Power quality: harmonics in power systems

The increased use of nonlinear electronic equipment has become a concern in most utility power systems. Nonlinear loads draw current discontinuously during the cycle of the input voltage waveform and produce low power factors when harmonics are taken into account. This increases line current and can limit the available capacity of branch circuits. In addition, harmonic currents can cause heating in utility and facility transformers. Modern personal computers and other information technology equipments utilize "switching regulators" or switch mode power supplies, to convert utility AC power to regulated DC power. These switching regulators and switch mode power supplies generate high third and fifth harmonic current. If the equipments are not properly designed or rated, equipment will often malfunction when harmonics are present in an electrical system and that equipment can be personal computer in business environment or an ultrasonic imaging machine in a hospital. To eliminate this harmful effect, in depth study of power system analysis is required. In this project, study of power quality and detailed analysis of harmonics is performed. This project will look at causes and effects of harmonics in power systems. In depth analysis is performed and mathematical model and software simulation for passive harmonic filter is developed to design inexpensive solution for the utilities and power industries. And the results will be compared with the industry standards.