Distribution system harmonic worst case design using a genetic algorithm

IEEE Standard 519 suggests that utility distribution buses should provide a voltage harmonic distortion level of less than 5% provided customers on the distribution feeder limit their load harmonic current injections to a prescribed level. It is desirable to anticipate voltage harmonics on distribution lines that have constantly changing characteristics due to line switching, capacitor switching, and load impedance changes, and are also subject to multiple harmonic sources with changing magnitudes and spectra. A technique is outlined for finding worst case combinations of these distribution system variables in order to design solutions to potential harmonic excesses. The number of harmonic source-load combinations makes it desirable to use a genetic algorithm for this purpose.<>