The project will include the following tasks:
- A literature study into the deleterious effects of harmonics on various network assets (e.g. transformers) and their contributions to losses.
- Estimation of cost benefit of harmonic management/reinforcement versus harmonic levels.
- Testing at the Power Networks Demonstration Centre (PNDC) a selection of network assets, such as distribution transformers, to observe performance issues identified in the literature review at various levels of harmonics, which will be injected in the LV and 11kV network of the PNDC.
- Reconciling the observed results against the above modelling
- A guidance document on harmonic effects on various assets / equipment will be published.
- Utilisation of asset design documentation to model/estimate heating, life-cycle effects of power quality and power loss.
Benefits
The project will be deemed successful if:
- The impact of harmonics on network assets (limited to those assets assessed in the project) is quantified;
- It provides evidence to review the applicability of existing harmonic planning levels and determine the risk associated with exceeding them; and
- A guidance document on the effect of harmonics on various assets/equipment, including losses, has been published.
