Technical Guide No.

Guide to Harmonics with AC Drives

2 Technical Guide No.6 - Guide to Harmonics with AC Drives
Contents

1. Introduction ........................................................... 5

2. Basics of the harmonics phenomena ............... 6

3. Harmonic distortion sources and effects ........ 8

4. Harmonic distortion calculation example ........ 9

4.1 Calculation of the source impedances and

short circuit power .................................................. 9
4.2 Calculation of the effect of commutation .............. 10
4.3 Table: Correction coefficients ................................ 10
4.4 Calculation of voltage distortion ............................ 10
4.5 Table: Harmonic currents and voltages
in 22 kV side ............................................................ 11
4.6 Table: Harmonic currents and voltages
in 415 V side ............................................................ 11

5. Standards for harmonic limits ........................... 12

5.1 EN61800-3 (IEC 1800-3) Adjustable speed

electrical power drive systems .............................. 12
5.2 IEC1000-2-2,
Electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) .................... 13
5.3 IEC1000-2-4,
Electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) .................... 13
5.4 IEC1000-3-2,
Electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) .................... 13
5.5 IEC1000-3-4,
Electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) .................... 13
5.6 IEEE 519, IEEE Recommended practices and
requirements for harmonic control in
electrical power systems ........................................ 14

6. Evaluating harmonics .......................................... 16

7. How to reduce harmonics by structural

modifications in the AC drive system .............. 17

7.1 Factors in the AC drive having an effect on

harmonics ................................................................ 17
7.2 Table: List of the different factors and their
effects ...................................................................... 18
7.3 Using 6-pulse diode rectifier .................................. 18
7.4 Using 12-pulse or 24-pulse diode rectifier ............ 19
7.5 Using phase controlled thyristor rectifier .............. 19

Technical Guide No.6 - Guide to Harmonics with AC Drives 3

7.6 Using IGBT bridge ................................................... 20
7.7 Using larger DC or AC inductor ............................. 21

8. Other methods for harmonics reduction ......... 24

8.1 Tuned single arm passive filter ............................... 24

8.2 Tuned multiple arm passive filter ........................... 24
8.3 External active filter ................................................ 25

9. Summary of harmonics attenuation ................. 26

9.1 6-pulse rectifier without inductor ........................... 26

9.2 6-pulse rectifier with inductor ................................ 26
9.3 12-pulse rectifier with polycon transformer .......... 26
9.4 12-pulse with double wound transformer ............. 26
9.5 24-pulse rectifier ..................................................... 26
9.6 Active IGBT rectifier ................................................ 27

10. Definitions.............................................................. 28

11. Index ....................................................................... 30

4 Technical Guide No.6 - Guide to Harmonics with AC Drives

Chapter 1 - Introduction

General This guide continues ABB's technical guide series,

describing harmonic distortion, its sources and effects, and
also distortion calculation and evaluation. Special attention
has been given to the methods for reducing harmonics with
AC drives.

Technical Guide No.6 - Guide to Harmonics with AC Drives 5

Chapter 2 - Basics of the harmonics
phenomena

Harmonic currents and voltages are created by non-linear

loads connected on the power distribution system.
Harmonic distortion is a form of pollution in the electric plant
that can cause problems if the sum of the harmonic currents
increases above certain limits.

All power electronic converters used in different types of

electronic systems can increase harmonic disturbances by
injecting harmonic currents directly into the grid. Figure 2.1
shows how the current harmonics (ih) in the input current
(is) of a power electronic converter affect the supply voltage
(ut).

is(t) = i1(t) + Σ ih(t)

Converter
load
Rs Ls
u(t) Point of Common
Coupling (PCC)
Mains Transformer Other
loads

Figure 2.1 Plant with converter load, mains transformer and other
loads

The line current of a rectifier can be calculated from the

direct output current by using the following formula.

where

the fundamental line current and

direct current output from the rectifier.

6 Technical Guide No.6 - Guide to Harmonics with AC Drives

Basics of the harmonics phenomena

In a theoretical case where output current can be estimated

as clean dc current, the harmonic current frequencies of a
6-pulse three phase rectifier are n times the fundamental
frequency (50 or 60 Hz). The order numbers n are calculated
from the formula below:

where

The rms values of the harmonic components are:

and the harmonic components are as shown in Figure 2.2.

Harmonic-
Current (%)

Order of Harmonic Component

Figure 2.2 The harmonic content in the rectangular current of a

6-pulse rectifier

The principle of how the harmonic components are added

to the fundamental current is shown in Figure 2.3, where
only the 5th harmonic is shown.

1st
5th
1st+5th

Figure 2.3 The total current as the sum of the fundamental and 5th
harmonic

Technical Guide No.6 - Guide to Harmonics with AC Drives 7

Chapter 3 - Harmonic distortion
sources and effects

Common non-linear loads include motor starters, variable

speed drives, computers and other electronic devices,
electronic lighting, welding supplies and uninterrupted
power supplies.

