Amprobe DM-111S Current-Data-Logger - Manual (Page 56)

DMIIIS
EN - 54
16.2.3. Presence of harmonics: causes
Any apparatus that alters the sine wave or uses only a part of such a wave causes
distortions to the sine wave and therefore harmonics.
All current signals are in some way distorted. The most common situation is the harmonic
distortion caused by non-linear loads such as household appliances, personal computers
or speed control units for motors. Harmonic distortion causes significant currents at
frequencies that are odd multiples of the fundamental frequency. Harmonic currents affect
considerably the neutral wire of electric installations.
In most countries, the mains power is three-phase 50/60Hz with a delta primary and star
secondary transformer. The secondary generally provides 230V AC from phase to neutral
and 400V AC from phase to phase. Balancing the loads on each phase has always
represented a headache for electric systems designers.
Until some ten years ago, in a well-balanced system, the vectorial sum of the currents in
the neutral was zero or quite low (given the difficulty of obtaining a perfect balance). The
devices were incandescent lights, small motors and other devices that presented linear
loads. The result was an essentially sinusoidal current in each phase and a low current on
the neutral at a frequency of 50/60Hz.
“Modern” devices such as TV sets, fluorescent lights, video machines and microwave
ovens normally draw current for only a fraction of each cycle thus causing non-linear loads
and subsequent non-linear currents. All this generates odd harmonics of the 50/60Hz line
frequency. For this reason, the current in the transformers of the distribution boxes
contains only a 50Hz (or 60Hz) component but also a 150Hz (or 180Hz) component, a
300Hz (or 360Hz) component and other significant components of harmonic up to 750Hz
(or 900Hz) and higher.
The vectorial sum of the currents in a well-balanced system that feeds non-linear loads
may still be quite low. However, the sum does not eliminate all current harmonics. The odd
multiples of the third harmonic (called “TRIPLENS”) are added together in the neutral and
can cause overheating, even with balanced loads.
16.2.4. Presence of harmonics: consequences
In general, even harmonics, i.e. the 2
nd
, 4
th
etc., do not cause problems. Triple harmonics,
odd multiples of three, are added on the neutral (instead of canceling each other) thus
creating a condition of overheating of the wire which is extremely dangerous.
Designers should take into consideration the three issues given below when designing a
power distribution system that will contain harmonic current:

The neutral wire must be of sufficient gauge.

The distribution transformer must have an additional cooling system to continue
operating at its rated capacity when not suited to the harmonics. This is necessary
because the harmonic current in the neutral wire of the secondary circuit circulates in
the delta-connected primary circuit. This circulating harmonic current heats up the
transformer.

Phase harmonic currents are reflected on the primary circuit and continue back to the
power source. This can cause distortion of the voltage wave, so that any power factor
correction capacitors on the line can be easily overloaded.
The 5
th and the 11 th harmonics contrast the current flow through the motors making its’
operation harder and shortens their average life.
In general, the higher the ordinal harmonic number, the smaller its energy is and therefore
the impact it will have on the devices (except for transformers).