Supraharmonics in electric distribution systems

Supraharmonics emissions is a new power quality phenomenon attributed to modern power electronics equipment. Rapidly increasing electrification of transportation systems, proliferation distributed energy resources, micro-grids and DC supply systems rely on sophisticated, modern power electronic equipment, which could to be source of supraharmonics emissions. The effects of the increased presence of supraharmonics in electrical networks are not entirely clear yet.

Issue

The electrical grid is going through fast transformation. Distributed generation, renewables, electric vehicles and power electronics are changing the grid characteristics and creating exceptional challenges for organizations that rely on power availability for business continuity.

Supraharmonics are a relatively new power quality phenomenon: the high frequency emissions originating from modern power electronics equipment or from Power Line Communications (PLC) equipment. While typically monitored and mitigated, power frequency harmonics usually do not exceed 2.5 kHz - 3 kHz (50th harmonic of 50 Hz or 60 Hz), while supraharmonics can extend from 2 kHz to 150 kHz.

It is not well understood if the presence of supraharmonics in electric distribution systems can result in negative economic consequences similar in scale and severity to those caused by power frequency harmonics.

Your advice

Do you have any of the following equipment connected to your electrical distribution network?