A literature survey on power quality disturbances in the frequency range of 2-150 kHz

Abstract

Modern power electronics emit high frequency disturbances which are the remnants of their internal switching circuits. The electromagnetic interference, induced by these high frequency disturbances, can cause household equipment and utility assets to malfunction. Due to the lack of standardization in the frequency range of 2-150 kHz, power electronic devices have been designed to satisfy emission limits at lower frequencies but instead have increased emission at this higher frequency range. This paper presents an up-to-date literature survey on these high frequency disturbances in the 2-150 kHz range, a.k.a. ‘supraharmonics’. It includes classification, standardization, equipment interaction, propagation, and mitigation methods. This survey shows that most research conducted on this topic has been empirical or using simple models. However, analytical/physical models with sufficient detail have to be developed for equipment and low-voltage networks in this frequency range to increase understanding of the practical impact on end-user equipment and assets in the distribution grid. Supraharmonics are a relatively new power quality problem and this emission is expected to increase progressively due to the growing number of high frequency emitting devices, and the increasing number of susceptible loads. Hence, more research towards higher frequency harmonics is warranted.