WOLLEGA UNIVERSITY

SCHOOL OF GRADUATE STUDIES

INVESTIGATION OF POWER QUALITY PROBLEMS AND

ITS MITIGATION TECHNIQUES IN POWER
DISTRIBUTION SYSTEM: CASE STUDY WAMA SUGAR
FACTORY

MSc Research Proposal

By

Kasehun Getinet

Program: Master of Science in Electrical Power Engineering

Department: Electrical and Computer Engineering
College: Engineering and Technology

Major Advisor: Ginbar Ensermu (PhD)

July 2021
Nekemte, Ethiopia

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 WOLLEGA UNIVERSITY
SCHOOL OF GRADUATE STUDIES
P.O. Box: 395, Nekemte, Ethiopia.

APPROVAL SHEET FOR SUBMITTING RESEARCH PROPOSAL

Investigation of Power Quality Problems and Its Mitigation Techniques

in Power Distribution System: Case Study Wama Sugar Factory

Submitted by:
_______________________ _______________ ________________
Name of student Signature date

Approved by:

1 ______________________ ______________ ________________

Name of Major Advisor Signature date

2 ______________________ ______________ ________________

Name of Co-Advisor Signature date

3 ______________________ ______________ ________________

Name of Chairman, DGC Signature date

4 ______________________ ______________ ________________

Name of Dean, SGS Signature date

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 ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

First I would like to say thanks to almighty God. Secondly I would like to forward my
heartfelt thanks and appreciation to Dr. Ginbar Ensermu whose advices, constructive
comments, suggestions, encouragement and guidance helped me throughout the
preparation of this research proposal.

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 ABBREVIATIONS AND ACRONYMS

AC : Alternating Current
ANSI : American National Standards Institute
APF : Active Power Filter
ASAI : Average Service Availability Index
ASD : Adjustable Speed Drive
CAIDI : Customer Average Interruption Duration Index
DC : Direct Current
DSTATCOM : Distribution Static Compensator
DVR : Dynamic Voltage Restorer
EEU : Ethiopian electric Utility
FACTS : Flexible AC Transmission System
FFT : Fast Fourier Transformation
GC : Gregorian calendar
GTO : Gate turnoff Thyristor
IEC : International Electro technical Commission
IEEE : Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers
IGBT : Insulated Gate Bipolar Transistor
NEMA : National Electrical Manufacturers Association
PLC : Programmable Logic Controller
PQ : Power Quality
PU : Per Unit
RMS : Root Mean Square
SAIDI : System Average Interruption Duration Index (SAIDI)
SAIFI : System Average Interruption Frequency Index
SSTS : Solid State Transfer Switch
TV : Television
UPFC : Unified Power Flow Controller
UPS : Uninterruptable Power Supply
VFD : Variable Frequency Drive

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 TABLE OF CONTENTS
ACKNOWLEDGMENTS ................................................................................................. iii
ABBREVIATIONS AND ACRONYMS ........................................................................... iv
LIST OF TABLES .............................................................................................................vii
LIST OF FIGURES ......................................................................................................... viii
CHAPTER ONE .................................................................................................................. 1
INTRODUCTION ............................................................................................................... 1
1.1 Background of the Study ............................................................................................ 1
1.2. Statement of the problem .......................................................................................... 2
1.3. Objectives of the Study ............................................................................................. 3
1.3.1. General objective ................................................................................................ 3
1.3.2. Specific objectives .............................................................................................. 3
1.4. Research Questions ................................................................................................... 3
1.5. Significance of the study ........................................................................................... 3
CHAPTER TWO ................................................................................................................. 5
LITERATURE REVIEW .................................................................................................... 5
2.1. Introduction ............................................................................................................... 5
2.2. Power Quality Problems............................................................................................ 6
2.2.1. Transients............................................................................................................ 6
2.2.2. Long Duration Voltage Variations ..................................................................... 8
2.2.3. Short Duration Voltage Variations ..................................................................... 9
2.2.4. Voltage Imbalances .......................................................................................... 10
2.2.5. Waveform Distortions ...................................................................................... 11
2.2.6. Voltage Fluctuations ......................................................................................... 12
2.2.7. Power Frequency Variations ............................................................................ 12
2.3. Causes of Power Quality Problems ......................................................................... 14
2.4. Power Quality Standards ......................................................................................... 14
2.5. Power Quality Monitoring ...................................................................................... 16
2.6. Power Quality Mitigation Techniques .................................................................... 16
2.7. Literature Review .................................................................................................... 17
2.8. Summary of Literature Review ............................................................................... 19
CHAPTER THREE ........................................................................................................... 20
RESEARCH METHODOLOGY....................................................................................... 20

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 3.1 Description of Wama Sugar Factory ........................................................................ 20
3.2.1. Software Requirement ...................................................................................... 22
3.2.2. Material Requirement ....................................................................................... 22
3.3. Methodology ........................................................................................................... 22
3.4. Work plan ................................................................................................................ 24
3.5. Cost/Budget Breakdown ......................................................................................... 25
REFERENCE ..................................................................................................................... 26

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 LIST OF TABLES
Table 1 Summary of power quality problems, causes, and effects ................................... 13
Table 2 Work Plan ............................................................................................................. 24
Table 3 Budget Breakdown ............................................................................................... 25

