Benchmarking aspects of power quality of a municipal residential network against international standards

In this paper the influence of domestic loads are discussed on voltage distortion in residential electrical networks. The effects of the resultant harmonics produced by different domestic load categories are reviewed. The source of harmonic generation by dimmable LED lamps, CFLs and ripple injection control, is elaborated on with resulting total harmonic distortion (THD) results. These harmonics may lead to unreliable energy delivery due to premature component and/or system failure as a result of the accretion of harmonic currents. Harmonic measurements that were data-logged in a case study in Beaufort West, a small town in South Africa, are analysed. Some of the standards addressing voltage distortion regarding power quality in electrical reticulation systems, such as the IEC61000 are compared to that of the network in the case study. The municipal network also has a number of grid-tied solar PV systems connected to the network. Some of the abovementioned voltage THD measurements are benchmarked against the IEC and other international power quality standards.