Effect of load parameters on the harmonic performance of distribution networks

This study addresses the effect of the load parameters, such as its density, power factor, its daily load curve and the eventual presence of power factor correcting capacitors, on the frequency characteristics of the input impedance of a radial distribution network. The network is supplying a load area of a rectangular shape via a feeder and several laterals. A closed-form expression for that impedance, that takes into account the dimensions of the supplied load area, the feeder's and laterals' configuration and their circuit parameters, is applied. Results of several studies are presented in order to demonstrate the dependence of the network's input impedance on the different load parameters. Moreover, the possibility of network's series and/or parallel resonance frequencies at certain combinations of load parameters are explored and discussed.