Modelling the power quality characteristics of computer loads

Computer loads can be found in all of society's industrial, commercial and residential sectors. The nature of these loads is such that they distort the line current waveforms and in some cases can significantly distort the supply voltage waveforms causing disruption in computer system performance. This paper presents several case studies to reveal the unique power quality characteristics of an individual computer and the nonlinear aggregate characteristics of multiple computers being serviced from a point of common coupling. A new modelling methodology is presented which can be used to model the power quality characteristics of single and multiple connected computer systems and to assess the impact of voltage and current waveform distortions on computerized processes and electrical power systems.