HARMONIC CONSULTANCY 

Dr.S.Parthasarathy
Harmonic Consultant

Professor / Dept of Electrical and Electronics Engg
Director / K.LN.Innovation & Research Park (KLN.IRP)
Chief Co-ordinator / Industry Institute Partnership cell (IIPC)
K.L.N. COLLEGE OF ENGINEERING,
(An Autonomous Institution)
Pottapalayam-630 612.Sivagangai (District ),Tamil Nadu,India.
Mobile No : +91 94434 02901; 96297 25901
www.klnce.edu 

POWER QUALITY

Power Quality refers to the attributes of electrical power that determine its suitability for powering consumer devices and systems effectively. It encompasses factors like voltage consistency, waveform purity, and frequency stability. High power quality ensures the reliable, efficient, and uninterrupted operation of electrical equipment, while poor power quality can result in equipment malfunctions, increased energy consumption, operational inefficiencies, and even physical damage to devices.

Key Parameters of Power Quality
  1. Voltage Quality: Ensuring consistent voltage magnitude, waveform shape, and frequency to meet operational standards.
  2. Frequency Stability: Maintaining a steady supply frequency (commonly 50 Hz or 60 Hz), crucial for synchronization and performance.
  3. Harmonics: Reducing distortions in the electrical waveform caused by non-linear loads such as electronic equipment and converters.
  4. Voltage Sags and Surges: Addressing short-term reductions or spikes in voltage that can disrupt or damage sensitive equipment.
  5. Power Factor: Optimizing the alignment of voltage and current phases to improve energy efficiency and reduce losses.
Common Causes of Poor Power Quality
  • Non-linear Loads: Devices like inverters, variable speed drives, and switching power supplies introduce harmonics and distortions.
  • Equipment Issues: Faulty or poorly maintained equipment can disrupt normal power flow.
  • Sudden Load Variations: Rapid changes in power demand can destabilize voltage or frequency.
  • External Factors: Weather events (e.g., lightning), utility grid faults, and line disturbances can affect power quality.
Applications and Importance
  1. Industrial: High power quality supports smooth operation of machinery, reduces wear on equipment, and prevents production downtime.
  2. Commercial: Ensures reliable operation of computers, servers, and other sensitive electronics, minimizing disruptions and costs.
  3. Residential: Protects appliances and electronic devices from damage caused by power fluctuations or distortions.

Maintaining optimal power quality is critical for system reliability, operational efficiency, cost savings, and ensuring the longevity of electrical equipment. Proper monitoring, mitigation techniques, and modern power conditioning technologies are essential tools in achieving this goal.

HARMONIC AUDIT

An Industrial Electrical Harmonic Audit involves the assessment and analysis of electrical systems in an industrial environment to identify, measure, and mitigate harmonic distortions. Harmonics are voltage or current distortions caused by non-linear loads, which can compromise power quality, reduce efficiency, and damage equipment.
Objectives of a Harmonic Audit:

  1. Identify Harmonic Sources: Determine which devices or systems (e.g., variable frequency drives, rectifiers, or welding machines) are introducing harmonics.
  2. Measure Harmonic Levels: Quantify Total Harmonic Distortion (THD) for both current and voltage in the system.
  3. Assess Compliance: Ensure the system meets power quality standards like IEEE 519 or IEC standards.
  4. Mitigation Recommendations: Suggest solutions such as filters, transformers, or redesigns to minimize harmonic effects.
Key Components of the Audit:
  1. Site Survey: Understanding the layout, equipment, and electrical load characteristics.
  2. Data Collection: Using instruments like power quality analyzers to measure voltage, current, and harmonic spectra at critical points.
  3. Analysis: Evaluating harmonic data to pinpoint issues, assess resonance risks, and estimate system losses due to harmonics.
  4. Reporting: Providing a detailed report with findings, compliance status, and actionable recommendations.
Importance of Harmonic Audits in Industrial Systems:
  1. Equipment Protection: Prevents overheating, premature wear, or failure of transformers, motors, and cables.
  2. Energy Efficiency: Reduces energy losses caused by harmonic currents.
  3. Compliance: Meets utility or regulatory harmonic distortion limits to avoid penalties.
  4. System Reliability: Minimizes risks of malfunction or disruptions in sensitive equipment.
Common Mitigation Techniques:
  • Passive Filters: Designed to absorb specific harmonic frequencies.
  • Active Harmonic Filters: Dynamically correct harmonics across a broad spectrum.
  • Phase-Shifting Transformers: Reduce harmonics by altering phase relationships in multi-pulse systems.
  • Load Balancing: Distributes power demands more evenly to lower harmonic generation.