The effects of harmonics can be overheating of

transformers, cables, motors, generators and capacitors
connected to the same power supply with the devices
generating the harmonics. Electronic displays and lighting
may flicker, circuit breakers can trip, computers may fail
and metering can give false readings.

If the cause of the above mentioned symptoms is not

known, then there is cause to investigate the harmonic
distortion of the electricity distribution at the plant. The
effects are likely to show up in the customer's plant before
they show on the utility system. This Technical Guide has
been published to help customers to understand the
possible harmonic problems and make sure the harmonic
distortion levels are not excessive.

8 Technical Guide No.6 - Guide to Harmonics with AC Drives

Chapter 4 - Harmonic distortion
calculation example

The harmonic currents cause a distortion of the line voltage.

In principle the voltage harmonics can be calculated at any
point of the network if the harmonic currents and the
corresponding source impedances are known. The circuit
diagrams in Figure 4.1 show the network supplying the
converter and the other essential parts of the installation.
The electrical data for the installation needed for the
harmonics calculation is also given in the figure. The steps
for the calculation and the results are given as an example
in sections 4.1 to 4.6.

Supply:
Sk =150 MVA
U = 22 kV
Xk
Transformer:
S = 400 kVA
U1 = 22 kV
Xt
U2 = 415 V S’k
z = 4,5 %

Cable: X’k
Length = 60 m
R = 0,007 mΩ/m
i
Motor:
P = 110 kW M
IN = 200 A 3~

Figure 4.1 Network supplying a frequency converter on the left and

its equivalent diagram on the right

4.1 The short circuit impedance of the supply is reduced to

Calculation of the 415 V side:
the source
impedances
and short The short circuit impedance of the supply transformer:
circuit power

The impedance of supply cables between transformer and

converter:

The short circuit power at the converter terminals:

Technical Guide No.6 - Guide to Harmonics with AC Drives 9

Harmonic distortion calculation example

4.2 Calculation The effect of commutation with a 6-pulse rectifier:

of the effect of
commutation

The effect of commutation with a 12-pulse rectifier:

The commutation correction coefficients are determined

from the angles. They are used to multiply the theoretical
harmonics.

4.3 Table:
n 6-pulse rectifier 12-pulse rectifier
Correction Correction coefficient Correction coefficient
coefficients 5 0,98 0,99
7 0,96 0,97
11 0,90 0,93
13 0,86 0,90
17 0,78 0,87
19 0,72 0,93
23 0,62 0,77
25 0,52 0,73

4.4 Calculation The harmonic current In causes a harmonic voltage

of voltage component Un proportional to the fundamental line voltage
U1 at the supply busbars of the converter.
distortion

The total harmonic distortion can be estimated by

calculating the sum of a sufficient number of harmonics
(usually 25 or 40).

10 Technical Guide No.6 - Guide to Harmonics with AC Drives

Harmonic distortion calculation example

4.5 Table: I1 = 415 V/22 kV*200 A = 3,77 A

Harmonic
6-pulse 12-pulse
currents and bridge bridge
voltages in n In/I1 (%) Un/U1 (%) n In/I1 (%) Un/U1 (%)
22 kV side: 5 19,60 0,09 5
7 13,71 0,09 7
11 8,18 0,09 11 8,45 0,09
13 6,62 0,08 13 6,92 0,09
17 4,59 0,07 17
19 3,79 0,07 19
23 2,70 0,06 23 3,35 0,07
25 2,24 0,05 25 2,92 0,07
6-pulse bridge 12-pulse bridge
Total current
distortion 27,3 % 11,80 %
Total voltage
distortion 0,22 % 0,16 %

4.6 Table: I1 = 200 A

Harmonic
6-pulse 12-pulse
currents and bridge bridge
voltages in n In/I1 (%) Un/U1 (%) n In/I1 (%) Un/U1 (%)
415 V side: 5 19,60 1,71 5
7 13,71 1,68 7
11 8,18 1,57 11 8,45 1,63
13 6,62 1,50 13 6,92 1,57
17 4,59 1,36 17
19 3,79 1,26 19
23 2,70 1,08 23 3,35 1,35
25 2,24 0,98 25 2,92 1,28
6-pulse bridge 12-pulse bridge
Total current
distortion 27,3 % 11,80 %
Total voltage
distortion 4,01 % 2,93 %

Technical Guide No.6 - Guide to Harmonics with AC Drives 11

Chapter 5 - Standards for harmonic
limits

The most common international and national standards

setting limits on harmonics are described below.
Figure 5.1 is shown as an example for harmonic distortion
limits.

