Distinction Between ''Destructive'' and'' Constructive'' Harmonic
Currents to the Voltage Quality
Abstract
This paper discusses the distinction between the harmonic currents that
have a destructive effect and those that have a constructive effect on
the voltage quality. Most standards allocate some limits for the
harmonic current magnitude at the point of common coupling (PCC) to
restrict the harmonic voltage at the PCC. This paper aims to answer
”whether all kinds of harmonic currents are destructive to the voltage
quality and should be restricted to reach a better voltage quality.”
The results of this paper show that in many cases, despite a high
harmonic current at the PCC, the customer decreases the harmonic voltage
at the PCC and, subsequently, improves the voltage quality. An example
of such situations could be connecting a customer with a passive or
active harmonic filter to a grid with a high background harmonic
distortion. Therefore, restriction of harmonic current at the PCC does
not necessarily result in a better voltage quality. This paper proposes
a parameter to distinguish the constructive harmonic currents from the
destructive ones.