A Rule Based Expert System for Identification of Harmonics Originating from Single Phase Nonlinear Loads

Abstract

Presently, there is still a critical shortage of experts to interpret and diagnose problems associated with power system harmonics. Thus, the use of a rule based expert system is proposed for the identification of harmonic sources originating from various single phase nonlinear loads such as uninterruptible power supply, personal computer, fluorescent lamp with magnetic and electronic ballasts, PC monitor and oscilloscope. Identification of harmonics originating from single phase nonlinear loads is implemented by first analyzing the harmonic current waveforms using fractal and fast Fourier transform analyses so as to characterize the harmonic signatures of the different types of nonlinear loads. Then, a rule-based expert system is developed in which the system identifies and classifies the different types of nonlinear loads from the input current waveforms. The expert system with its user interface has been developed in MATLAB and it has been verified with real current measurements. The results obtained prove that the system enables accurate identification of nonlinear loads.