Power quality and harmonics in the supply network: a look at common practices and standards

Abstract

Power quality and harmonics in the supply network is one of today's most discussed topics in electrical engineering. The author discusses the main global standards for harmonics (IEEE 1159-1995, IEEE 519-1992, IEC 1000, and NEPA 70) which deal separately with two aspects of the problem: quantity or level of harmonics or other power quality deviations tolerated at different points in the network; and ways to measure or monitor power quality deviations and harmonics in a network. The author discusses these two aspects of power quality and harmonics.