Practical Approaches to Assessment of Harmonics Along Radial Distribution Feeders

A high level of delivered power quality is becoming one of the key performance indicators for both contemporary and future power networks. The increased proliferation of converter connected generation and load in power networks will lead to increased levels of harmonics in distribution networks. A general knowledge of the distribution network performance in terms of harmonics is essential for distribution network operators for both operating and planning networks while considering power quality performance. The main limitation is the reduced monitoring infrastructure compared to transmission networks. This paper presents an efficient method for assessment of harmonic levels along medium voltage radial distribution feeders based on a single measurement at a substation. The methodology is illustrated in a case study involving a real life medium voltage 35 bus radial distribution feeder.