Experimental determination of harmonic conditions amplification in a distribution network by capacitor bank switching

The paper presents a study comprising laboratory measurements for the evaluation of the harmonic amplification due to capacitor bank switching. The mathematical model of the amplification factors of the current flowing on the circuit elements is presented. Theoretical aspects, regarding the total harmonic distortion (THD) of the capacitor current computed using the amplification factor, are originally presented. Nonlinear loads as six pulse rectifier and National Instruments measurement sensors together with LabView software were used on the laboratory set-up. The main instrument of the method is the harmonic impedance, “seen” in the bus of the capacitor bank switching. MatLab Simulink is used for the determination of the harmonic impedance.