Locating Harmonic Sources

Locating Harmonic Sources:

When harmonic problems are caused by excessive voltage distortion on the supply system, it is important to locate the sources of harmonics in order to develop a solution to the problems. Using a power quality monitor capable of reporting the harmonic content of the current, simply measure the harmonic currents in each branch starting at the beginning of the circuit and trace the harmonics to the source.

There are two basic approaches to find the sources of harmonic currents on the power systems:

1.     Compare the time variations of the voltage distortion with specific customer and load characteristics.

2.     Monitor flow of harmonic currents on the feeder with capacitor banks off.