Computer simulation of harmonic waveform distortion, and comparison with measured results

To preserve the quality of electricity supply in the presence of large harmonic-producing loads, it is essential to accurately predict the levels of harmonic waveform distortion produced, particularly in the event of parallel resonant conditions being anticipated. A research project jointly funded by the University of Sunderland and three Industrial Partners is currently being carried out with the aim of achieving good correlation between measured and computed results. Using the CHAPS program, a three-phase network of up to 74 nodes and 106 branches has been modelled. CHAPS has then been used to carry out a detailed three-phase, time-domain simulation. Computed results for voltage and current waveforms and corresponding harmonics are still being assessed, but it is judged that reasonably good correlation with measured waveforms has been achieved and the expected parallel resonant condition demonstrated.