UPS systems for power quality solutions

Technical Note no. 4

UPS harmonics
on input mains

GE Digital Energy
Via Cantonale, 50
6595 Riazzino, Swizerland
[email protected]

g GE Digital Energy

www.gedigitalenergy.com
111
 GE Digital Energy
TechNote no. 4
UPS harmonics on input mains

Preface
“Technical note” is a collection of technical documents focused on the applications of GE Digital Energy SA UPS
system.
These documents are realized for salesmen, engineers, technicians and for all the people who are looking in
more details the information given on the product descriptions.
The latest publication of this document is available via web at the following address:
Address: http://www.geindustrial.com/industrialsystems/gede/ -> Tools\GE DigitalEnergy Interact

The author disclaim all responsibility subsequent to incorrect use of information or diagrams reproduced in this
document and can not be held responsible for any error or oversights, or for consequence of using information,
configuration and diagrams contained in this document.
This document shall not be copied or reproduced without written permission of GE Digital Energy SA.

Document release
Release: July 2002
Author: Diego Toledo
Department: System & Application Engineering
6595 Riazzino (Locarno) - Switzerland

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TechNote no. 4
UPS harmonics on input mains

Contents
1 Abstract ....................................................................................................................................................... 4
2 Understanding harmonics problems ........................................................................................................ 4
2.1 Harmonics ..................................................................................................................................................... 4
2.2 Harmonics effects ......................................................................................................................................... 4
2.3 Harmonics theoretical concept ...................................................................................................................... 5
2.3.1 Fourier analysis............................................................................................................................................. 5
2.3.2 Periodic alternating rms value ....................................................................................................................... 5
2.3.3 Current harmonic distortion ........................................................................................................................... 5
2.3.4 Voltage harmonic distortion........................................................................................................................... 6
2.3.5 Power factor for loads affected by harmonics ............................................................................................... 7
2.4 Rectifier harmonics ....................................................................................................................................... 8
2.5 Rectifier Harmonics compensation................................................................................................................ 8
3 Standard requirement ................................................................................................................................ 9
4 SitePro configuration characteristics ..................................................................................................... 10
4.1 SitePro configurations ................................................................................................................................. 10
4.2 SitePro harmonics value ............................................................................................................................. 11
4.3 6 pulse rectifier............................................................................................................................................ 12
th
4.4 6 pulse rectifier and 5 harmonic filter......................................................................................................... 13
4.5 12 pulse rectifier without galvanic separation.............................................................................................. 14
4.6 12 pulse rectifier with galvanic separation................................................................................................... 15
4.7 6 pulse rectifier and DCU ............................................................................................................................ 16
4.8 12 pulse rectifier with galvanic separation and DCU ................................................................................... 17
4.9 Rectifier with phase shift displacement ....................................................................................................... 18
4.9.1 12 pulse configuration by two parallel UPS ................................................................................................. 19
4.9.2 18 pulse configuration ................................................................................................................................. 20
4.9.3 24 pulse configuration (for 6 pulse UPS)..................................................................................................... 21
4.9.4 24 pulse configuration (for 12 pulse UPS)................................................................................................... 22

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UPS harmonics on input mains

1 Abstract
As known an UPS thyristorized rectifier generates harmonics on the upstream input mains. These can cause
several problems on the other load connected on the same electrical network and also on the input transformer.
After a short presentation on theoretical harmonics concept and on the effects on the installation involved, the
document describes the possible solutions adapted on the SitePro UPSs to their compensation.

2 Understanding harmonics problems

2.1 Harmonics
In an electric energy production and distribution system the mains voltage can be considered as an ideal
sinusoidal wave with a constant frequency. However, in reality the public mains undergoes voltage and frequency
variations. In particular, an increasing actual problem is the perturbations caused by the harmonics generated by
non-linear loads connected to the mains.
Harmonics are perturbations with frequencies multiple of the fundamental frequency, which will be
superimposed (added) to the fundamental generating a distortion.
The presence of non-linear loads connected to mains generates harmonics in current, which by circulating in
the line impedance lead to voltage harmonics distortion.
Therefore, harmonics current depend from the load, while the harmonics voltage depends from the source and
the line’s impedance.