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 LIST OF FIGURES
Figure 1 Impulsive Transient ............................................................................................... 7
Figure 2 Oscillatory Transient ............................................................................................. 8
Figure 3 Voltage sag/dip waveform ..................................................................................... 9
Figure 4 Voltage swell waveform ...................................................................................... 10
Figure 5 Single line diagram of Wama Sugar Factory power distribution ........................ 21
Figure 6 Flow diagram of methodology ............................................................................ 23

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 CHAPTER ONE

INTRODUCTION

1.1 Background of the Study

Electrical energy is the most efficient and popular form of energy and the modern society
is heavily dependent on the electric supply. Today it is difficult to imagine life without
supply of electricity. In recent times, electric utilities, academic and research centers,
manufacturing industries, factories and other end users of electric powers are becoming
increasingly concerned about the quality of electric power because it is very important for
the efficient functioning of the end user equipment’s Kennedy, B. W. (2000).

Power quality is any abnormal behavior on a power system arising in the form of voltage,
current and frequency which affects the normal operation of electrical or electronic
equipment in power distribution system. The most common problems include short
duration variations (sags, swells and interruption), long duration variations (under
voltages and over voltages), voltage imbalance, waveform distortion (harmonics,
notching, and noise), voltage fluctuations and power frequency variations and transients
Santoso, S., et al (2012).

These problems are present in power distribution system due to various disturbances in
the system or due to the presence of various nonlinear loads such as furnaces, motors,
uninterruptible power supplies (UPSs), and adjustable speed drives (ASDs). Power
quality problems cause failure of capacitor banks, increased losses of efficiency in the
power distribution system and electric machines, noise, vibrations, excessive current due
to starting of motors, rotor heating, dielectric breakdown, interference with
communication systems, relay and breaker malfunctions, false metering, so on Sekar, T.
C., & Rabi, B. J. (2012, December).

Power quality can be defined as having a bus voltage that closely resembles a sinusoidal
waveform of required magnitude. Increasing number of sensitive devices to variations, the
requirement for reducing losses and the behaviors of interconnected networks are some
reasons which increase the importance of power quality concept (Dong et al., 2004).

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In the industry/factory, power quality polluting loads are increasing day by day. The main
reasons for concern with power quality (PQ) are as following (Dong et al., 2004):
 End user devices become more sensitive to PQ due to many microprocessor based
controls.
 Complexity of industrial processes: the re-startup is very costly.
 Large computer systems in many businesses facilities
 Power electronics equipment used for enhancing system stability, operation and
efficiency. They are major source of bad PQ and are vulnerable to bad PQ as well.
 Deregulation of the power industry
 Complex interconnection of systems, which results in more severe consequences
if any one component fails.

This study is mainly concern on power quality problems found in Wama Sugar Factory
power distribution system and design its improvement/mitigation techniques.

1.2. Statement of the problem

One of the major problems observed in electrical power distribution system in recent days
is power quality problems. The major power quality problems are an extent variation of
voltage, current and the phase displacement between corresponding phase voltage and
current at the fundamental frequency, and the degree of unbalance in the different phase
voltage and currents in power distribution system due to variation of load. Those are
transient, short duration variations, long duration variations, voltage imbalance,
waveform distortion, voltage fluctuations and power frequency Smith, J. C., Hensley, G.,
& Ray, L. (1995).

Power distribution systems, ideally, should provide their customers with an uninterrupted
flow of energy at smooth sinusoidal voltage at the contracted magnitude level and
frequency however, in practice, power systems, especially the distribution systems, have
numerous nonlinear loads, and has severe impacts on sensitive loads such as causing
downtimes of several machines failure of sensitive machine, failure on motor drives,
overheating of motors, poor power factor, fuse blowing, contactor burnouts, and failure
on insulation cables etc. which significantly affect the quality of power supplies Sekar, T.
C., & Rabi, B. J. (2012, December).

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In Wama Sugar Factory there are many symptoms of power quality problems like
interruption of power (outage), poor power factor, more reactive power, starting of
motors which draw more current than running. Thus, the thesis focuses on investigation
of power quality problems existing in Wama Sugar Factory power distribution system and
to design the suitable mitigation techniques.

1.3. Objectives of the Study

1.3.1. General objective

The main objective of this study is to investigate the major power quality problems in
Wama Sugar factory power distribution system and design its appropriate improvement
techniques.

1.3.2. Specific objectives

Specific objectives of this study:

 To assess power quality problems in Wama Sugar Factory power distribution
system.
 To investigate the causes and effects of power quality problems of Wama Sugar
Factory power distribution system.
 To design suitable mitigation techniques for power quality problems.

1.4. Research Questions

At the end of the study, the research will address the following questions:
1. What are the power quality problems existing in Wama Sugar Factory power
distribution system?
2. What are the causes and effects of power quality problems in the factory?
3. How power quality problems of power distribution system will be improved?

1.5. Significance of the study

The main significances/advantages of this thesis in Wama Sugar Factory include:

 Improvement of power quality problems can maximize the life span of the
equipment, increase the efficiency and performance of equipment in the factory.

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 Reduction of down time (service interruption) due to loss of synchronism, outage
and blackout of alternators.
 To protect equipment from failure, damage and burnout.
 To increase the productivity of the factory.
 It is best input for further reference for researchers, technicians and others who are
working in power distribution.

