Basic Mechanisms of Generation and Flow of Harmonic Signals in Balanced and Unbalanced Three-Phase Power Systems

In this paper, the basic mechanisms of generation and flow of harmonic signals in electric power networks are discussed. With regard to generation, the unbalanced operating condition of a sixpulse converter is studied. Guidelines which are applicable in the general case are obtained. With regard to flow of harmonic signals, a new relationship between distortion voltamperes (D) and total harmonic distortion (THD) is derived. This relationship is very similar to the P/?? and Q/|V| relations which are well know in electric power flow studies.