Phasor-Based Approach for Harmonic Assessment from Multiple Distributed Energy Resources

TL;DR

This paper introduces the Phasor Harmonic Index (PHI), a new metric for assessing harmonic interactions from multiple distributed energy resources using phase angle data from micro-Synchrophasors.

Contribution

The paper presents a novel harmonic index that incorporates phase angle information, enhancing harmonic assessment in distribution networks with distributed energy resources.

Findings

PHI effectively captures harmonic interactions considering phase angles.

Micro-Synchrophasors enable practical measurement of harmonic phase angles.

The detailed distribution network model supports accurate harmonic interaction analysis.

Abstract

This paper analyzes impacts and interactions of harmonics from multiple sources, especially distributed energy resources, on distribution networks. We propose a new index, the Phasor Harmonic Index (PHI), that considers both harmonic source magnitude and phase angle, while other commonly used harmonic indices are based solely on magnitude of waveforms. The use of such an index becomes feasible and practical through emerging monitoring technologies like micro-Synchrophasors in distribution networks that help measure and visualize voltage and current phase angles along with their magnitudes. A very detailed model of a distribution network is also needed for the harmonic interaction assessment in this paper.