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 CHAPTER TWO

LITERATURE REVIEW

2.1. Introduction

The IEEE Standard Dictionary of Electrical and Electronics defines power quality as the
concept of powering and grounding sensitive electronic equipment in a manner that is
suitable to the operation of that equipment Smith, J. C., Hensley, G., & Ray, L. (1995).

Power quality may also define as the measure, analysis, and improvement of bus voltage,
usually a load bus voltage to maintain that voltage to be a sinusoidal at rated voltage and
frequency. Voltage qualities and current qualities are indicative parameters of power
quality. Voltage quality concerns with the deviation of the voltage from the ideal
characteristics. Current quality concerns with the deviation of the current from the ideal
characteristics. Modern electronic and power electronic devices may become the source
and victims of power quality problems Kennedy, B. W. (2000). The term electric power
quality broadly refers to maintaining a near sinusoidal power distribution bus voltage at
rated magnitude and frequency. In addition, the energy supplied to a customer must be
uninterrupted from the reliability point of view Transmission and Distribution
Committee. (2003).

Electric power has been generated by synchronous alternators that are driven by steam
turbines. The perfect power supply would be one which always available, always with
optimum voltage, frequency and sinusoidal wave shape. Variations in voltage are a
frequent occurrence in power distribution networks. The voltage variation according to
IEC is ± 5% for low voltage. Most of motors are manufactured to operate in tolerance of
± 5% (IEC). Voltage imbalance is a cause for motor temperature rise and fault.
Harmonics, interharmonics, dc offset, noise and notching are a cause for waveform
distortions. Power quality provides the solutions to all these problems in a very efficient
and optimized way. These problems, if not mitigated would cause heavy economic as
well as technical disturbances Santoso, S., et al (2012).

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All electrical devices are level to failure or malfunction when exposed to one or more
power quality problems. The electrical device might be an electric motor, a transformer, a
generator, a computer, a printer, communication equipment, or a house hold appliance.
All of these devices react adversely to PQ issues, depending on the severity of problems.
Generally, Power Quality is ultimately a consumer driven issue defined as: “any power
problem manifested in voltage, current or frequency deviation those results in failure or
main operation of consumer’s equipment” Kaiwart, J., & Raju, U. P. B. (2016).

2.2. Power Quality Problems

Identifying power quality problems is the first and basic step in the task of power quality
assessment. The specific power quality problems that need to be evaluated will be
different from customer to customer. A review of the types of equipment used by the
customer, process requirements and economic impacts of problems will lead to a list of
problems that need to be studied. They can include possible problems with the utility
distribution system and the customer facilities Santoso, S., et al (2012).

However, the IEEE Standard 1159-1995, classifies the power quality problems into seven
major categories described as follows Smith, J. C., Hensley, G., & Ray, L. (1995).
1. Transients
2. Long duration voltage variations
3. Short duration voltage variations
4. Voltage imbalances
5. Waveform distortions
6. Voltage fluctuations
7. Power frequency variations

2.2.1. Transients

It is an event that is undesirable and momentary in nature. It is the sudden change in one
steady state operating condition to another Santoso, S., et al (2012).

Transients can be classified into two categories:

 Impulsive transient
 Oscillatory transient

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 a. Impulsive Transient

An impulsive transient is a sudden non power frequency change in the steady state
condition of voltage, current, or both that is unidirectional in polarity (either positive or
negative). Due to high frequency nature, the shape of impulsive transients may be
changed quickly by circuit components and may have significant different characteristics
when viewed from different parts of the power system. An impulsive transient due to
lightning strokes can occur because of a direct strike to a power line or from magnetic
induction or capacitive coupling from strikes on adjacent lines Santoso, S., et al (2012).

Figure 1 Impulsive Transient

b. Oscillatory Transient

An oscillatory transient is a sudden, non-power frequency change in the steady state

condition of voltage, current or both that includes both positive and negative polarity
values. It consists of a voltage or current whose instantaneous value changes polarity
rapidly and described by its spectral content, duration, and magnitude Santoso, S., et al
(2012).

They are characterized by fluctuations in the measured quantity at very high frequencies.
I. High-frequency Transients: These have frequency components greater than 500 kHz
and a typical duration measured in microseconds (or several cycles of the principal
frequency).
II. Medium-frequency Transients: These have frequency components between 5 and
500 kHz with duration measured in the tens of microseconds (or several cycles of the
principal frequency).
III. Low-frequency Transients: These have frequency components less than 5 kHz, and
duration from 0.3 to 50 ms.

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Sources: Back-to-back capacitor switching, Transformer energization.

Figure 2 Oscillatory Transient

2.2.2. Long Duration Voltage Variations

Long duration voltage variations encompass root-mean-square (rms) deviations at power

frequencies for longer than 1 minute. They are usually not caused by system faults but
system switching operations and load variations on the system. The long duration voltage
variation may be either of an under voltage, over voltage or sustained interruption
Santoso, S., et al (2012).
Sources: Load variations, System switching operation.
It may be categorized into following types.

a. Over voltage

An overvoltage is defined as an increase in the rms ac voltage greater than 110% at the
power frequency for duration of longer than 1 min. Overvoltage’s can be the result of
switching off a large load, energizing a capacitor bank or incorrect tap settings on
transformers. Possible effect could be hardware failure in the equipment due to
overheating and insulation flashover of utility equipment’s Santoso, S., et al (2012).

b. Under Voltage

Under voltage is a decrease in the rms ac voltage to less than 90% at the power frequency
for a period of time greater than 1 minute. It is the result of switching on a load, a
capacitor bank switching off or overloaded circuits. Possible effects of under voltage
include system shutdown, malfunctioning of certain equipments, and equipment operation
at reduced efficiency Santoso, S., et al (2012).