2.2 Harmonics effects

Non-linear loads can be considered as current harmonics generator, that causing various problems on the other
application involved. Here are short descriptions of their effects:
Short-term effects:
• problems on telecommunications systems
• inconveniences in switches and differentials
• variations of motor electric torque with relative speed variation
• acoustical noise
Long-term effects:
• cables over-heating
• supplementary losses in power transformers:
- skin effect (higher resistance)
- hysteresis and eddy currents
- increase of rms current value
• additional losses in rotating machines:
- stator winding and magnetic structure
- rotor damping circuit and rotor teeth
• heating in cables:
- increase rms current value
- skin effect (higher resistance)
- capacitors over-heating
Admissible harmonic limits:
• cables: max core-shielding voltage distortion 10%
• asynchronous machines: max current distortion 1.5 ÷ 3.5%
• synchronous machines: max current distortion 1.3 ÷ 1.4%
• power capacitors: max ovrervoltage 10% for standard capacitors, network with low harmonic content
20 ÷ 35% for capacitors design for network with middle harmonic content
50 ÷ 100% for capacitors design for network with high harmonic content
• sensitive electronic equipment: 5% voltage distortion with max 3% for each single harmonic

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TechNote no. 4
UPS harmonics on input mains

2.3 Harmonics theoretical concept

2.3.1 Fourier analysis

According to Fourier analysis each periodic function may be represented as a series, which is composed by:
• a constant value; that represent the current or voltage DC component, where applicable
• a sinusoidal component with frequency f (in electrical application usually 50 or 60 Hz), named fundamental
frequency
• sinusoidal components with frequency multiple of the fundamental frequency, named harmonics
The Fourier series is therefore represented by the following formula
n n
F ( t ) = F0 + ∑
h =1
2 * F h * sin( h ω t + ϕ h ) = F0 + 2 * F1 * sin( ω t + ϕ 1 ) + ∑
h=2
2 * F h * sin( h ω t + ϕ h )

where
• F0 : DC component, normally equal to zero in AC sine wave + 5th harmonic
electrical applications
• F 1 : rms value of the fundamental component at a
frequency f
• ω = 2π f : fundamental angular frequency
• ϕ 1 : phase displacement
• F h : rms of the n harmonic, with frequency n*f
• ϕ h : phase displacement between n harmonic
current and voltage
5th harmonic
sine wave

2.3.2 Periodic alternating rms value

According to IEC Standard this value is defined as
1 T
F rms =
T ∫
0
F ( t ) 2 dt

where
• T is the period of the function.
• F (t) is the periodic function under analysis
Using the harmonic analysis, the rms value may be represented as follow
n
F rms = ∑
h =1
F h2

2.3.3 Current harmonic distortion

Current harmonic distortion
Two are the value that characterized current harmonic:
• individual current harmonics
I
i h % = h * 100
I1
that represents the influence of each individual harmonic related to the fundamental sine-wave value.

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TechNote no. 4
UPS harmonics on input mains

• total current harmonic distortion

n

∑ h =1
I h
2

THDI % = 100
I1

that represents the ratio between the whole harmonics content respect to the fundamental sine-wave value.

Current rms value

As above showed the rms value is expressed by
n
I rms = ∑
h =1
I h2

taking into consideration the harmonic analysis the formula may be expressed as
2
n n
 Ih  n
I rms = I 12 + ∑h=2
I h2 = I 1 1 + ∑  
h=2  I1 
= I1 1 + ∑i
h=2
2
h

where
- ih : individual current harmonic, expressed in p.u..

