The Ground Impedance Influence on Neutral Harmonic Currents

With the proliferation of nonlinear loads such as switching mode power supplies, high neurtral harmonic currents in three-phase four-wire distribution system have been observed. It has been known that the grounded impedance has an effect on the neutral current of a system which operates with harmonics present since the neutral conductor is grounded. On-site measurements of harmonic currents and voltages were made and the corresponding equivalent circuit was developed. The circuit model under study was simulated numerically and graphically through the use of the software MATLAB. Simulation results verifying the relationship between the neutral harmonic current and ground impedance are presented.