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 c. Sustained Interruptions

When the supply voltage has been zero or drops to less than 10% of the nominal value for
a period of time greater than 1 minute. Voltage interruptions longer than 1 min are
sometimes permanent and require human intervention to repair the system for restoration.
Interruptions can result from control malfunction, faults, or improper breaker tripping
Santoso, S., et al (2012).

2.2.3. Short Duration Voltage Variations

These types of disturbance include root mean square (rms) voltage variations at power
frequencies for a period of less than one minute. They are caused by faulty conditions,
energization of large loads which require high starting currents, or intermittent loose
connections in the power wiring. Based on the type of fault, the short duration voltage
variation may be classified into voltage sag (dip), voltage rise (swell), or interruption
Kennedy, B. W. (2000).
It may be categorized into following types.

a. Voltage Sag/Dip

Voltage sag is a decrease to between 0.1 and 0.9 PU in rms voltage or current at the
power frequency for durations of 0.5 cycles to 1 minute Kennedy, B. W. (2000). Voltage
sags are the result of system faults, energization of heavy loads, or starting of large
motors that draw very large amount of current during startup (an induction motor will
draw 6 to 10 times its full load current during start-up). Possible effect of voltage sags
include system shutdown or reduce efficiency and life span of electrical equipment,
particularly motors.

Figure 3 Voltage sag/dip waveform

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 b. Voltage Swell
A swell (also known as momentary overvoltage) is an increase in rms voltage or current
at the power frequency to between 1.1 and 1.8 PU for durations from 0.5 cycles to 1 min.
It can upset electric controls and electric motor drives, particularly common adjustable-
speed drives, which can trip because of their built in protective circuitry. Swells are
commonly caused by system fault conditions, switching off a large load or energizing a
large capacitor bank Kennedy, B. W. (2000).

Figure 4 Voltage swell waveform

c. Interruption

An interruption occurs when there is a reduction of the supply voltage or load current to
less than 0.1 PU for a duration not exceeding 1 minute. It is the result of equipment
failures, power system faults and control malfunctions. The interruptions are measured by
their duration and voltage magnitude. The voltage magnitude of interruption is always
less than 10 percent of nominal. The duration of an interruption due to a fault on the
utility system is determined by the operating time of utility protective devices. Delayed
reclosing of the protective device may cause a momentary or temporary interruption
Kennedy, B. W. (2000).

2.2.4. Voltage Imbalances

Voltage imbalance is defined as the maximum deviation from the average of the three
phase voltages or currents, divided by the average of the three phase voltages or currents,
expressed in percent. The source of voltage unbalances is single-phase loads on a three
phase circuit. Voltage unbalance can also be the result of blown fuses in one phase of a
three-phase capacitor bank Santoso, S., et al (2012).

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2.2.5. Waveform Distortions

Waveform distortion is a condition whereby a steady-state deviations of the voltage

and/or current waveform from an ideal sine wave of power frequency. There are five
primary types of waveform distortion Santoso, S., et al (2012).
 DC offset
 Harmonics
 Interharmonics
 Notching
 Noise

a. DC offset

DC offset is the presence of a dc current or voltage in an ac power system. This can occur
due to the effect of half-wave rectification. Direct current found in alternating current
networks can have a harmful effect. This can cause additional heating and loss the
transformer life Santoso, S., et al (2012).

b. Harmonics

Harmonics is defined as a sinusoidal component of a periodic wave or quantity having a

frequency that is an integral multiple of the fundamental frequency usually 50Hz or 60Hz.
Distorted waveforms can be decomposed into a sum of the fundamental frequency and
the harmonics Santoso, S., et al (2012).

Harmonics originate from the nonlinear characteristics of devices and loads that require
currents other than a sinusoid on the power system. The most common of these loads are
static power converters, although several other loads are also non-sinusoidal, such as the
following Kaiwart, J., & Raju, U. P. B. (2016).
 Arc furnaces and other arc-discharge devices, such as fluorescent lamps
 Synchronous machines
 Adjustable speed drives used in fans, blowers, pumps, and process drives

The effect of harmonics in the power system includes the corruption and loss of data,
overheating sensitive equipment and overloading of capacitor banks.

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 c. Interharmonics

Interharmonics are defined as voltages or currents having frequency components that are
not integer multiples of the frequency at which the supply system is designed to operate.
The sources of interharmonics are static frequency converter, cycloconverters, induction
furnaces, and arcing devices Santoso, S., et al (2012).

d. Notching

Notching is a periodic voltage disturbance caused by the normal operation of power

electronic devices when current is commutated from one phase to another. During this
period, there is a momentary short circuit between two phases, pulling the voltage as
close to zero as permitted by system impedances Santoso, S., et al (2012).

e. Noise

Noise is the unwanted electrical signals with broadband spectral content lower than 200
kHz superimposed upon the power system voltage or current in phase conductors, or
found on neutral conductors or signal lines. Noise in power system can be caused by
power electronic devices, control circuits, arcing equipment, loads with solid-state
rectifiers, and switching power supplies. The problem can be mitigated by using filters,
isolation transformers, and line conditioners Santoso, S., et al (2012).

