An object-oriented approach to analyse the capability of industrial electrical components in presence of harmonics

In the paper an object-oriented program, namely CIAO (computer harmonic analysis by object oriented tool), is realized to assess the harmonic distortion levels and ascertain the capability of equipment in nonsinusoidal operating conditions. CIAO is proposed as a valuable interactive tool both for evaluating the performance of electrical components in existing industrial energy systems and for choosing the rating of electrical components to be installed in new industrial energy systems. Firstly, the structure of the system to study is realized linking the electrical components via a graphical interface, then the steady-state behavior of the power system is derived at the fundamental frequency and at harmonics implementing the available methods of system simulation. Finally, the capability of each component is obtained following the IEEE/IEC Standards or Recommendations, when available, or applying methods appearing in the relevant literature. An advanced visualization section displays the final results in terms of both voltage and current waveforms and bar chart of harmonics existing on components, besides their derating factors.