Harmonic Emissions of Three-Phase Diode Rectifiers in Distribution Networks

Harmonic emissions have been changed in distribution networks, with respect to frequency range and magnitude, due to the penetration of modern power electronics systems. Two new frequency ranges: 2–9 kHz and 9–150 kHz have been identified as new disturbing frequency ranges affecting distribution networks. This paper presents the effects of grid connected three-phase systems with different front-end topologies: conventional, small DC-link capacitor and electronic inductor. A power converter with a small DC-link capacitor can create a resonant frequency with the line impedance below and above 1 kHz depending on the grid configurations. The resonant effects depend on many factors such as load power levels, filter types and the number of parallel drives. These issues can affect the grid current harmonics and power quality of the distribution networks. Analyses and simulations have been carried out for three different topologies and the results have been verified by experimental test at system level. Current harmonic emissions have been considered for 0–2 kHz, 2–9 kHz and 9–150 kHz frequency ranges.