

12p aims to reduce 5th & 7th harmonics, and
multiples.

12-pulse rectifier

18p aims to reduce 5th, 7th, 11th & 13th

harmonics, and multiples.

18-pulse rectifier

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Passive Filters
Offers medium mitigation performance
Reduces all harmonics, not just low orders
Best cost of ownership in low power
installations
Passive Filter
(Also called Harmonic Trap Filter)

Specialized Danfoss Products designed for

Danfoss drives include:
Advanced Harmonic Filter AHF 010 - THiD 10%
Advanced Harmonic Filter AHF 005 - THiD 5%

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Active Filters
Offers high performance mitigation
The filter cancels the distortion by sensing it
and inserting an equal signal with the
opposite phase.
Tolerant with load and grid imbalances
Expensive
Customer / System level PCC installation
possible. Group compensation, power factor
correction and load balance correction)
Active Filter

New Danfoss Products include:

Active Filter AAF
Low Harmonic Drive - LHD

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Active Front End

Utilizes Pulse Width Modulation (PWM) in the

rectifier section.
Offers highest mitigation performance
Tolerant with of load and grid imbalances
Good for regeneration of power
Very compact and light
Expensive
Active Front End - AFE

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Cost comparison

Active Front end

Cost
Active Filter / Low harmonic Drive
18 Pulse
12 Pulse

5% THiD Passive Filters

Harm. trap

10% THiD Passive Filters

DC+AC Coils
AC or DC Coils
No Coils
Performance
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Harmonic Mitigation Summary

Passive:

Built-in as Standard
Practical / Easy

DC-Inductors
AC-inductors

Active:

///

///

Sizable
High mitigation
Retrofit-able
Efficient (sleep mode)

Compact
Easy to spec.
High mitigation
100% Regenerative

Active filter
d
D
y

12 & 18-pulse

Low cost
Robust

+20%

0%

///

-20%

Advanced Harmonic
Filters

Low cost
Robust
Efficient

PWM-rectifier
Active Front End

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Other Mitigation Techniques

Oversize hardware components, still abiding
to regulations, and allow harmonics to flow.
Oversize distribution transformers.
Oversize switchgear and distribution cabling to
reduce risk of insulation breakdown.
Use K-factor system transformers to
increase heat tolerance.

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Other Mitigation Techniques

Oversize hardware components, still abiding
to regulations, and allow harmonics to flow.
Oversize distribution transformers.
Oversize switchgear and distribution cabling to
reduce risk of insulation breakdown.
Use K-factor system transformers to
increase heat tolerance.

Hardware for over-sizing is expensive.

Harmonic energy is dissipated in the form of
heat which is also expensive.

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Other Mitigation Techniques

Oversize hardware components, still abiding
to regulations, and allow harmonics to flow.
Oversize distribution transformers.
Oversize switchgear and distribution cabling to
reduce risk of insulation breakdown.
Use K-factor system transformers to
increase heat tolerance.

Hardware for over-sizing is expensive.

Harmonic energy is dissipated in the form of
heat which is also expensive.
Harmonics can also be reduced by:
Balancing loads on phases.
Improving Displacement Power Factor

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Learning Objectives

The Ideal vs. Distorted Waveform.

Definition of Harmonics
Time Domain / Frequency Domain Analysis
Calculation of THiD
Harmonic Producing Loads
Standards and Recommendations
Harmonic Mitigation Techniques
Software Tools

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Calculation Software

The Danfoss freeware MCT31 calculates a

reasonable estimate of the harmonic content
within specified installation.
Advanced calculations require lots of inputs to
reach a reliable result not just on the low
voltage side but also at medium voltage level.

1.1
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Calculation Software

The Danfoss freeware MCT31 calculates a

reasonable estimate of the harmonic content
within specified installation.
Advanced calculations require lots of inputs to
reach a reliable result not just on the low
voltage side but also at medium voltage level.
Most calculation tools are only including low
voltage grid data (some with back ground
distortion) and are thus calculating with an
accuracy of 10 - 20%.

1.1
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Calculation Software

The Danfoss freeware MCT31 calculates a

reasonable estimate of the harmonic content
within specified installation.
Advanced calculations require lots of inputs to
reach a reliable result not just on the low
voltage side but also at medium voltage level.
Most calculation tools are only including low
voltage grid data (some with back ground
distortion) and are thus calculating with an
accuracy of 10 - 20%.
Other background distortion levels are not
included.

1.1
| C onfidential/Property of D anfoss D rives A/S | Wednes day, 0 9 January 2 013 | 6 7

Calculation Software

The Danfoss freeware MCT31 calculates a

reasonable estimate of the harmonic content
within specified installation.
Advanced calculations require lots of inputs to
reach a reliable result not just on the low
voltage side but also at medium voltage level.
Most calculation tools are only including low
voltage grid data (some with back ground
distortion) and are thus calculating with an
accuracy of 10 - 20%.
Other background distortion levels are not
included.
More accuracy can be achieved when using the
Danfoss HCS software which requires additional
grid data.

1.1

HCS includes Pspice simulation from system

level medium voltage interaction to low voltage.
| C onfidential/Property of D anfoss D rives A/S | Wednes day, 0 9 January 2 013 | 6 8

Summary
Harmonics are signals contained in distorted periodic signals.

| C onfidential/Property of D anfoss D rives A/S | Wednes day, 0 9 January 2 013 | 6 9

Summary
Harmonics are signals contained in distorted periodic signals.
Time Domain / Frequency Domain Graphs are required when analyzing harmonic
amplitudes.

| C onfidential/Property of D anfoss D rives A/S | Wednes day, 0 9 January 2 013 | 7 0

Summary
Harmonics are signals contained in distorted periodic signals.
Time Domain / Frequency Domain Graphs are required when analyzing harmonic
amplitudes.
Loads that draw non-sinusoidal currents produce harmonics.

| C onfidential/Property of D anfoss D rives A/S | Wednes day, 0 9 January 2 013 | 7 1

Summary
Harmonics are signals contained in distorted periodic signals.
Time Domain / Frequency Domain Graphs are required when analyzing harmonic
amplitudes.
Loads that draw non-sinusoidal currents produce harmonics.
Standards and Recommendations exist to advise to what level harmonics are
acceptable.

| C onfidential/Property of D anfoss D rives A/S | Wednes day, 0 9 January 2 013 | 7 2

Summary
Harmonics are signals contained in distorted periodic signals.
Time Domain / Frequency Domain Graphs are required when analyzing harmonic
amplitudes.
Loads that draw non-sinusoidal currents produce harmonics.
Standards and Recommendations exist to advise to what level harmonics are
acceptable.
Harmonic Mitigation Techniques are many and are dealt between passive and
active solutions.

| C onfidential/Property of D anfoss D rives A/S | Wednes day, 0 9 January 2 013 | 7 3

Summary
Harmonics are signals contained in distorted periodic signals.
Time Domain / Frequency Domain Graphs are required when analyzing harmonic
amplitudes.
Loads that draw non-sinusoidal currents produce harmonics.
Standards and Recommendations exist to advise to what level harmonics are
acceptable.
Harmonic Mitigation Techniques are many and are dealt between passive and
active solutions.
Software Tools such as MCT31 and HCS are available to simulate harmonics to
predict potential problems.

| C onfidential/Property of D anfoss D rives A/S | Wednes day, 0 9 January 2 013 | 7 4