The present power system is loaded with sophisticated energy conversion technologies like solid state converters. With the rapid advance in semiconductor technology, power electronics have provided new devices that are highly efficient and reliable. These devices are inherently non-linear, which causes the current to deviate from sinusoidal conditions. This phenomenon is known as harmonic current distortion. Multiple consumers are connected to the utility at the point of common coupling. Harmonic currents are then transmitted into the distribution system by various solid state users and this could lead to voltage distortion. Harmonic distortion is just one of the power quality fields and is not desirable in a power system. Distortion levels could cause multiple problems in the form of additional heating, increased power losses and even failing of sensitive equipment. Utility companies like Eskom have power quality monitors on various points in their distribution system. Data measurements are taken at a single point of delivery during certain time intervals and stored on a database. Multiple harmonic measurements will not be able to describe distortion patterns of the whole distribution system. Analysis must be done on this information to translate it to useful managerial information. The aim of this project is to develop a benchmarking methodology that could aid the supply industry with useful information to effectively manage harmonic distortion in a distribution system. The methodology will implement distortion indexes set forth by the Electrical Power Research Institute [3], which will describe distortion levels in a qualitative and quantitative way. Harmonic measurements of the past two years will be used to test the methodology. The information is obtained from Eskom’s database and will benchmark the North-West Province distribution network [40]. This proposed methodology will aim to aid institutions like NERSA to establish a reliable power quality management system. / Thesis (M.Ing. (Nuclear Engineering))--North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2012

The present power system is loaded with sophisticated energy conversion technologies like solid state converters. With the rapid advance in semiconductor technology, power electronics have provided new devices that are highly efficient and reliable. These devices are inherently non-linear, which causes the current to deviate from sinusoidal conditions. This phenomenon is known as harmonic current distortion. Multiple consumers are connected to the utility at the point of common coupling. Harmonic currents are then transmitted into the distribution system by various solid state users and this could lead to voltage distortion. Harmonic distortion is just one of the power quality fields and is not desirable in a power system. Distortion levels could cause multiple problems in the form of additional heating, increased power losses and even failing of sensitive equipment. Utility companies like Eskom have power quality monitors on various points in their distribution system. Data measurements are taken at a single point of delivery during certain time intervals and stored on a database. Multiple harmonic measurements will not be able to describe distortion patterns of the whole distribution system. Analysis must be done on this information to translate it to useful managerial information. The aim of this project is to develop a benchmarking methodology that could aid the supply industry with useful information to effectively manage harmonic distortion in a distribution system. The methodology will implement distortion indexes set forth by the Electrical Power Research Institute [3], which will describe distortion levels in a qualitative and quantitative way. Harmonic measurements of the past two years will be used to test the methodology. The information is obtained from Eskom’s database and will benchmark the North-West Province distribution network [40]. This proposed methodology will aim to aid institutions like NERSA to establish a reliable power quality management system. / Thesis (M.Ing. (Nuclear Engineering))--North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2012

This work deals with an origin of the harmonic currents, their classification into symmetrical components and their influence on neutral conductor in distribution systems. It analyses the heat strain increase in distribution cables and distortion of supply tension in consequence of harmonic zero component flows in distribution system and it provides possibilities of neutral conductor overload and break-in protection.

Com o surgimento das novas tecnologias aplicadas aos equipamentos e arranjos geométricos das fontes renováveis de energia, o sistema de aterramento passou a operar com correntes de várias frequências, diferentes da componente fundamental. Estas correntes são provenientes das novas cargas não lineares conectadas e das condições de falta, tornando mais difícil a equipotencialização do sistema de aterramento, devido, principalmente, ao seu tamanho e sua geometria. Neste cenário, esta pesquisa tem como objetivo o estudo do comportamento de um sistema de aterramento operando na presença de correntes com distorção harmônica. Para a modelagem do sistema de aterramento teste, foi utilizada a teoria de linhas de transmissão, considerando parâmetros distribuídos, pela qual o condutor foi modelado em porções ao longo de seu comprimento. Para a modelagem e análise do sistema de aterramento foram utilizados o programa ATP (Alternative Transients Program) e uma ferramenta computacional comercial, com o intuito de validar os valores da resistência da malha de aterramento observados. Pelos resultados encontrados, têm-se argumentos para alertar os projetos futuros de sistemas de aterramento para a necessidade e uma melhor análise das situações operacionais passíveis de ocorrência no sistema elétrico que venham a apresentar uma composição harmônica diferente e não desprezível em relação ao componente fundamental. / With the rise of new technology applied to devices and geometric arrangements related to renewable energy sources, grounding systems have started to operate with currents of multiple frequencies, deviating from its fundamental component. These currents come from the connection of new nonlinear loads and fault conditions, which makes the equipotential bonding harder for the grounding system, mainly due to its size and geometry. In this scenario, this research aims to study the behavior of a grounding system operating in the presence of harmonically distorted currents. The transmission line theory was used to model the testing grounding system, based on distributed parameters, through which the conductor was modeled in increments along its length. For modeling and studying the grounding system, the ATP (Alternative Transients Program) and a commercial software tool were used in order to validate the resistance values observed in the grounding grid. Based on the results found, there are arguments to alert future grounding system projects about the need for a better assessment of operational scenarios likely to occur in the electrical system, which may display a different harmonic composition that is not negligible in relation to the fundamental component.

