Relevant highest order harmonics in power systems

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the analysis of harmonics in power systems, specifically using harmonic analyzers. It is established that while harmonic analyzers can theoretically analyze any harmonic, practical relevance typically extends to the 15th to 17th harmonics, with diminishing concern for frequencies beyond the 55th due to attenuation effects from inductive components like transformers. The standard EN 61000-3-2 is referenced, which includes harmonics up to the 40th in Total Harmonic Distortion (THD) calculations. Additionally, the discussion highlights the common exclusion of even harmonics in power applications due to half-cycle symmetry.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of harmonic analysis in electrical engineering
  • Familiarity with Total Harmonic Distortion (THD) calculations
  • Knowledge of power quality standards, specifically EN 61000-3-2
  • Experience with harmonic analyzers and their application in power systems
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the functionality and specifications of harmonic analyzers
  • Study the implications of EN 61000-3-2 on power quality and design
  • Explore the effects of inductance on high-frequency harmonics in power systems
  • Investigate practical applications of half-cycle symmetry in power electronics
USEFUL FOR

Electrical engineers, power quality analysts, and professionals involved in the design and testing of power systems and equipment, particularly those focused on harmonic distortion and compliance with power quality standards.

Axe199
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i am learning about harmonic analyzers and i have a couple of questions concerning them that need some sort of practical experience to answer them ( and i have none :) ) :

1-can harmonic analyzer analyze up to any harmonic? or is there a maximum ? if there is no maximum what's the highest order harmonic that is relevant to us in power systems ? i read somewhere online that when calculating THD they normally include up to the 15th -17th harmonic, and a friend told me that no one cares about what's beyond the 55th or so because these high frequencies are attenuated by the inductance of transformers or motors, so i need a practical opinion on this .

2- when i was reading about THD literally everyone was ignoring the even harmonics, i read it's because the half-cycle symmetry and it was mentioned " which is very common in power applications", so my question is there any common application where there is half cycle symmetry ( i am not speaking of dc offset which can easily be removed) i couldn't think of any tbh.

3- how do harmonic analyzers deal with different power quality problems that can affect their readings like frequency and voltage fluctuations? does the input has to be a steady periodic wave to get accurate answers?
 
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Are you asking about harmonic distortion from the AC Mains power source, or from equipment that is hooked to the AC Mains?

If the latter, one applicable standard is EN 61000-3-2:

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/IEC_61000-3-2

It does look like they are not checking the even harmonics of the power waveform. I end up having to test to this standard for some of the products we design because of Power Factor quality issues with some simple switching power supplies. You pretty much have to use a Power Factor Corrected switching power supply to pass this Harmonics test.
 
so according to this standard they are checking and including in the THD up to the 40th harmonic
berkeman said:
Are you asking about harmonic distortion from the AC Mains power source, or from equipment that is hooked to the AC Mains?
.
i am asking in general , either it's the mains voltage or inverter ouput or line current to some motor
 
Most likely this can only be answered by an "old timer". I am making measurements on an uA709 op amp (metal can). I would like to calculate the frequency rolloff curves (I can measure them). I assume the compensation is via the miller effect. To do the calculations I would need to know the gain of the transistors and the effective resistance seen at the compensation terminals, not including the values I put there. Anyone know those values?

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