Harmonic Assessment in Jordanian Low-Voltage Electrical Power Grid

Abstract

With the proliferation of nonlinear loads in the power system, harmonic pollution becomes a serious problem that affects the power quality in both transmission and distribution systems. Understanding and quantifying the harmonics level in electrical power grid are crucial before proposing any successful method for mitigating harmonics problems in the grid. In this paper, the harmonics level in Jordan Low-Voltage Electrical Power Grid (JLVEPG) is investigated. The loads are divided into five categories: : (i) industrial loads, (ii) commercial loads, (iii) hospital loads, (iv) residential loads, and (v) office loads. Assuming each category will inject similar harmonics in the grid, this will make the harmonic assessment in the power system is easier and help proposing harmonic mitigation solutions. A field measurement for the major electrical units (Voltages, currents, and power) in JLVEPG is carried out for different locations in multiple cities. These measurements are followed by data analysis techniques in order to identify the total harmonic distortion (THD) and the most dominant harmonic in each load category.