Guide To Harmonics With AC Variable Frequency Drives

Guide to Harmonics
with AC Variable Frequency Drives

Contents
• Introduction
• Basics of the harmonics phenomena
• Harmonic distortion sources and effects
• Harmonic distortion calculation by using DriveSize software
o Circuit diagram for the calculation example
o Input data for motor load
o Motor selection
o Inverter selection
o Inverter supply unit data
o Network and Transformer data input
o Calculated harmonic current and voltage
o Calculated harmonic currents in graphical form
o Part of the printed report
• Standards for harmonic limits
o EN61800-3 (IEC1800-3) Adjustable speed electrical power drive systems
o IEC1000-2-2, Electromagnetic compatibility (EMC)
o IEEE519, IEEE Recommended practices and requirements for harmonic control
in electrical power systems
• Evaluating harmonics
• How to reduce harmonics by structural modifications in the AC drive system
o Factors in the AC drive having an effect on harmonics
o Table: List of the different factors and their effects
o Using 6-pulse diode rectifier
o Using 12-pulse or 24-pulse diode rectifier
o Using phase controlled thyristor rectifier
o Using IGBT bridge
o Using larger DC or AC inductor
• Other methods for harmonics reduction
o Tuned single arm passive filter
o Tuned multiple arm passive filter
o External active filter
• Summary of harmonics attenuation
o 6-pulse rectifier without inductor
o 6-pulse rectifier with inductor
o 12-pulse rectifier with polycon transformer
o 12-pulse with double wound transformer
o 24-pulse rectifier
o Active IGBT rectifier
• Definitions
Harmonic distortion sources and effects
Common non-linear loads include motor starters, variable speed drives, computers and other
electronic devices, electronic lighting, welding supplies and uninterrupted power supplies.
The effects of harmonics can be overheating of transformers, cables, motors, generators and
capacitors connected to the same power supply with the devices generating the harmonics.
Electronic displays and lighting may flicker, circuit breakers can trip, computers may fail and
metering can give false readings.
If the cause of the above mentioned symptoms is not known, then there is cause to
investigate the harmonic distortion of the electricity distribution at the plant. The effects are
likely to show up in the customer's plant before they show on the utility system. This Technical
Guide has been published to help customers to understand the possible harmonic problems
and make sure the harmonic distortion levels are not excessive.
Harmonic distortion calculation by using DriveSize software
The harmonic currents cause a distortion of the line voltage. In principle the voltage
harmonics can be calculated at any point of the network if the harmonic currents and the
corresponding source impedance are known. The circuit diagrams in Figure 4.1. show the
network supplying the converter and the other essential parts of the installation. ABB
DriveSize software is used for the calculation example.
Circuit diagram for the calculation example
Figure 4.1. Network supplying a frequency converter in the middle and its equivalent diagram
on the right. The data for this example is on the left.
Input data for motor load

Figure 4.2. The most important motor load data for harmonics calculation is the base power in
kW.
Motor selection
Figure 4. 3. The software makes the motor selection for the defined load. If required there is
an option to select a different motor than that selected by the DriveSize.
Inverter selection
Figure 4.4. The inverter selection is based on the previous motor selection and here also the
user has an option to select the inverter manually.
Inverter supply unit data
Figure 4.5. The supply unit data is defined by DriveSize according to the inverter type
selected.
Network and Transformer data input
Figure 4.6. The network and transformer data input is given here. For standard ABB
transformers the data is shown automatically.
Calculated harmonic current and voltage

Figure 4.7. The harmonics are calculated by making discrete Fourier transformation to the
simulated phase current of the incoming unit.
Different kinds of circuit models are used, one for SingleDrive with AC inductors and one for
diode and thyristor supply with DC inductors. There are also models for 6, 12 and 24 pulse
connections.
Calculated harmonic currents in graphical form
Figure 4.8. The results of calculations can be shown in table form as above or as a graph.
Part of the printed report

Figure 4.9. The input data and calculated results can be printed out as a report, which is partly
shown here.

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What are some common sources of harmonic distortion?

What are some potential effects of harmonic distortion?

Guide to Harmonics

with AC Variable Frequency Drives

Harmonic distortion sources and effects

Harmonic distortion calculation by using DriveSize software

Circuit diagram for the calculation example

Input data for motor load

Inverter supply unit data

Network and Transformer data input

Calculated harmonic current and voltage

Calculated harmonic currents in graphical form

Part of the printed report

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