5.1 Part 3: EMC product standard including specific test

EN61800-3 methods
The countries of the European Economic Area (EEA) have
(IEC 1800-3) agreed on common minimum regulatory requirements in
Adjustable order to ensure the free movement of products within the
speed EEA. The CE marking indicates that the product works in
electrical conformity with the directives that are valid for the product.
The directives state the principles that must be followed.
power drive Standards specify the requirements that must be met.
systems EN61800-3 is the EMC product standard of adjustable
speed electrical power drive systems (PDS). Meeting the
requirements of this standard, is the minimum condition
for free trade of power electronics converters inside the
EEA.

EN61800-3 states, that the manufacturer shall provide in

the documentation of the PDS, or on request, the current
harmonic level, under rated conditions, as a percentage
of the rated fundamental current on the power port. The
referenced values shall be calculated for each order at least
up to the 25th. The current THD (orders up to and including
40), and its high-frequency component PHD (orders from
14 to 40 inclusive) shall be evaluated. For these standard
calculations, the PDS shall be assumed to be connected
to a PC with Rsc = 250 and with initial voltage distortion
less than 1%. The internal impedance of the network shall
be assumed to be a pure reactance.

In a low voltage public supply network, the limits and

requirements of IEC 1000-3-2 apply for equipment with
rated current ≤ 16 A. The use of the future IEC 1000-3-4 is
recommended for equipment with rated current > 16 A.
If PDS is used in an industrial installation, a reasonable
economical approach, which considers the total
installation, shall be used. This approach is based on the
agreed power, which the supply can deliver at any time.
The method for calculating the harmonics of the total
installation is agreed and the limits for either the voltage
distortion or the total harmonic current emission are agreed
on. The compatibility limits given in IEC1000-2-4 may be
used as the limits of voltage distortion.

12 Technical Guide No.6 - Guide to Harmonics with AC Drives

Harmonic limits set in standards

5.2 Part 2: Environment - Section 2: Compatibility levels

IEC1000-2-2, for low frequency conducted disturbances and
signalling in public low-voltage power supply
Electromagnetic systems
compatibility This standard sets the compatibility limits for low-frequency
(EMC) conducted disturbances and signalling in public low-
voltage power supply systems. The disturbance
phenomena include harmonics, inter-harmonics, voltage
fluctuations, voltage dips and short interruptions voltage
inbalance and so on. Basically this standard sets the design
criteria for the equipment manufacturer, and amounts to
the minimum immunity requirements of the equipment.
IEC1000-2-2 is in line with the limits set in EN50160 for the
quality of the voltage the utility owner must provide at the
customer's supply-terminals.

5.3 Part 2: Environment - Section 4: Compatibility levels

IEC1000-2-4, in industrial plants for low frequency conducted
disturbances
Electromagnetic IEC1000-2-4 is similar to IEC1000-2-2, but it gives
compatibility compatibility levels for industrial and non-public
(EMC) networks. It covers low-voltage networks as well as
medium voltage supplies excluding the networks for ships,
aircraft, offshore platforms and railways.

5.4 Part 3: Limits - Section 2: Limits for harmonic

IEC1000-3-2, current emissions (equipment current <16 A per
phase
Electromagnetic This standard deals with the harmonic current emission
compatibility limits of individual equipment connected to public
(EMC) networks. The date of implementation of this standard is
January 1st 2001, but there is extensive work going on at
the moment to revise the standard before this date. The
two main reasons for the revision are the need for the
standard to cover also the voltage below 230 V and the
difficulties and contradictions in applying the categorisation
of the equipment given in the standard.

5.5 This standard has been published as a Type II Technical

IEC1000-3-4, report. Work is going on to convert it into a standard. It
gives the harmonic current emission limits for individual
Electromagnetic equipment having a rated current of more than 16 A up to
compatibility 75 A. It applies to public networks having nominal voltages
(EMC) from 230 V single phase to 600 V three phase.

Technical Guide No.6 - Guide to Harmonics with AC Drives 13

Harmonic limits set in standards

The standard gives three different stages for connection

procedures of the equipment. Meeting the individual
harmonic limits of Stage 1 allows the connection of the
equipment at any point in the supply system. Stage 2 gives
individual harmonic current limits as well as THD and its
weighted high frequency counterpart PWHD. The limits are
classified and tabulated by the short circuit ratio. The third
stage of connection is based on an agreement between
the user and the supply authority, based on the agreed
active power of the consumer's installation. If the rated
current is above 75 A, Stage 3 applies in any case.

The structure of this standard is generally seen to be good,

but it may justly be questioned whether single and three-
phase equipment should have different limits in Stage 2. It
is very probable that the structure of the standard will
remain as it is, but the version having the status of actual
standard, will contain different limits for single and three-
phase equipment.

