Grid Impacts Due to Increased Penetration of Newer Harmonic Sources

Power electronics in residential and commercial loads are a key source of distribution system harmonics, and the proportion of power-electronics-based loads is projected for sustained growth in the future. A harmonic evaluation module that has been developed by the Electric Power Research Institute is an effective tool for estimating the harmonic impacts on the distribution systems of increased penetration of newer harmonic sources. This paper focuses on a detailed harmonic analysis that has been conducted on three actual circuit models. It involved simulating the system response to the harmonic load mix that is projected to be on distribution systems in 10-20 years. The overall harmonic levels can be expected to rise in the future in most of the circuits with varying degrees, whereas the incremental harmonic impact will be more pronounced at locations toward the end of the circuits in comparison with the circuit head.