Review of busbar operation under nonlinear load condition

Loads in power distribution system have become more nonlinear nowadays due to the alarming usage of electronic devices. These devices are important for daily usage at industrial, commercial, office, and residential premises. Arc welding, computers, ballast lighting are among common examples of devices which are also known as nonlinear load. These devices inject pulses into current waveform in the system thus creating the harmonics. Effects of nonlinear load towards power system equipment such as power cable, power transformer, and busbar are profound. Busbar operation produces higher operating losses due to harmonic components in the current. Close proximity at the busbar arrangement must also be taken into account where the skin and proximity effects are produced due to high frequency of the harmonic components. This paper explores the characteristics of busbar operation and the effects of harmonic in current towards the busbar system. Heat loss and temperature rise at busbar due to harmonics are also further elaborated.