MAXIMUM LOAD
132 kV Net 12p 6p STAGE 2 LIMITS
(600 MVA Assumed) % I1
# 6.66 MW # 2.50 MW Min’m
**
VOLTAGE
(5.0 MW) (5.0 MW) R sce I5 I7 I 11 I 13 %THD
#
66 12 10 9 6 2.36
33 kV Net Typical Values
(400 MVA Assumed) # 4.40 MW # 1.65 MW 120 15 12 12 8 1.69
(3.3 MW) (3.3 MW)
175 20 14 12 8 1.25

11 kV Net 250 30 18 13 8 1.06

(100 MVA Assumed) # 1.11 MW # 415 kW 350 40 25 15 10 0.97

(830 kW) (830 kW)
450 50 35 20 15 1.02

400 kV Net >600 60 40 25 18 <=0.91

(26 MVA Assumed) # 760 kW # 108 kW
(215 kW) (215 kW) **Contribution to existing
THD level at selected
PCC PCC
Figure 5.1 Limits on Harmonics in the proposed EN61000-3-4

5.6 IEEE 519, The philosophy of developing harmonic limits in this

IEEE recommended practice is to limit the harmonic injection from
individual customers so that they will not cause
Recommended unacceptable voltage distortion levels for normal system
practices and characteristics and to limit overall harmonic distortion of
requirements the system voltage supplied by the utility. This standard is
for harmonic also recognised as American National Standard and it is
widely used in the USA, especially in the municipal public
control in works market.
electrical
power
systems

14 Technical Guide No.6 - Guide to Harmonics with AC Drives

Harmonic limits set in standards

The standard does not give limits for individual equipment,

but for individual customers. The customers are categorised
by the ratio of available short circuit current (Isc) to their
maximum demand load current (IL) at the point of common
coupling. The total demand load current is the sum of both
linear and non-linear loads. Within an industrial plant, the
PCC is clearly defined as the point between the non-linear
load and other loads.

The allowed individual harmonic currents and total

harmonic distortion are tabulated by the ratio of available
short circuit current to the total demand load current (Isc/
IL) at the point of common coupling. The limits are as a
percentage of IL for all odd and even harmonics from 2 to
infinity. Total harmonic distortion is called total demand
distortion and also it should be calculated up to infinity.
Many authors limit the calculation of both the individual
components and TDD to 50.

The table 10.3 of the standard is sometimes misinterpreted

to give limits for the harmonic emissions of a single
apparatus by using Rsc of the equipment instead of Isc/IL
of the whole installation. The limits of the table should not
be used this way, since the ratio of the short circuit current
to the total demand load current of an installation should
always be used.

Technical Guide No.6 - Guide to Harmonics with AC Drives 15

Chapter 6 - Evaluating harmonics

The "Guide for Applying Harmonic Limits on Power Systems"

P519A/D6 Jan 1999 introduces some general rules for
evaluating harmonic limits at an industrial facility. The
procedure is shown in the flowchart in Figure 6.1.
UTILITY CUSTOMER
Choose PCC

Calculate Short Circuit Estimate Weighted Disturbing

Capacity (SSC, ISC) Power (SDW) or % Non-linear
Load
Is Power
Yes
Factor Correction existing
or planned?
No

Yes Stage 1: No
Calculate Average Maximum
Is detailed Evaluation
Demand Load Current (IL)
necessary?

Calculate Short Circuit Ratio

(SCR=(ISC /IL)

Characterise Harmonic Levels

(Measurements, Analysis)
Stage 2:
No
Does Facility meet
harmonic Limits?
Design Power Factor correction
and/or Harmonic Control
Equipment
Yes (include resonance concerns)

Verification Measurements
and Calculations (if necessary)

Figure 6.1 Evaluation of harmonic distortion

16 Technical Guide No.6 - Guide to Harmonics with AC Drives

Chapter 7 - How to reduce
harmonics by structural
modifications in the AC drive system

Harmonics reduction can be done either by structural

modifications in the drive system or by using external
filtering. The structural modifications can be to strengthen
the supply, to use 12 or more pulse drive, to use a controlled
rectifier or to improve the internal filtering in the drive.

7.1 Factors in Figure 7.1 shows the factors in the AC drive system which
the AC drive have some influence on harmonics. The current harmonics
depend on the drive construction and the voltage
having an harmonics are the current harmonics multiplied by the
effect on supply impedances.
harmonics
LINE

Short circuit power MVA

Rated Power and MVA

TRANSFORMER
Impedance %

Alternative

Type of Rectifier 6-p, 12-p, 24-p

DIODE, THYRISTOR; INVERTER:

AC DRIVE Reactor Inductance mH

Inverter Type of Inverter PWM;CSI

Rated Power and kW

Motor
Load %

LOAD

Figure 7.1 Drive system features affecting harmonics

Technical Guide No.6 - Guide to Harmonics with AC Drives 17

How to reduce harmonics by structural modifications in the AC drive system

7.2 Table: The cause The effect

List of the The larger the motor… the higher the current harmonics
The higher the motor load… the higher the current harmonics
different The larger the DC or AC inductance… the lower the current harmonics
factors and The higher the number of pulses in
the rectifier… the lower the current harmonics
their effects The longer the supply cable… the higher the voltage harmonics
The larger the transformer… the lower the voltage harmonics
The lower the transformer impedance… the lower the voltage harmonics
The higher the short circuit capacity
of supply… the lower the voltage harmonics

