Harmonic Effect on Network Assets (HENA)

Reference: NIA_UKPN0023

Status: Complete

Start Date: Mar 2017

End Date: Jun 2018

Funding Licencee(s): UK Power Networks, Eastern Power Networks, London Power Networks, South Eastern Power Networks and Northern Powergrid

Contact: UK Power Networks - Steve Mould (steve.mould@ukpowernetworks.co.uk) and Maxi Faridi (Maxi.Faridi@ukpowernetworks.co.uk); Northern Powergrid - Roshan Bhattarai (Roshan.Bhattarai@northernpowergrid.com)

Funding Mechanism Network Innovation Allowance

Research Area: None

Core Technology(ies): Harmonics

Estimated Expenditure: £441,000.00

Introduction: 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.

Objectives:

The aims of the project are to:

Understand the impact of harmonics on network assets;
Estimate the cost benefit of harmonic management/reinforcement versus harmonic levels; and
Validate the above using testing where possible.

Expected 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.