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Voltage distortion in distribution feeders with nonlinear loads

Journal Article · · IEEE Transactions on Power Delivery (Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers); (United States)
DOI:https://doi.org/10.1109/61.277682· OSTI ID:7304667
;  [1]; ; ; ;  [2];  [3]
  1. Worcester Polytechnic Inst., MA (United States)
  2. New England Electric, Westborough, MA (United States)
  3. EUA Service Corp. Bridgewater, MA (United States)

The voltage of three real-life 13.8kV feeders supplying customers with non-linear loads was analyzed by means of computer simulations. Three classes of non-linear loads were considered. Each class is characteristic for different types of ac to dc converters such as the input dc supply used for adjustable-speed-drives, battery chargers, PC's, TV's and electronically ballasted lights. The analysis is based on the determination of the most harmonic susceptible busses and their response to each harmonic frequency. A new expeditive method that takes into account the background harmonic voltage phasor, and an equivalent bus impedance was developed and used to compute the maximum non-linear loads that yields VTHD = 5%, (Voltage Total Harmonic Distortion). The main conclusion of this work is that when mitigation methods are not used, for a 15kV class feeder with a maximum 10MVA installed load, the total non-linear residential load should not exceed 300kW if the ITHD <30% (Current Total Harmonic Distortion), and 100kW if ITHD >100%.

OSTI ID:
7304667
Journal Information:
IEEE Transactions on Power Delivery (Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers); (United States), Journal Name: IEEE Transactions on Power Delivery (Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers); (United States) Vol. 9:1; ISSN ITPDE5; ISSN 0885-8977
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English

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