A field measurements model for harmonic distortion estimation in low voltage systems

Nowadays, the power quality has become not only an important competitive factor for industrial users but also a crucial factor in the energy efficiency of the facilities. Seen paradoxically, the increase we have seen in the energy efficiency of the electrical loads, leads to the intensive use of power electronics resulting in a very high injection of harmonics in the distribution networks, thus causing a lack in the power quality leading a significant voltage waveform deformation. An electrical network containing a high harmonic content is synonymous of a low-level quality of the distributed energy, resulting in an increase of losses and low power factors, decreasing the energy efficiency of the installations. This paper presents a model that allows predicting the harmonic content present in an electrical installation, depending on the type of loads. Hence, it will be possible to know several qualitative parameters such as the voltage and current total harmonic distortion (THD), which will help to predict and size the mitigation measures to improve the power quality and energy efficiency of the facilities.