Power Quality Measurement (Harmonic)

Harmonics are sinusoidal waveforms of voltage and current that are defective in an electrical network and occur continuously. Harmonics arise due to non-linear loads, namely loads whose impedance varies with the applied voltage.

Each component of the distribution system can be affected by harmonics although with different consequences, however, these components will experience a decrease in performance and even dangerous damage that causes downtime. Here are some symptoms of harmonic disturbance:

• Overheat in the transformer resulting in a decrease in power or efficiency
• Heat in line/cable
• Mechanical vibration of electrical panels
• Resonance / overload on the power capacitor (causing damage to the capacitor)
• Many electrical appliances are damaged due to excessive THD V

In industrial areas, some equipment that can cause harmonics to occur include power supply, variable freq drive, electroplating, etc. This THD measurement is useful so that power quality is always maintained so that with good power quality it is hoped that it can prevent damage to industrial equipment that causes downtime and increase production and energy efficiency.