Supraharmonics (2 to 150 kHz) and multi-level converters

Abstract

This paper summarizes the state of part of the discussions in CIGRE/CIRED/IEEE joined working group C4.24, especially where it concerns supraharmonics. There is an increasing interest from the international standard-setting community in knowledge about distortion in the frequency range 2 to 150 kHz, referred to as supraharmonics. The reduction of emission in the lower-frequency ranges appears to result in an increase in supraharmonic emission by equipment. Power electronics has emerged as a ubiquitous technology, which plays a critical role in almost any areas. Power electronics converter is an important source of waveform distortion, but, as shown in this paper, power electronics can also be the key to mitigate distortion, when the proper technology is employed.