Multi-point measurement techniques for harmonic pollution monitoring: a comparative analysis

Monitoring techniques based on distributed measurement systems are the most promising solution to the problem of locating the sources for the harmonic distortion, and attributing the pertinent costs, in an electrical power system. In this paper two methodologies recently presented are compared to verify their capability of allocating the responsibilities for this kind of disturbance in a distribution network, where several nonlinear and unbalanced loads are connected to the feeders. The survey is based on computer simulations performed on a standard network proposed by an IEEE task force as a benchmark for studies related to harmonics in power distribution systems. The simulation results are discussed and some points are raised about the practical usability of these monitoring techniques, also related to the possible uncertainty that affects the measurement of the parameters involved