7.3 Using The connections for different rectifier solutions are shown in
6-pulse diode Figure 7.2. The most common rectifier circuit in 3-phase AC
drives is a 6-pulse diode bridge. It consists of six
rectifier uncontrollable rectifiers or diodes and an inductor, which
together with a DC-capacitor forms a low-pass filter for
smoothing the DC-current. The inductor can be on the DC-
or AC-side or it can be left totally out. The 6-pulse rectifier
is simple and cheap but it generates a high amount of low
order harmonics 5th, 7th, 11th especially with small smoothing
inductance.

The current form is shown in Figure 7.2. If the major part of

the load consists of converters with a 6-pulse rectifier, the
supply transformer needs to be oversized and meeting the
requirements in standards may be difficult. Often some
harmonics filtering is needed.

6-pulse rectifier 12-pulse rectifier 12-pulse rectifier 24-pulse rectifier

Current Waveform Current Waveform Current Waveform

Figure 7.2 Harmonics in line current with different rectifier

constructions

18 Technical Guide No.6 - Guide to Harmonics with AC Drives

How to reduce harmonics by structural modifications in the AC drive system

7.4 Using The 12-pulse rectifier is formed by connecting two 6-pulse

12-pulse or rectifiers in parallel to feed a common DC-bus. The input
to the rectifiers is provided with one three-winding
24-pulse diode transformer or two two-winding transformers. In both cases
rectifier the transformer secondaries are in 30 o phase shift. The
benefit with this arrangement is that in the supply side some
of the harmonics are in opposite phase and thus eliminated.
In theory the harmonic component with the lowest
frequency seen at the primary of the transformer is the 11th.

The major drawbacks are special transformers and a higher

cost than with the 6-pulse rectifier.

The principle of the 24-pulse rectifier is also shown in Figure

7.3. It has two 12-pulse rectifiers in parallel with two three-
winding transformers having primary windings with 30 o
phase shift. The benefit is that practically all low frequency
harmonics are eliminated but the drawback is the high cost.
In the case of a high power single drive or large multidrive
installation a 24-pulse system may be the most economical
solution with lowest harmonic distortion.
In
6-pulse rectifier 12-pulse rectifier 24-pulse rectifier
I1

Harmonic order
Figure 7.3 Harmonic components with different rectifiers

7.5 Using A phase controlled rectifier is accomplished by replacing

phase the diodes in a 6-pulse rectifier with thyristors. Since a
thyristor needs a triggering pulse for transition from
controlled nonconducting to conducting state, the phase angle at
thyristor which the thyristor starts to conduct can be delayed. By
rectifier delaying the firing angle over 90 o, the DC-bus voltage goes
negative. This allows regenerative flow of power from the
DC-bus back to the power supply.

Technical Guide No.6 - Guide to Harmonics with AC Drives 19

How to reduce harmonics by structural modifications in the AC drive system

Standard DC-bus and inverter configurations do not allow

polarity change of the DC-voltage and it is more common
to connect another thyristor bridge anti-parallel with the
first one to allow the current polarity reversal. In this
configuration the first bridge conducts in rectifying mode
and the other in regenerating mode.

The current waveforms of phase controlled rectifiers are

similar to those of the 6-pulse diode rectifier, but since they
draw power with an alternating displacement power factor,
the total power factor with partial load is quite poor. The
poor power factor causes high apparent current and the
absolute harmonic currents are higher than those with a
diode rectifier.

In addition to these problems, phase-controlled converters

cause commutation notches in the utility voltage waveform.
The angular position of the notches varies along with the
firing angle.

Supply Current Voltage Voltage Current

type TDH (%) TDH (%) TDH (%) Waveform
RSC=20 RSC=100

6-pulse 30 10 2
rectifier

12-pulse 10 6 1.2
rectifier

IGBT Supply 4 8 1.8

Unit
Distortion is in % of RMS values

Figure 7.4 Distortion of different supply unit types. Values may vary
case by case.

7.6 Using IGBT Introducing a rectifier bridge, made of self commutated

bridge components, brings several benefits and opportunities
compared to phase commutated ones. Like a phase
commutated rectifier, this hardware allows both rectification
and regeneration, but it makes it possible to control the
DC-voltage level and displacement power factor separately
regardless of the power flow direction.

The main benefits are:

- Safe function in case of mains supply disappearance.
- High dynamics of the drive control even in the field
weakening range.

