Examples of harmonics-related malfunctions in electrical installations : case of “Overloads on transformers or generators”
huge losts: 20,000 euros an hour ... 17 million euros ...
case of malfunctions due to Harmonics
This article will present the case of overloads on transformers or generators, leading to tripping
Harmonic currents are responsible for increasing the rms value of line current for the same active power supplied.
Transformers should therefore not be sized according to active power, but according to apparent power, taking harmonics into account.
Otherwise, overloads and protection tripping are possible.
The same phenomenon may apply to generators.
For generators, in addition to the risk of overloads, there is a risk of greater harmonic distortion due to greater source impedance.
A few examples:
- Metallurgical plant: induction furnaces caused the overload and damage of three 1500 and 2500kVA transformers within a year and estimated production downtime costs of 20,000 euros an hour.
- Pharmaceutical lab: harmonics caused the failure of a generator set and the interruption of a long-time test phase on a new drug. The result was an estimated loss of 17 million euros.
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Jacques Schonek
Hi. I have a question but I ont Know where to direct it. I have a 3 bedroom house and a technician came and did the wiring for the entire house. From that time todate the lights go from 7.00 pm to 5.00 am. What might be wrong? I have used 4 Kyocera panels of 100wats each and Charge controller of 30Amps, with 8 200Ah batteries and 5 Kva Inverter. Please advise on what to do. My email is omolloh_maurice@yahoo.com.
So, what are sensible steps to prevent power overload problems? I think I experienced that twice if I’m not mistaken.