2.2.6. Voltage Fluctuations

Voltage fluctuations are systematic variations of the voltage envelope or a series of

random voltage changes, the magnitude of which does not normally exceed the voltage
range 0.9 to 1.1 per unit Kennedy, B. W. (2000).
Santoso, S., et al (2012), loads that can exhibit continuous, rapid variations in the load
current magnitude can cause voltage variations that are often referred to as flicker. The
term flicker is derived from the impact of the voltage fluctuation on lamps such that they
are perceived by the human eye to flicker.

2.2.7. Power Frequency Variations

The electric power network is designed to operate at a specified value (50Hz) of

frequency. The frequency variations are caused if there is any imbalance in the supply
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and demand. Large variations in the frequency are caused due to sudden switching of
loads. The power system frequency is directly related to the rotational speed of the
generators on the system. Frequency variations that go outside of accepted limits for
normal steady state operation of the power system are normally caused by faults on the
bulk power transmission system, a large block of load being disconnected or a large
source of generation going off-line Santoso, S., et al (2012).

Table 1 Summary of power quality problems, causes, and effects.

PQ problems Sources (causes) Effects

Impulsive Lightning Destroys electrical and electronic
Transients capacitor switching, equipment’s like TV, computer chips,
load switching regulator
Oscillatory Line/cable switching, load Destroys electrical and electronic
Transients and capacitor switching equipment’s like TV, computer chips,
regulator
Sag/Swells Faults Motor starting and Overheating,
(RMS Computer failures, ASD shutting down
Variation)
Interruption System protection, Loss production, Shutting down of
(RMS Breaker, Fuses, equipment
Variation) Maintenance
Under/Over Motor starting, Load Shorten lives of motors and lightning
voltage variation, Load dropping filaments

Harmonic Nonlinear loads, System Overheating of transformers and

distortion resonance motors, fuse blow, relays trip, meters
failure
Voltage Intermittent load Motor Light flicker
flicker starting Arc furnace Irritation

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2.3. Causes of Power Quality Problems

The nonlinear characteristics of various office and industrial equipment connected to the
power grid could cause electrical disturbances leading to power quality problems. These
electrical disturbances could destroy certain sensitive equipment connected to the grid or
in some cases could cause them to malfunction. There is virtually no piece of office or
industrial equipment that does not depend on electricity in some form or other. Among
the office equipment are computers, fax machines, copiers, printers, and telephones etc.
Computers have dominated the work place while the others in modern days have
microprocessors. All this electronic equipment when connected to the power system can
actually generate electrical disturbances, which can adversely affect other equipment
within the power network.
In general the main sources of power quality problems are adjustable speed drives,
switching power supplies, arc furnaces, electronic fluorescent lamp ballasts, lightning
strike, nonlinear loads, starting of large motors, short circuit faults and etc. Weverink, M.
L. M. (2009).

2.4. Power Quality Standards

The purpose of power quality standards, IEEE standard is to protect utility and end-user
equipment from failing when the voltage, current or frequency deviates from normal
values. Power quality standards help utilities and customers to gain agreement to what are
acceptable and unacceptable levels of service Khalid, S., and Bharti Dwivedi (2011).

There are many standard organizations provide the acceptable levels. Some of the
standards are explain in the following ways.

IEEE Standard 1366–2003 entitled, IEEE Guide for Electric Power Distribution
Reliability Indices, defines the following distribution reliability indices System Average
Interruption Frequency Index (SAIFI), System Average Interruption Duration Index
(SAIDI), Customer Average Interruption Duration Index (CAIDI), Average Service
Availability Index (ASAI).

IEEE Standard 519-1992 Recommended Practices and Requirements for Harmonic

Control in Electrical Power Systems. This guide applies to all types of static power
converters used in industrial and commercial power systems. The problems involved in

14
the harmonic control and reactive compensation of such converters are addressed, and an
application guide is provided.

IEEE Standard 1100-2005, Recommended Practice for Powering and Grounding

Sensitive Electronic Equipment. Recommended design, installation, and maintenance
practices for electrical power and grounding (including both power related and signal
related noise control) of sensitive electronic processing equipment used in commercial
and industrial applications.

IEEE Standard 1250-1995 Guide for Service to Equipment Sensitive to Momentary

Voltage Disturbances. Computers, computer-like products, and equipment using solid-
state power conversion have created entirely new areas of power quality considerations.
There is an increasing awareness that much of this new user equipment is not designed to
withstand the surges, faults, and reclosing duty present on typical distribution systems.
Momentary voltage disturbances occurring in AC power distribution and utilization
systems, their potential effects on this new sensitive, user equipment and guidance toward
mitigation of these effects are described. Harmonic distortion limits are also discussed.

IEEE Standard 1346-1998 Recommended Practice for Evaluating Electric Power

System Compatibility with Electronic Process Equipment. A standard methodology for
the technical and financial analysis of voltage sag compatibility between process
equipment and electric power systems is recommended. The methodology presented is
intended to be used as a planning tool to quantify the voltage sag environment and
process sensitivity. It shows how technical and financial alternatives can be evaluated.
Performance limits for utility systems, power distribution systems, or electronic process
equipment is not included.