20 Technical Guide No.6 - Guide to Harmonics with AC Drives

How to reduce harmonics by structural modifications in the AC drive system

- Possibility to generate reactive power and even

compensate harmonic currents of parallel loads.
- Nearly sinusoidal supply current with low harmonic
content. Measured results for one drive is shown in
Figure 7.5. When comparing with Figure 7.3 we can see
a clear difference. IGBT has very low harmonics at lower
frequencies, but somewhat higher at higher frequencies.
- Voltage boost capability. In case of low supply voltage
the DC voltage can be boosted to keep motor voltage
higher than supply voltage.

The main drawback is the high cost coming from the IGBT
bridge and extra filtering needed.

Line Generating Unit In Line Generating Unit

I1

3~

Harmonic order

Figure 7.5 Harmonics in line current IGBT line generating unit

7.7 Using a The harmonics of a voltage source AC drive can be

larger DC or significantly reduced by connecting a large enough inductor
in its AC input or DC bus. The trend has been to reduce the
AC inductor size of converter while the inductor size has been also
reduced, or in several cases it has been omitted totally. The
effect of this can be seen from the curve forms
in Figure 7.4.
Current without
Inductor

Current with
Inductor

Figure 7.6 The effect of the inductor on the line current

Technical Guide No.6 - Guide to Harmonics with AC Drives 21

How to reduce harmonics by structural modifications in the AC drive system

The chart in Figure 7.5 shows the effect of size of the DC

inductor on the harmonics. For the first 25 harmonic
components the theoretical THD minimum is 29%. That
value is practically reached when the inductance is 100 mH
divided by the motor kW or 1 mH for a 100 kW motor (415
V, 50 Hz). No larger inductance should be selected, but
about 25 mH divided by motor kW gives a THD of about
45%. This is 0,25 mH for a 100 kW motor.
Harmonic Current (pu)

5th
7th
11th
13th
415 V, 50 Hz
17th
19th
23rd
25th
THD

DC Inductance/mH = This Figure/Motor kW

Figure 7.7 Harmonic current as function of DC inductance

The voltage distortion with certain current distortion

depends on the Short Circuit Ratio Rsc of the supply. The
higher the ratio, the lower the voltage distortion. This can
be seen in Figure 7.8.

Load 60 A, Transformer power 50-315 kVA, line fault level 150 MVA

No inductor, 6-pulse

Small inductor,
THD of Voltage (%)

6-pulse
Large inductor,
6-pulse
Large inductor,
12-pulse

Short Circuit Ratio

Figure 7.8 THD Voltage vs Type of AC drive and transformer size

22 Technical Guide No.6 - Guide to Harmonics with AC Drives

How to reduce harmonics by structural modifications in the AC drive system

Figure 7.9 introduces a simple nomogram for estimation of

harmonic voltages. On the graph below right select first the
motor kilowatt, then the transformer kVA and then move
horizontally to the diagonal line where you move upwards
and stop at the curve valid for your application. Then turn
left to the y-axis and read the total harmonic voltage
distortion.
Input Data to Calculations:
Total Harminic Voltage Distortion Rated Motor for the Drive
No DC-Inductor, Constant Torque Load
6-pulse Voltage 415 V
Small DC-
Inductor, 6-pulse Drive Efficiency = 97%
STOP TURN LEFT Large DC- Supply Impedance = 10%
Inductor, 6-pulse of Transformer Impedance
Large DC-
Inductor, 12-
pulse Supply
Transformer
(kVA)

TURN LEFT

TURN UP

START

Motor kW

Example: 45 kW Motor is connected to ”a

200 kVA Transformer. ”THD = ca. 3% with a
“Large Inductor Drive” and ca. 11% with a
“No Inductor Drive”

Figure 7.9 Total harmonic distortion nomogram

Results from laboratory tests with drive units from different

manufacturers are shown in Figure 7.10. Drive A with large
DC inductor has the lowest harmonic current distortion,
drives with no inductor installed have the highest distortion.

A= Large DC-Inductance
B, C = Small DC-Inductance
D, E = Without DC-Inductance

Figure 7.10. Harmonic current with different DC-Inductances

Technical Guide No.6 - Guide to Harmonics with AC Drives 23

Chapter 8 - Other methods for
harmonics reduction

Filtering is a method to reduce harmonics in an industrial

plant when the harmonic distortion has been gradually
increased or as a total solution in a new plant. There are
two basic methods: passive and active filters.

8.1 Tuned The principle of a tuned arm passive filter is shown in Figure
single arm 8.1. A tuned arm passive filter should be applied at the
single lowest harmonic component where there is
passive filter significant harmonic generation in the system. For systems
that mostly supply an industrial load this would probably
be the fifth harmonic. Above the tuned frequency the
harmonics are absorbed but below that frequency they may
be amplified.

Detuned - Single tuning frequency

Above tuned frequency harmonics absorbed
Below tuned frequency harmonics may be amplified
Harmonic reduction limited by KVAr and network
Figure 8.1 Tuned single arm passive filter

This kind of filter consists of an inductor in series with a

capacitor bank and the best location for the passive filter
is close to the harmonic generating loads. This solution is
not normally used for new installations.

