Potential harmonic iumpact of microturbines on a commercial power distribution system

ATP-EMTP Simulations of a 3-phase commercial power distribution system containing 250 kW, 480 V microturbines for distributed generation are described. The purpose of the simulations was to investigate the extent to which the nonlinear currents generated by the microturbines might cause line voltage distortion. The results showed that even at the most vulnerable lateral tap points in the system under worst-case conditions the voltage THD did not exceed the IEEE Standard 519 limitation for up to 40% saturation of commercial service entrances with microturbines.

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