Effects of Personal Computer Harmonic Currents on the Distribution Transformer

Abstract: The power supplies employed in most personal computers are of the switching
mode type. In a switching mode power supply(SMPS), the 50 Hz ac voltage is converted into de through a single phase diode bridge rectifier and the output voltage of the rectifier is stepped down using a dc to dc converter and this the main reason for which the harmonics are generated. The third harmonic current (and other triplen harmonics) present in the input current of a personal computer is of utmost concern to the power engineer. Third harmonic currents in each phase of a 3-phase system add in phase in the neutral wire. The main problem associated with excessive neutral currents is the overheating of the neutral wire. This can be hazardous in an office building that has computers and other nonlinear loads and where the neutral conductor is designed to handle only low levels of neutral currents arising mainly from small phase imbalances. The distribution transformer that supplies power to office buildings is subject to the harmonic currents of personal computers and other electronic loads. Harmonic currents result in the overheating of transformer windings due- to excessive eddy current losses. In this we paper, we study the harmful effects of these harmonics currents on the distribution transformer and also study different methods of harmonic current reduction.

INTRODUCTION
In recent years there has been a growing concern for power system distortion due to the increasing numbers and power ratings of non-linear power electronic devices. Harmonic currents and/or voltages are present on an electrical system at some multiple of the fundamental frequency. Typical values are the third harmonic component, the fifth harmonic component, the seventh harmonic component, and so on. Major problems due to harmonic currents are interference with communication signals, excessive losses and heating in motors and transformers, excessive distribution neutral current, errors in power measurements, malfunction of protective relays. In addition, a harmonic load can draw power from the supply at a very low power factor. The major problems associated with the harmonic currents generated by personal computers are excessive neutral currents and additional transformer losses in the form of eddy current

losses. The extra transformer losses due to harmonics require that the transformer be

derated, so that the total losses do not exceed the ratings. According to A standard c57.110-1986 (A Recommended Practice for Establishing Transformer capability When Supplying Non sinusoidal Load Currents) the total load loss of a transformer can be divided between winding losses and stray losses. Stray losses are the eddy current losses due to stray electromagnetic flux in the windings, core and other structural parts of the transformer.