IEEE Standard 1159-2009 Recommended Practice for Monitoring Electric Power

Quality. Monitoring of electric power quality of AC power systems, definitions of power
quality terminology, impact of poor power quality on utility and customer equipment, and
the measurements of electromagnetic phenomena are covered.

ANSI C84.1-1995 Recommended Practice for voltage ratings of Electric Power Systems
and Equipment’s. Published by NEMA, National Electrical Manufacturers Association,
This voluntary standard was first approved in 1954 as a joint effort by the Edison Electric
Institute and the NEMA to recommend voltage ratings for both electric systems and

15
equipment to promote compatibility. ANSI standard establishes the steady state voltage
delivery window of +/- 5% at the point of delivery. It also recommends a tolerance
window of +6% and -13% for end use equipment. The standard also establishes a
tolerance window for voltage unbalance of +/-3%.

2.5. Power Quality Monitoring

Power quality monitoring is needed to determine what type of power quality disturbance
is present, as disturbances are not always obvious. Many types of power quality monitors
are available. It measures and records all energy data such as voltage, current, average
power factor, instantaneous power factor, active power, reactive power, frequency and all
the disturbances. Monitoring power quality instruments are connected to the network
through transducers and transducers should be selected according to the system Kennedy,
B. W. (2000).

2.6. Power Quality Mitigation Techniques

Power electronic based devices provide protection for industry and commercial customers
from power quality problems. These devices are known as custom power devices and
they can increase the availability of sensitive loads in the system and supply reliable
power. Custom power devices are typically building on the distribution system to provide
higher power quality. High power solid-state switches insulated gate bipolar transistor
(IGBT) and gate turn off thyristor (GTO) with controlled turn- off capability are used to
achieve high power quality. They perform rapid response and provide continuous and
dynamic control in real time processes (Taylor, 1995).
Custom power devices are mainly used in PQ mitigation, protection and control of
sensitive loads, reactive power and voltage regulation. The most common custom power
devices are as follows (Taylor, 1995):

a) Dynamic Voltage Restorer (DVR)

b) Uninterruptable Power Supply (UPS)
c) Active Power Filters (APF)
d) Distribution Static Compensator (DSTATCOM)
e) Solid State Transfer Switch (SSTS)
f) Unified Power Flow Controller (UPFC)

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2.7. Literature Review

Power quality is a subjective term and its meaning is different to various concerned
bodies; the customer, manufacture of equipment’s and etc. In other words power quality
problem is any power problem manifested in voltage, current, or frequency deviations
that result in failure or mis-operation of customer equipment Santoso, S., et al (2012).
IEEE Standard 1159 defines power quality as the concept of powering and grounding
sensitive equipment in a manner that is suitable for the operation of that equipment
Transmission and Distribution Committee. (2003).

Now-a-days the customers use large number of devices at their installations that consist
of power electronics. The residential customers use different domestic appliances such as
televisions, video cassette recorders, microwave ovens, personal computers, heating-
ventilation air conditioning equipment, dishwashers, dryers etc. The business and office
equipments include workstations, personal computers, copiers, printers, lighting etc. On
the other hand, the industrial customers use programmable logic controllers (PLC),
automation and data processors, variable speed drives, soft starters, inverters,
computerized numerical control tools and so on. Many of these devices are quite sensitive
to power quality disturbances Weverink, M. L. M. (2009).

Case studies and surveys in different countries around the world have been done to
estimate the impacts of poor power quality to the customers. Manufacturers of electrical
and electronic equipments and end users of electric power are challenging utilities to
upgrade the quality of their electric power supplies. Utilities on the other hand are forcing
end-users to mitigate the quality of electric current they draw. The issue of power quality
has reached up to making national regulations in some countries.
The following are some of the works done before on power quality problems and
mitigation techniques.

Birdi, H. S. (2006) describes a technique to automate the classification and analysis of

the power quality events using relay recorded data. The technique uses voltage duration
and magnitude (as specified in the IEEE Std. 1159 - 1995, IEEE Recommended Practice
for Monitoring Electric Power Quality) of three phases to detect and classify the events.

17
The classified results are then presented in a user-friendly graphical form. Fast Fourier
Transformation (FFT) is used to estimate the fundamental frequency and harmonic
components in power systems.

Shady, A. (2009) published a paper on power quality assessment via coordinated voltage
control in distributed power generation. On their paper, they presented the advantages of
active approach in distribution network operation. Their study focused on a voltage
quality problem and introduced the coordinated voltage control technique to increase the
share of distribution generation in distribution networks and to supply the customers with
the required power quality.

Kumar, M. Y. B. S., & Yaseen, M. D. (2013) they describe the power electronic devices
and technical review in various power engineering levels. In energy transmission systems,
effective equipments on power control are generally known as Flexible AC Transmission
System (FACTS). In addition, the power electronics-based equipment, which are called
power conditioners are used to solve power quality problems. Since the topologies of
these equipments are similar to those used in FACTS equipment, power conditioners are
also called Distribution FACTS (DFACTS). The principal operating modes and
applications whichever one of equipment in transmission and distribution system (such as
STATCOM, SSSC, UPFC, DSTATCOM, DVR and UPQC) are discussed and compared.

