Effects of nonsinusoidal voltage on the operation performance of a three-phase induction motor

This paper uses a real load test to investigate the effects of each order of harmonic from 2 to 13 under various voltage distortion factors (VDF) on the performance of a three-phase induction motor. The investigation includes input current, power factor, efficiency, temperature rise and their impacts on the consumers and utility companies. Since the life span of the motors is dramatically affected by the temperature rise, a new derating factor is proposed in this paper. Besides, the impacts of harmonics on electricity energy, consumers and the life span of a motor are also discussed, respectively. Finally, it is strongly suggested that even order harmonics and harmonics having an order below 5 should be considered in related regulations of harmonics control and limits.