Harmonic Modelling and Experimental Validation of an Inverter-Driven Heat-pump

Harmonic modelling and experimental validation of an inverter-driven heat-pump (HP) under different power levels is considered in this paper. Preliminary results of a research activity, conducted first in New Zealand at the University of Canterbury (UC) and then in Italy at the University of Campania “Luigi Vanvitelli”, are reported. The aim is to investigate the impact of harmonics (and in future interharmonics) on the low voltage network produced by modern HPs. The starting point was a previous study conducted at the UC, where the harmonic emissions of six commercial heat-pumps were compared by means of lab. measurements and PSCAD models. The time-domain model developed in this paper is validated by experimental measurements made in the field. Very accurate results in terms of harmonic injection were obtained, which will allow its use in more comprehensive harmonic penetration studies in the time and frequency domains.