A summary and evaluation of recent development on harmonic mitigation techniques useful to adjustable speed drives

The authors examine harmonics in three main power areas: the harmonic source, the harmonic effects on power components, and the mitigation techniques used to reduce the amplitude of such harmonics. They cover briefly background information on the first two areas by focusing on electronic motor drives, specifically adjustable speed drives since there are an estimated 400000 units online in the United States, which translates into a large harmonic penetration level. Further summarized are some of the harmonic effects on power system components. A summary and evaluation of developments on harmonic mitigation techniques (HMTs) that have been introduced in the past four years are presented. A classification for all of these HMTs is provided, along with several other facts related to this topic.>