LFEIC Survey of Harmonic Voltage Distortion Levels in Europe – Discussion of Results and Implications

The Survey 65 residences – harmonic voltage distortion over one week period at each residence 7 countries Austria France Republic of Ireland Italy Germany Netherlands Spain Some previous surveys:

Types of Customers

Types of Loads

The Results

Results by Country

Harmonic Profile

Sharing the Results

Sharing the Results

What Does it Mean? Harmonic voltage distortion levels at the residences surveyed are well below the compatibility levels specified in IEC 61000-3-2 and EN 50160 at the CP95 probability level. The harmonic voltage distortion at the residential locations surveyed is dominated by the fifth harmonic component, with a CP95 level of about 3.5%. Harmonic voltage distortion levels tend to be highest in the evening and on weekends for the residential sites surveyed. Snapshot of harmonic levels at selected residences. Not a statistically valid sample.

What Next? What are the variations in harmonic distortion levels as a function of the time of year? What are the changes in harmonic distortion levels over time (e.g. years)? What is the relationship between harmonic levels on the LV network and on the MV system, including the effect of system frequency response characteristics? How do the harmonics from different loads combine on the supply system (cancellation, diversity factors, effect of types load as a damping influence)? Harmonic limits based on expected impacts and overall economics associated with the limits and impacts