Title: Assessing harmonic current source modelling and power definitions in balanced and unbalanced networks

Authors: Gary Atkinson-Hope, W.C. Stemmet

Addresses: Cape Peninsula University of Technology, Cape Town Campus, Cape Town 8000, South Africa. ' Cape Peninsula University of Technology, Cape Town Campus, Cape Town 8000, South Africa

Abstract: The purpose of this paper is to assess the DIgSILENT PowerFactory software power definitions (indices) in terms of phase and sequence components for balanced and unbalanced networks when harmonic distortion is present and to compare its results to hand calculations done, following recommendation made by the IEEE Working Group on this topic. This paper also includes the development of a flowchart for calculating power indices in balanced and unbalanced three-phase networks when non-sinusoidal voltages and currents are present. A further purpose is to determine how two industrial grade harmonic analysis software packages (DIgSILENT and ERACS) model three-phase harmonic sources used for current penetration studies and to compare their results when applied to a network. From the investigations, another objective was to develop a methodology for modelling harmonic current sources based on a spectrum obtained from measurements. Three case studies were conducted and the assessment and developed methodologies were shown to be effective.

Keywords: power system harmonics; harmonic analysis; harmonic distortion; modelling; power definitions; balanced networks; unbalanced networks; power indices; harmonic current sources.

DOI: 10.1504/IJETP.2006.008543

International Journal of Energy Technology and Policy, 2006 Vol.4 No.1/2, pp.85 - 102

Published online: 29 Dec 2005 *

Full-text access for editors Full-text access for subscribers Purchase this article Comment on this article