What is Harmonics?
Distorting components at multiples of the fundamental frequency that make grid voltage and current deviate from the ideal sine wave.
Harmonics are distorting components — seen at exact multiples of the fundamental frequency (50 Hz) — that cause the voltage and current waveform in the electrical grid to deviate from the ideal sine shape. Non-linear loads such as variable frequency drives, rectifiers, LED drivers and UPS units generate harmonics. The harmonic level is usually measured with THD (Total Harmonic Distortion).
High harmonics cause various problems in the system: overheating of transformers and cables, false tripping of protection devices, measurement errors and, most importantly, damage to compensation capacitors. If THD is above 5%, plain capacitors can resonate and fail; a detuned (filtered) compensation system is required in such an environment.
Monitoring the harmonic level with an energy analyzer allows both early detection of power quality problems and selecting the right type of compensation system. High harmonics are a common hidden reason behind the question of why a reactive penalty "won't go down."
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