57 - How do harmonic currents really add up to make a distorted waveform? How do you calculate Total Harmonic Distortion (THD)?

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• Harmonic Currents: The discussion starts with a question on how harmonic currents contribute to distorted waveforms, emphasizing the need to understand their mathematical representation rather than their physical existence. We then calculate the total harmonic distortion based on reference to a fundamental or 60 Hz current. • Fourier Analysis: Fourier analysis is critical to understand to break down waveforms into their constituent frequencies. This analysis is important for understanding the composition of waveforms and their impact on power systems. • Phase Angles and Harmonics: The phase angle of each harmonic component is important to understand so that once the waveform is broken into its pieces, or harmonics, it can be rebuilt by combining the individual harmonics. If the phase angle isn’t correct, the waveform cannot be properly rebuilt. importance of phase angles in the mathematical representation of waveforms. • System Design Concerns: An example of understanding the magnitude of harmonic currents shows how 20% distortion only yields 102% rms current and explains why the percentages can be misleading Eaton’s Harmonic Frequently Asked Question’s FAQs collection of videos hosted by Dan Carnovale can help individuals from all different levels of education understand what harmonics are and explain many different solutions for mitigating harmonics on an electrical power system. Dan Carnovale P.E. has decades of experience in power quality and harmonics and is a recognized electrical industry expert in power quality and power systems. He is the creator and director of Eaton’s Power Systems Experience Centers (PSEC) in Pittsburgh PA and Houston TX. The PSECs provide visitors live demonstrations of hands-on power quality and harmonic situations and solutions can be seen first-hand in the Power Quality Lab. Visit Eaton’s harmonics knowledge website featuring harmonic solutions, harmonic calculators, access to white papers, and more: https://www.eaton.com/harmonics See our entire harmonics FAQs playlists: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U36ywxWHIy8&list=PL8XobqCtN9Z8maXVw0kYDLjmhBO275-bE For an educational overview of harmonics in person, visit one of Eaton’s Power Systems Experience Centers: http://eaton.com/experience Chapters 00:00 00:10 intro 00:40 THD calculation #harmonics #powerquality #electricalengineering #electricalsafety #eatonexperience #experiencecenter