Power Quality And Harmonic Loads

Abstract

This paper presents the results of a research done on the harmonic distortion of load current and voltage in low voltage distribution networks owing to the extensive use of peak-detecting type capacitor-filter rectifier systems (often the front-end of non linear electronic loads). A classical case to be studied is the compact fluorescent lamps (CFLs) without power factor correction being implemented. It has become evident that the use of CFLs alone is more or less accountable to the non-linear loads generated in rural electrification schemes in Sri Lanka. A case study was also done by the authors on a chosen low voltage distribution network to analyze the impact of CFL loads and the capabilities of the network with regard to IEEE 519 regulations. The methods of analysis and the results are presented in this paper and PSCAD software has been used to simulate the system. The commercial aspects of using CFLs and energy saving have been discussed. Harmonic effects on the distribution transformers are studied as applied to the line segment considered in the study