Bhaskar, M. A., et al (2010, March) presents the analysis and control of a dynamic
voltage restorer (DVR) and a unified power flow controller (UPFC) for the compensation
of voltage sag/swell. A Unified Power Flow Controller (UPFC) is an electrical device for
providing fast-acting reactive power compensation on voltage electricity networks.
Dynamic Voltage Restorer (DVR) is a custom power device used in power distribution
networks to protect consumers from sudden sags and swells in grid voltage. Voltage
sag/swell is one of the most important power quality problems challenging the utility
industry. The DVR provides three-phase controllable voltage source, whose voltage
vector (magnitude and angle) adds to the source voltage during sag event, to restore the
load voltage to pre-sag conditions. The DVR is designed for protecting the whole plant
with loads in the range of some MVA. The DVR can restore the load voltage within few
milliseconds. The modeling of dynamic voltage restorer and UPFC is carried out
component wise and their performances are analyzed using MATLAB software.

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SACE, A. (2008) presents a case study of application of solid-state harmonic filter to
improve electric power quality and reduce energy consumption in textile industries.
Detailed studies were carried out in various textile firms in India and the effects of poor
power quality especially harmonics were analyzed on the productivity and energy
consumption. Harmonic current generated by nonlinear loads like motors driven by
Variable Frequency Drives (VFD) cause power system heating and add to user power
bills. The harmonic related losses are present in the power cables, bus bars linking the
loads with source, the power transformer itself. A more serious effect of harmonic loads
served by transformer is due to an increase in winding eddy current losses. The heat
generated due to harmonics must be removed in order to save electrical energy, thus
leading to savings in the utility bill. The paper is a case study where a 1.5 MVA
transformer used for powering the spinning section of a textile mill. The current
harmonics is recorded with & without using the harmonic filter. The power parameters
are recorded on both the primary & secondary side of transformer to demonstrate how the
harmonic filter can reduce the effects of harmonics and save energy.

2.8. Summary of Literature Review

Various researchers have been done in the area of power quality problems and their
mitigation techniques. Basically, they focused mitigation of power quality problems by
using different mitigation techniques. There is a lot of power quality problems occurred in
power distribution. The common power quality problems occurred in power distribution
systems are voltage imbalance, voltage sags, swells and harmonics distortion. This
problem could affect the performance, productivity, profitability of the factory.

Therefore, it is needed to come out with the solution to reduce this variety of
disturbances/problems. Prior studies show that several researchers have been devoted
their time to define and explain the concept of power quality problems, causes, effects
and their possible improvement techniques to address power quality problems.

19
 CHAPTER THREE

RESEARCH METHODOLOGY

3.1 Description of Wama Sugar Factory

Wama Sugar Factory is one of the sugar production plant located in Western part of
Ethiopia, Oromia regional state East Wollega Zone Sibu Sire town at Jarso Wama district
area/kebele, which is around 303km from Addis Ababa and around 25km from Sire town.
It was established on 2005 GC on 4,500 hectares of land. The construction of the whole
factory was completed in 2009 GC. The factory started producing white sugar on
December 2010 GC with initial capacity of 400 to 500 tons per day.

The power distribution system is supplied from Bako substation through 33KV Bilo
feeder line. Wama sugar factory consists of two distribution transformers with the
capacity of 1000KVA and 1200KVA. The two existing distribution transformers in
Wama Sugar Factory used to step-down the voltages to 0.4KV (33KV/0.4KV). The
factory has two diesel generators which are used as emergency power supply for some
critical/sensitive loads with the capacity of 250KVA and 500KVA. The factory loads also
supplied from one steam turbine which is used for startup of the mill. The rating of each
device is identified through field survey/visit. Generally, the factory loads get the power
from the one steam turbine, two diesel generator and two distribution transformer (33KV,
50HZ) from Ethiopian Electric Utility EEU through Bako substation (Billo feeder line).

The industrial/factory facilities are characterized by the widespread application of

nonlinear loads. Nonlinear loads appear to be source/cause of power quality problems
into the power distribution. The nonlinear loads in factory can be generally grouped as
three phase power converters, drives (DC drive, AC drive, VFD (Variable Frequency
Drives), adjustable speed drives)). This study is mainly focus on the factory loads that are
supplied from the two distribution transformers and the load has got the power from
distribution panel. The distribution panels are mainly consists of variable speed drives,
AC and DC drives, squirrel cage and wound rotor type motors which driving the various
drives such as cane unloading equipment, belt conveyors, band cane carrier, auxiliary
cane carrier, inclined cane carrier, anvil cane carrier, horizontal of cane handling, cane

20
preparatory, milling, raw juice cry, cooling tower pump, cooling tower fun, centrifugal
machines, crystallizers and agitators, elevators, and air compressors.

Figure 5 Single line diagram of Wama Sugar Factory power distribution

Where L1 up to L12 indicates different factory loads.

L1-Variable Speed Drives,
L2-Drives (AC and DC),
L3-Motors (Induction Motors, Synchronous motors),
L4-Air compressors,
L5-Cooling tower pumps,
L6-Cooling tower fun,
L7-Belts Conveyors,
L8-Elevators,
L9-Milling,
L10-Cane Carrier
L11-Raw juices cry
L12-Domestic Loads (Lighting, Computers, Sockets…)

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3.2.1. Software Requirement

 Matlab/Simulink software is used for modeling and simulation of power quality

problems.
 Microsoft Visio 2007 is used for design of single line diagram of Wama Sugar
Factory power distribution system.