Com o surgimento das novas tecnologias aplicadas aos equipamentos e arranjos geométricos das fontes renováveis de energia, o sistema de aterramento passou a operar com correntes de várias frequências, diferentes da componente fundamental. Estas correntes são provenientes das novas cargas não lineares conectadas e das condições de falta, tornando mais difícil a equipotencialização do sistema de aterramento, devido, principalmente, ao seu tamanho e sua geometria. Neste cenário, esta pesquisa tem como objetivo o estudo do comportamento de um sistema de aterramento operando na presença de correntes com distorção harmônica. Para a modelagem do sistema de aterramento teste, foi utilizada a teoria de linhas de transmissão, considerando parâmetros distribuídos, pela qual o condutor foi modelado em porções ao longo de seu comprimento. Para a modelagem e análise do sistema de aterramento foram utilizados o programa ATP (Alternative Transients Program) e uma ferramenta computacional comercial, com o intuito de validar os valores da resistência da malha de aterramento observados. Pelos resultados encontrados, têm-se argumentos para alertar os projetos futuros de sistemas de aterramento para a necessidade e uma melhor análise das situações operacionais passíveis de ocorrência no sistema elétrico que venham a apresentar uma composição harmônica diferente e não desprezível em relação ao componente fundamental. / With the rise of new technology applied to devices and geometric arrangements related to renewable energy sources, grounding systems have started to operate with currents of multiple frequencies, deviating from its fundamental component. These currents come from the connection of new nonlinear loads and fault conditions, which makes the equipotential bonding harder for the grounding system, mainly due to its size and geometry. In this scenario, this research aims to study the behavior of a grounding system operating in the presence of harmonically distorted currents. The transmission line theory was used to model the testing grounding system, based on distributed parameters, through which the conductor was modeled in increments along its length. For modeling and studying the grounding system, the ATP (Alternative Transients Program) and a commercial software tool were used in order to validate the resistance values observed in the grounding grid. Based on the results found, there are arguments to alert future grounding system projects about the need for a better assessment of operational scenarios likely to occur in the electrical system, which may display a different harmonic composition that is not negligible in relation to the fundamental component.

Orientador: Falcondes José Mendes de Seixas / Resumo: Este trabalho tem como objetivo a proposição de um retificador trifásico boost semi-controlado, com correção ativa do fator de potência, que faça uso de técnicas de controle de razão cíclica variável, visando reduzir o conteúdo harmônico de corrente em baixa frequência. O conversor proposto opera em modo de condução descontínua, desta forma, a corrente de entrada segue uma envoltória senoidal. Além disso, devido ao modo de condução, o conversor apresenta a entrada em condução da chave com corrente nula, diminuindo assim, as perdas por chaveamento. Inicialmente, são apresentados, estudos teóricos da topologia em questão e, por meio de gráficos e equações, verifica-se a distorção harmônica imposta devida à operação com razão cíclica constante. Funções que permitam a variação permanente da razão cíclica, durante um ciclo da rede, serão apresentadas. Tais funções possuem o intuito de minimizar a distorção harmônica da corrente de entrada, com foco principal na 5ª componente harmônica. Resultados de simulação demonstram eficácia das técnicas de controle por razão cíclica variável e apontam redução no conteúdo harmônico de corrente. Resultados experimentais demonstram conteúdo harmônico de corrente em torno de 18% para operação do conversor com razão cíclica constante. A utilização de razão cíclica variável proporciona uma redução no conteúdo harmônico de corrente para 13%, resultando em um aumento do fator de potência. / Abstract: This work aims propose a three-phase rectifier boost half-controlled, with power factor correction, that makes use variable duty cycle control techniques, in order to reduce the harmonic content of current in low frequency. The proposed converter operates in a discontinuous current conduction mode, this way, the input current is naturally corrected. Moreover, due to the conduction mode, the converter presents entry in conduction of switch with null current, thus decreasing, the losses by switching. Initially, are presented theoretical studies of the topology in question and, through of graphs and equations, the harmonic distortion imposed by operation due constant duty cycle is verified. Functions that allow permanently the variation of duty cycle, during a network cycle, are presented. These functions have as main objective minimize the harmonic distortion in the input current, with focus in the 5th harmonic component. Simulation results demonstrate efficacy of techniques by variable duty cycle control and indicate a reducing of harmonic content of current. Experimental results demonstrate a reducing around 18% for operation with constant duty cycle. The use of variable duty cycle provides a reducing around 13%, resulting in an increase of the power factor. / Mestre

