A digital method for the identification of the source of distortion in electric power systems

The presence of distortion in voltages and currents in the electric power systems causes many inconveniences, ranging from an increment in the line loss to the irradiation of disturbances. The correct identification of the source of distortion is important for attaining an effective compensation of the nonactive components of power. This paper refers to a method, based on the evaluation of the sign of the harmonic active powers, originally designed for identification of the source of harmonic distortion in three-phase systems. An application of this method to the development of a new instrument is described. The instrument accuracy and the results of some experimental work are discussed