How harmonics generated in electrical power distribution system?
Harmonic frequencies are integral multiples of the fundamental supply frequency, i.e. for a fundamental of 50 Hz, the third harmonic would be 150 Hz and the fifth harmonic would be 250 Hz. Harmonic distorted waveform is clearly not a sine wave and that means that normal measurement equipment, such as averaging reading rms-calibrated multi-meters, will give inaccurate readings. Note also that there could be also many zero crossing points per cycle instead of two, so any equipment that uses zero crossing as a reference will malfunction. The waveform contains non-fundamental frequencies and has to be treated accordingly. When talking about harmonics in power installations it is the current harmonics that are of most concern because the harmonics originate as currents and most of the ill effects are due to these currents. No useful conclusions can be drawn without knowledge of the spectrum of the current harmonics but it is still common to find only the total harmonic distortion (THD) figu