Submitted by DOUGLAS CARVALHO MORAIS (morais.sccp.carvalho@gmail.com) on 2018-04-26T20:36:20Z No. of bitstreams: 1 RETIFICADOR TRIFÁSICO BOOST SEM PONTE DE DIODOS, COM ELEVADO FATOR DE POTÊNCIA E CONTROLE POR RAZÃO CÍCLICA VARIÁVEL.pdf: 3578931 bytes, checksum: 59462e5e8af8153b4c38efb1636c59de (MD5) / Approved for entry into archive by Cristina Alexandra de Godoy null (cristina@adm.feis.unesp.br) on 2018-04-27T12:43:58Z (GMT) No. of bitstreams: 1 morais_dc_me_ilha.pdf: 3578931 bytes, checksum: 59462e5e8af8153b4c38efb1636c59de (MD5) / Made available in DSpace on 2018-04-27T12:43:58Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 1 morais_dc_me_ilha.pdf: 3578931 bytes, checksum: 59462e5e8af8153b4c38efb1636c59de (MD5) Previous issue date: 2018-03-02 / Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior (CAPES) / Este trabalho tem como objetivo a proposição de um retificador trifásico boost semi-controlado, com correção ativa do fator de potência, que faça uso de técnicas de controle de razão cíclica variável, visando reduzir o conteúdo harmônico de corrente em baixa frequência. O conversor proposto opera em modo de condução descontínua, desta forma, a corrente de entrada segue uma envoltória senoidal. Além disso, devido ao modo de condução, o conversor apresenta a entrada em condução da chave com corrente nula, diminuindo assim, as perdas por chaveamento. Inicialmente, são apresentados, estudos teóricos da topologia em questão e, por meio de gráficos e equações, verifica-se a distorção harmônica imposta devida à operação com razão cíclica constante. Funções que permitam a variação permanente da razão cíclica, durante um ciclo da rede, serão apresentadas. Tais funções possuem o intuito de minimizar a distorção harmônica da corrente de entrada, com foco principal na 5ª componente harmônica. Resultados de simulação demonstram eficácia das técnicas de controle por razão cíclica variável e apontam redução no conteúdo harmônico de corrente. Resultados experimentais demonstram conteúdo harmônico de corrente em torno de 18% para operação do conversor com razão cíclica constante. A utilização de razão cíclica variável proporciona uma redução no conteúdo harmônico de corrente para 13%, resultando em um aumento do fator de potência. / This work aims propose a three-phase rectifier boost half-controlled, with power factor correction, that makes use variable duty cycle control techniques, in order to reduce the harmonic content of current in low frequency. The proposed converter operates in a discontinuous current conduction mode, this way, the input current is naturally corrected. Moreover, due to the conduction mode, the converter presents entry in conduction of switch with null current, thus decreasing, the losses by switching. Initially, are presented theoretical studies of the topology in question and, through of graphs and equations, the harmonic distortion imposed by operation due constant duty cycle is verified. Functions that allow permanently the variation of duty cycle, during a network cycle, are presented. These functions have as main objective minimize the harmonic distortion in the input current, with focus in the 5th harmonic component. Simulation results demonstrate efficacy of techniques by variable duty cycle control and indicate a reducing of harmonic content of current. Experimental results demonstrate a reducing around 18% for operation with constant duty cycle. The use of variable duty cycle provides a reducing around 13%, resulting in an increase of the power factor.