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
| Identifer | oai:union.ndltd.org:netd.ac.za/oai:union.ndltd.org:nwu/oai:dspace.nwu.ac.za:10394/11077 |
| Date | January 2011 |
| Creators | Rudolph, Johnny |
| Source Sets | South African National ETD Portal |
| Language | English |
| Detected Language | English |
| Type | Thesis |
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