Harmonic filter design using actual recorded data

This work presents a study of a harmonic filter design that minimizes harmonic distortion caused by harmonic sources such as drives. Several types of shunt harmonic filters are presented. The analysis includes the basic principles, the application of the Z-bus method and the economic aspects affecting the harmonic filter design. Offline steady state simulation programs, namely, V-HARM and HARMFLO, are used to model loads, to study variation of the harmonics, and to evaluate the effect of harmonic filters at various buses in the system. Several existing utility systems are used as test cases to check the performance of the filter. The major objectives in this study are (i) to improve the power factor, (ii) to reduce current and voltage distortion to standard limits, and (iii) to reduce resonance problems at other buses, if any. The transient analysis of harmonic filters using the Electromagnetic Transients Program (EMTP), which is essential to determine proper ratings of the filter components, is also reported.>