An industrial harmonic audit is essential for maintaining power quality, ensuring compliance, and optimizing the operational performance of electrical systems.

POWER QUALITY ANALYZER

A Power Quality Analyzer (PQA) is an equipment used to monitor and assess the quality of electrical power in systems by measuring key parameters such as voltage, current, frequency, and harmonics. It helps identify power quality issues like voltage sags, surges, harmonics, and power factor imbalances that can affect the performance and reliability of electrical equipment.

Key features include harmonic analysis, transient detection, and event logging, enabling users to diagnose problems, ensure compliance with power quality standards, and improve system efficiency. Power quality analyzers are essential in industrial, commercial, and utility applications to optimize energy use, prevent equipment failure, and reduce downtime.

List of Equipment’s:
  • FLUKE 1775 (Class A Accuracy) - Power Quality Analyzer (PQA)
  • I7XX – FLEX 3000 – C.T
  • I40S-EL3X – C.T (Clamp)
Key Features of a Power Quality Analyzer:
  1. Voltage and Current Measurement: Tracks real-time RMS values for accurate system performance analysis.
  2. Harmonic Analysis: Detects and quantifies harmonics (Total Harmonic Distortion, or THD) in the voltage and current waveforms.
  3. Transient Detection: Identifies short-term voltage spikes or dips that may cause equipment malfunctions.
  4. Power Factor Analysis: Assesses the phase difference between voltage and current for efficiency evaluation.
  5. Event Logging: Records power quality disturbances such as sags, surges, interruptions, and flicker.
  6. Energy Consumption Tracking: Measures energy usage to pinpoint inefficiencies and optimize power management.
Applications:
  1. Industrial Facilities: Diagnosing power quality issues affecting machinery and automation systems.
  2. Utilities: Monitoring grid performance and ensuring compliance with power quality standards.
  3. Commercial Buildings: Ensuring smooth operation of sensitive equipment like servers and communication systems.
  4. Renewable Energy Systems: Assessing integration of solar, wind, or hybrid systems into the grid.
Importance of a Power Quality Analyzer:
  • Preventive Maintenance: Identifies issues before they lead to equipment damage or failure.
  • Compliance Verification: Ensures adherence to power quality standards (e.g., IEEE 519, EN 50160).
  • Cost Savings: Detects inefficiencies and enables corrective measures to reduce energy costs.
  • Enhanced Reliability: Minimizes downtime and interruptions caused by power disturbances.
Typical Parameters Monitored by a PQA:
  • Voltage and current waveforms
  • Frequency stability
  • Voltage sags, swells, and transients
  • Harmonic distortion (THD)
  • Active, reactive, and apparent power
  • Power factor

Power quality analyzers are indispensable tools for maintaining electrical system health, optimizing energy efficiency, and ensuring smooth operation of industrial, commercial, and residential systems.


Electrical Power Audit & Utility Management Brochure.Click to view ......

PHOTO GALLERY

Measurement of PQ parameters at Main M.V Panel ACB Incomer by using FLUKE PQA

Release of Harmonic Audit consultancy Brochure V-5.0 Technical Seminar on "Electrical Power Utility Management for Power Quality, Energy Efficiency and Safety" on 16th December 2023 @Courtyard Marriott Hotel, Madurai


E.L.D.Parry (India) Ltd,
EID Parry-Nutra-Division,Oomaiyur,Pudukottai-622003

P.G.M. Engineering Enterprises,
Athikulam, Madurai-625 007.

Harmonic Consultancy @ BSNL,Madurai on 01.06.2018


Harmonic Audit Consultancy Brochure released @ CSDEC,Shimla, Himachal Pradesh on 03.05.2017

Dr.S. Parthasarathy, IIPC Cheif Co-coordinator, KLNCE Visited AYYEKA Tech., Jerusalem, Israel from 08-01-17 to 13-01-17. A Photograph with CEO's & Project Engineers of AYYEKA, Tech, Israel & Unity Instrumentation Services (UIS),CTC, USA.

Dr. S.Parthasarathy, Prof /EEE & IIPC-Chief Co-ordinator /KLNCE Received Best IIPC Co-ordinator Award from SEED-SIIP 2016, New Delhi on 22.07.2016



Honoured by Principal and President for Received Best IIPC Co-ordinator Award from SEED-SIIP

NSL-Sugars, Gulbarga, Karnataka our president visit along with Prof. S. Parthasarathy to promote
Industry Institute Interaction Activity (Harmonic audit)