Course Details

Objective

By the end of the course, participants will be able to understand

• Understand the basic concepts of harmonics in electrical systems and their causes.
• Learn how harmonics affect electrical equipment, including motors, transformers, and capacitors.
• Gain knowledge of methods to measure and analyze harmonic distortion.
• Develop skills in identifying, analyzing, and mitigating harmonic issues in electrical systems.
• Understand the impact of harmonics on power quality, efficiency, and system reliability.
• Learn the standards and regulations related to harmonics (e.g., IEEE 519, IEC 61000).
• Apply solutions for mitigating harmonics, including filtering, power factor correction, and equipment design adjustments.

Content

Day 1: Introduction to Harmonics

• Definition of harmonics: waveform distortion and harmonic order
• Sources of harmonics: non-linear loads such as variable frequency drives (VFDs), rectifiers, fluorescent lighting, and computers
• Harmonic generation in industrial, commercial, and residential systems
• Effects of harmonics on voltage and current waveforms
• Basic principles of Fourier analysis and harmonic distortion
• Understanding Total Harmonic Distortion (THD) and its significance

Day 2: Harmonics and Their Effects on Electrical Equipment

• Impact of harmonics on electrical equipment: transformers, motors, capacitors, and distribution panels
• Overheating of transformers and motors due to harmonic currents
• Resonance issues and their impact on equipment reliability
• The influence of harmonics on power factor and efficiency
• Effect on protection systems: circuit breakers, fuses, and relays
• Harmonic distortion in sensitive electronic equipment and control systems
• Safety and operational risks associated with harmonics

Day 3: Measuring and Analyzing Harmonics

• Tools and instruments for measuring harmonics: power quality analyzers, oscilloscopes, and harmonic analyzers
• How to measure Total Harmonic Distortion (THD), individual harmonic currents, and voltages
• Setting up harmonic measurements and interpreting results
• Analyzing harmonic spectra: identifying harmonic frequencies and their impact
• Understanding harmonic analysis reports and interpreting key data
• Case studies of harmonic measurements in industrial and commercial systems

Day 4: Mitigating Harmonics in Equipment and Systems

• Overview of harmonic mitigation strategies: passive and active filtering, harmonic traps, and phase shifting
• Using passive filters for harmonics: design principles and applications
• Active filtering techniques and their effectiveness in real-time harmonic correction
• Proper sizing and installation of harmonic filters in various systems
• Power factor correction techniques and their impact on harmonics
• Designing equipment to minimize harmonic generation (e.g., using 6-pulse vs. 12-pulse rectifiers, optimizing VFD settings)
• Best practices for mitigating harmonics at the source

Day 5: Standards, Regulations, and Case Studies

• Overview of international standards for harmonics: IEEE 519, IEC 61000, and others
• Harmonic limits and guidelines in different industries and applications
• Regulatory compliance and its importance in preventing harmonics-related issues
• Case studies: Successful harmonic mitigation projects and lessons learned
• Troubleshooting common harmonic issues in real-world scenarios
• Preventive maintenance strategies for managing harmonics over time
• Final review, Q&A, and participant discussion on challenges and solutions

NOTE:

Pre-& Post Tests will be conducted.

Case Studies, Group Exercises, Group Discussions, Last Day reviews, and assessments will be carried out.

Methodology

A highly interactive combination of lectures and discussion sessions will be managed to maximize the amount and quality of information and knowledge transfer. The sessions will start by raising the most relevant questions and motivating everybody to find the right answers. You will also be encouraged to raise your own questions and to share in the development of the right answers using your own analysis and experiences.  Tests of multiple-choice type will be made available on daily basis to examine the effectiveness of delivering the course.

Very useful Course Materials will be given.

• 30% Lectures
• 30% Workshops and work presentation
• 20% Group Work& Practical Exercises
• 20% Videos& General Discussions