3.2.2. Material Requirement

 Fluke 434/435 is known as power quality analyzer. It is the electrical device that
has the ability to measure high speed voltage parameter, RMS voltage quality
parameters, power quality parameters, three phase quality parameters, harmonic
quality parameters, and distortion factors simultaneously.
 Multimeter
 Flash (64 GB)
 Computer/laptop

3.3. Methodology

The research methodology contains of five main parts. Those are:

First part focuses on the information of power quality problems in power distribution
systems from published materials, books, papers, articles, journals, lecture notes and other
materials.

Second part targets to investigate power quality problems found in the factory such as
voltage variation problems, voltage sag, waveform distortion (total harmonics distortion)
of the supply voltage and current to the factory. These power quality phenomena is done
through data collection from the direct measurement, the machine name plate data, by
oral interview with electrical personnel’s who work in respective areas, the recorded data
of the factory. Data collection method is either primary data collection (machine name
plate, manual and recorded data) or secondary data collection (making interview with
electrical personnel/technician). Also data collection in the factory will be done by using
Power Quality Analyzer called Fluke 434/435. Fluke 434/435 is the device that has the

22
ability to measure RMS voltage and current on all three phases, total power (active,
apparent and reactive), power factor, frequency and harmonic distortion per phase.

Third part design suitable mitigation techniques for power quality problems in the Wama
Sugar Factory. That means it contains mathematical modeling of the parameters of the
existing system and the mitigation device. Based on the mathematical analysis of the total
system, model the whole system by using the Matlab/Simulink software.

Fourth part simulate of the modeled system in Matlab/Simulink. This part indicates
simulation of power quality problems and its improvement techniques. Then analysis the
existing data (collected data) and compare to the power quality IEEE standard 1159-1995.

Finally, state conclusion and recommendation of the total research work based on the
result.

Literature Data Data

Modeling
review collection analysis

Conclusion and Result Simulation

recommendation analysis

Figure 6 Flow diagram of methodology

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3.4. Work Plan

Table 2 Work Plan

Activities May Jun Jul Aug Sept Oct
 Review of different literature review
 Title selection xxx
 Site selection
 State/identify statement of problem,
objectives,
 scope of study, methodology xxx
 Submit proposal to department xxx
 Proposal presentation
 Data collection xxx
 Data analysis
 Modeling of mitigation techniques for
PQ
 Result analysis xxx
 Discussion, conclusion and
recommendation
 Writing research draft
 Submitting research paper xxx
 Final thesis presentation

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3.5. Cost/Budget Breakdown

Table 3 Budget Breakdown

No Items Prices Remark
ETB Cents
1 Transport 3100 00
2 Accommodation 9500 00
3 Data collector 8000 00
4 Technician 2000 00
5 Flash 400 00
6 CD 100 00
7 Paper 500 00
8 Notebook 100 00
9 Printing 1000 00
10 Binding 300 00
Total cost 25,000 00 Twenty Five thousand

25
REFERENCE

Bhaskar, M. A., Dash, S. S., Subramani, C., Kumar, M. J., Giresh, P. R., & Kumar, M. V.
(2010, March). Voltage quality improvement using DVR. In 2010 International
Conference on Recent Trends in Information, Telecommunication and Computing (pp.
378-380). IEEE.
Birdi, H. S. (2006). Power quality analysis using relay recorded data (Doctoral
dissertation, University of Saskatchewan).

Bollen, M. H. (2000). Understanding power quality problems in Voltage sags and

Interruptions. IEEE press.
Dong, Z.Y., and Saha, T., 2004. Power Quality & Equipment Protection. ELEC4301, 1-34.
Kaiwart, J., & Raju, U. P. B. (2016). Harmonic Mitigation Techniques: A
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Instrumentation Engineering, 5(11), 8346-8352.
Kennedy, B. W. (2000). Power quality primer. McGraw-Hill Education.
Khalid, S., and Bharti Dwivedi. "Power quality issues, problems, standards & their effects
in industry with corrective means." International Journal of Advances in Engineering &
Technology 1.2 (2011): 1.
Kumar, M. Y. B. S., & Yaseen, M. D. (2013). Voltage Quality Improvement by using
Facts Devices. Anurag Group of Institutions, Andhra Pradesh, India, 3(5).
SACE, A. (2008). Power Factor Correction and Harmonic Filtering in Electrical
Plants. Technical Application Papers, 1-62.
Santoso, S., McGranaghan, M. F., Dugan, R. C., & Beaty, H. W. (2004). Electrical power
systems quality, 2nd Edition, McGraw-Hill Education.
Sekar, T. C., & Rabi, B. J. (2012, December). A review and study of harmonic mitigation
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Engineering and Energy Management (ICETEEEM) (pp. 93-97). IEEE.
Shady, A. (2009). Power quality assessment via coordinated voltage control in distributed
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Jornal of Electrical and Power Engineering, (3), 6.
Smith, J. C., Hensley, G., & Ray, L. (1995). IEEE recommended practice for monitoring
electric power quality. IEEE std, 1159-1995.
Taylor, G.A., 1995. Power Quality Hardware Solutions for Distribution Systems: Custom
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Medium Voltage DC Distribution System.

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