8.2 Tuned The principle of this filter is shown in Figure 8.2. This filter
multiple arm has several arms tuned to two or more of the harmonic
components which should be the lowest significant
passive filter harmonic frequencies in the system. The multiple filter has
better harmonic absorption than the one arm system.

Capacitive below tuned frequency/Inductive above

Better harmonic absorption
Design consideration to amplification harmonics by filter
Limited by KVAr and network
Figure 8.2 Tuned multiple arm passive filter

24 Technical Guide No.6 - Guide to Harmonics with AC Drives

Other methods for harmonics reduction

The multiple arm passive filters are often used for large DC
drive installations where a dedicated transformer is
supplying the whole installation.

8.3 External A passive tuned filter introduces new resonances that can
active filter cause additional harmonic problems. New power
electronics technologies are resulting in products that can
control harmonic distortion with active control. These active
filters, see Figure 8.3, provide compensation for harmonic
components on the utility system based on existing
harmonic generation at any given moment in time.

Fundamental only idistortion

Supply
Load

icompensation

Active
Filter

Current waveforms

Figure 8.3 External active filter principle diagram

The active filter compensates the harmonics generated by

nonlinear loads by generating the same harmonic
components in opposite phase as shown in Figure 8.4.
External active filters are most suited to multiple small
drives. They are relatively expensive compared to other
methods.
Waveforms

Clean Load Active filter

feeder current current
current
Harmonics

Figure 8.4 External active filter waveforms and harmonics

Technical Guide No.6 - Guide to Harmonics with AC Drives 25

Chapter 9 - Summary of harmonics
attenuation

There are many options to attenuate harmonics either inside

the drive system or externally. They all have advantages and
disadvantages and all of them show cost implications. The
best solution will depend on the total loading, the supply to
site and the standing distortion.
In the following tables different internal actions are
compared to the basic system without inductor. The
harmonic content is given with 100% load. The costs are
valid for small drives. For multidrive the 12-pulse solution
is quite a lot cheaper.

9.1 6-pulse Manufacturing cost 100%

rectifier Typical harmonic current components.
without Fundamental 5 th 7th 11th 13th 17th 19th
inductor 100% 63% 54% 10% 6,1% 6,7% 4,8%

9.2 6-pulse Manufacturing cost 120%. AC or DC choke added

rectifier with Typical harmonic current components.
inductor Fundamental 5th 7th 11th 13th 17th 19th
100% 30% 12% 8,9% 5,6% 4,4% 4,1%

9.3 12-pulse Manufacturing cost 200%

rectifier with Typical harmonic current components.
polycon Fundamental 5th 7th 11th 13th 17th 19th
transformer 100% 11% 5,8% 6,2% 4,7% 1,7% 1,4%

9.4 12-pulse Manufacturing cost 210%

with double Typical harmonic current components.
wound
Fundamental 5th 7th 11th 13th 17th 19th
transformer 100% 3,6% 2,6% 7,5% 5,2% 1,2% 1,3%

9.5 24-pulse Manufacturing cost 250%

rectifier Typical harmonic current components.

Fundamental 5th 7th 11th 13th 17th 19th

100% 4,0% 2,7% 1,0% 0,7% 1,4% 1,4%

26 Technical Guide No.6 - Guide to Harmonics with AC Drives

Summary of harmonics attenuation

9.6 Active Manufacturing cost 250%. Not significant if electrical braking

IGBT rectifier is anyway needed.
Typical harmonic current components.

Fundamental 5th 7th 11th 13th 17th 19th

100% 2,6% 3,4% 3,0% 0,1% 2,1% 2,2%

Technical Guide No.6 - Guide to Harmonics with AC Drives 27

Chapter 10 - Definitions
S: Apparent power

P: Active power

Q: Reactive power

Rsc: Short circuit ratio is defined as the short circuit power

of the supply at PCC to the nominal apparent power
of the equipment under consideration.
Rsc = Ss / Sn.

w1: Angular frequency of fundamental component

w1 = 2*p*f1, where f1 is fundamental frequency
(eg. 50Hz or 60Hz).

n: Integer n = 2, 3, ... ¥. Harmonic frequencies are

defined as wn = n*w1.

In: RMS-value of n:th harmonic component of line

current.

Zn: Impedance at frequency n*w1.

%Un: Harmonic voltage component as a percentage of

fundamental (line) voltage.

THD: Total Harmonic Distortion in the input current is

defined as:

where I1 is the rms value of the fundamental frequency

current. The THD in voltage may be calculated in a similar
way. Here is an example for the 25 lowest harmonic
components with the theoretical values:

202 + 14,32 + 9,12 + 7,7 2 + 5,9 2 + 5,32 + 4,4 2 + 4 2

100
29 %

PWHD: Partial weighted harmonic distortion is defined as:

28 Technical Guide No.6 - Guide to Harmonics with AC Drives

Definitions

PCC: Point of Common Coupling is defined in this text as

such a point of utility supply which may be common
to the equipment in question and other equipment.
There are several definitions of PCC in different
standards and even more interpretations of these
definitions in literature. The definition chosen here is
seen as technically most sound.

