A parameter study on the voltage and current harmonic distortion factors in distribution networks

Based on closed form expressions for the harmonic voltages and currents in a typical radial distribution network, the corresponding distortion factors at any point within the network could be evaluated. They depend primarily on the location and intensity if the harmonic sources of different frequencies, the network configuration, load density and its power factor as well as on the level of eventual reactive power compensation. Moreover, the distortion factors vary during the day because of the load curve. The results of simulating different case studies are presented and discussed in order to illustrate the effect of the above mentioned parameters on the distortion factors.