ABSTRACT
Harmonics are a convenient way of expressing the waveform distortion caused by nonlinear loads in electrical power systems. Since the introduction of power electronics into industrial systems, waveform distortion has become more common, and the need for analysis of the resultant harmonics has increased. Harmonics are voltages or currents in the electrical system at some multiple of fundamental frequency. The distortion in the waveform in the load current of any nonlinear device causes similar changes in the voltage waveform relative to the harmonic impedance of the source network. Generators and motors are adversely affected by harmonics in the networks to which they are connected. Power cables are inherently capacitive and their capacitance can produce a risk of resonance with the inductive parts of the network. Power electronic equipment is susceptible to misoperation if there are significant levels of harmonic distortion.