PF: Power Factor defined as PF = P/S (power / volt-

ampere) = I1 / Is * DPF (With sinusoidal current PF
equals to DPF).

DPF: Displacement Power Factor defined as cosφ1, where

φ1 is the phase angle between the fundamental
frequency current drawn by the equipment and the
supply voltage fundamental frequency component.

Technical Guide No.6 - Guide to Harmonics with AC Drives 29

Chapter 11 - Index

5th harmonic 7 electronic lighting 8

6-pulse rectifier 7, 10, 18, 19, EMC product standard 12
20 European Economic Area 12
6-pulse three phase rectifier 7 evaluating of harmonic 16
12-pulse rectifier 10, 18, 19, 20 external filtering 17
24-pulse rectifier 18, 19
F
A filtering 17, 18, 21, 24
ABB 6 frequency 9, 12, 13, 14, 19, 24,
AC inductor 21 28, 29
active filter 5, 24, 25 fundamental frequency 7, 28,
active power 14, 28 29
American National Standard 14
anti-parallel 20 H
apparent power 28 harmonic component 7, 19, 22,
attenuation 5, 26 24, 25, 28
harmonic currents 6, 7, 9, 10,
C 11, 12, 13, 15, 20, 21, 22, 23, 26,
calculation 5, 9, 10, 11, 12, 15, 27
16, 23 harmonic distortion 6, 8, 9, 10,
CE marking 12 11, 12, 14, 15, 16, 19, 23, 25, 28
circuit breaker 8 harmonic limit 12, 13, 14, 15, 16
common DC-bus 19 harmonics reduction 17, 24, 25
commutation notch 20 harmonic voltage 10, 23, 28
compatibility limit 12, 13 harmonics phenomena 6, 7
computer 8
consumer's installation 14 I
converter 6, 9, 10, 12, 18, 20, 21 IGBT bridge 20, 21
converter load 6 inductance 17, 18, 22, 23
correction coefficient 10 inductor 5, 18, 21, 22, 23, 24, 26
industrial installation 12
D installation 9, 12, 14, 15, 19, 24,
DC-capacitor 18 25
DC-current 18
displacement power factor 20, L
29 laboratory test 23
distortion calculation 5, 6 line current 6, 18, 21
distortion nomogram 23 low-pass filter 18

E M
effect 5, 6, 8, 17, 18, 21, 22 mains transformer 6
effect of commutation 10 manufacturing cost 26, 27
electromagnetic compatibility metering 8
(EMC) 22 motor starter 8
electronic device 8 multiple arm passive filter 5,
electronic display 8 24, 25

30 Technical Guide No.6 - Guide to Harmonics with AC Drives

Index

N theoretical harmonic 10
non-linear load 6, 8, 15, 16 three-winding transformer 19
thyristor 17, 19, 20
O total current distortion 11
overheating 8 total demand distortion 15
total harmonic distortion 10,
P 15, 23, 28
passive filter 24, 25 total voltage distortion 11
phase commutated rectifier 20 tuned arm passive filter 24
PHD 12 two-winding transformer 19
point of common coupling 15,
29 U
power distribution 6 uninterrupted power supply 8
power drive system 12
power factor 16, 20, 29 V
power port 12 variable speed drives 8
public supply 12 voltage 6, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14,
PWHD 14, 28 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23
voltage boost 21
R
reactive power 21, 28 W
rectifier 5, 6, 7, 10, 17, 18, 19, welding supply 8
20, 26, 27
rectifying mode 20
rectangular current 7
regenerating mode 20

S
short circuit impedance 9
short circuit power 9, 14, 16,
17, 28
short circuit ratio 22, 28
source 6, 8, 9, 21
source impedance 4, 9
standard 12, 13, 14, 15, 18, 20,
29
structural modification 17, 18,
19, 20, 21, 22, 23
supply authority 14
supply cable 9, 18
supply transformer 9, 18
supply voltage 6, 21, 29

T
TDD 15
THD 12, 14, 22, 23, 28

Technical Guide No.6 - Guide to Harmonics with AC Drives 31

Copyright © ABB Automation Group Ltd, 2000 3BFE 64292714 R0125 Specifications subject to change without notice.
EN 31.01.2000

ABB Industry Oy
Drives
P. O. Box 184
FIN - 00381 Helsinki
Finland
Telephone +358 10 222 000
Telefax +358 10 222 2681
Internet http://www.abb.com/motors&drives

32 Technical Guide No.6 - Guide to Harmonics with AC Drives