Harmonic injection of domestic nonlinear loads in Ghana's power distribution system: analysis and mitigation using a low-cost notch filter

Abstract

Due to global efforts to save energy, digital light processing (DLP) and direct view televisions (DVTVs) are being replaced by energy efficient liquid crystal display (LCD) and light emitting diode (LED) televisions. However, these energy-efficient appliances cause harmonics to be injected into the power distribution system, posing a threat to power quality. This study investigates the harmonics generated by common domestic appliances, particularly LCD and LED TVs used in homes in Ghana. Field harmonic measurements were taken using a C.A. 8335 Power Quality Analyzer at a selected facility and were then replicated in a simulation using MATLAB/SIMULINK to model the facility's area network capacity of 100-kVA, 11kV/433V. The study proposes a notch filter as a harmonic mitigation technique, which is integrated into the simulation design and found to be effective at reducing total harmonic distortion current to 0.05 % when applied in parallel to nonlinear loads. The study also compares the harmonic distortion generated by LED TVs and LCD TVs, finding that both types generate high levels of distortion.