2.3.4 Voltage harmonic distortion

Voltage harmonic distortion
As showed the presence of non-linear load cause current distortion in electrical network and as consequence
voltage distortion.
Ohm law (V=R*I) is applicable only for linear circuits; therefore it is applicable for each single harmonic value, but
not for the rms value.
Two are the value that characterized current harmonic:
• individual voltage harmonics
Uh
uh % = * 100
U1
that represents the influence of each individual harmonic related to the fundamental sine-wave value.
• total voltage harmonic distortion
n

∑h =1
U 2
h
THDU % = 100
U 1

that represents the ratio between the whole harmonics voltage respect to the fundamental sine-wave value.
THDU = Total Harmonics Voltage Distortion; this value is used to indicate the voltage harmonics contents.
The maximum THDU value are regulated by EN-50160-3, EN-61000-2-2 and IEC 61000-2-2 Standard.

Voltage rms value

As above showed the rms value is expressed by
n
U rms = ∑
h =1
U 2
h

taking into consideration the harmonic analysis the formula may be expressed as
2
n n
Uh  n
U rms = U 12 + ∑U 2
h = U1 1 + ∑  U
h=2 
 = U 1 1 + ∑u 2
h
h=2 1  h=2

where
- uh : individual voltage harmonic, expressed in p.u..

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TechNote no. 4
UPS harmonics on input mains

2.3.5 Power factor for loads affected by harmonics

Since the absorbed current of non-linear load is not a

power)
sinusoidal form, it is not possible to apply the traditional
concept of a phase displacement in electrical degrees.

) D (harmonics distortion
The Power Factor (PF) is the ratio of power
consumption in kW to kVA. er)
ow
ntp
PF = kW / kVA. par
e
ap
In an electrical system four are the electrical power: tal
A (to
90°
P = active power
ower)
Q= reactive power arent p
S (app

r
we
S = apparent power =

po
2 2
P + Q

e
tiv
90°

ac
D = harmonic power

(re
P (active power)

Q
A = total apparent power = S 2
+ D 2

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TechNote no. 4
UPS harmonics on input mains

2.4 Rectifier harmonics

Rectifier upstream harmonics
Typical non-linear loads are the rectifiers with
semiconductors, which generate harmonics according 6-pulse rectifier:
to the following formula:
k = 1: Hn = 5th and 7th harmonics
Hn = k*p ± 1 k = 2: Hn = 11th and 13th harmonics
where k = 3: Hn = 17th and 19th harmonics
Hn: harmonics’ number; k = 4: Hn = 23rd and 25th harmonics
k: constant equal to 1, 2, 3,
12-pulse rectifier:
p: number of conversions or rectifier’s pulses
th k = 1: Hn = 11th and 13th harmonics
The six-pulse rectifier produces harmonics at 6 ±1,
that is at one more and one less than each multiple of k = 2: Hn = 23rd and 25th harmonics
six. 18-pulse rectifier:
k = 1: Hn = 17th and 19th harmonics
k = 2: Hn = 35th and 37th harmonics
24-pulse rectifier :
k = 1: Hn = 23rd and 25th harmonics
Note: A rectifier generates current harmonics. The
k = 2: Hn = 49th and 51st harmonics
magnitude of these harmonic currents depends on:
• type of rectifier circuit
• input line impedance
• quality of the supply itself. 100
The product of the current harmonics and the
impedance at different frequencies creates voltage 90
distortion. 80
current harmonics %

Theoretically, for a perfect source with zero impedance

and a perfectly smooth D.C. the rms value of the 70 theoretical value
harmonics is given by: 60
I(n) = Io/n
50
where
In: is the value of the harmonic; 40 1/n
Io: is the value of the fundamental 30
n the harmonic order 20
th th
so there would be 20% for 5 harmonic and 9% for 11
harmonic. 10

Since a UPS is a non-linear load for its power source, it 0

is necessary to analyze if the harmonics generated
have no influence with other loads connected to the 1 5 9 13 17 21 25 29
same network. harmonic order (n)

2.5 Rectifier Harmonics compensation

Different are the ways to reduce the reinjection of harmonics and consequently voltage distortion on the
equipment connected to the same mains as the rectifier.:
• At a project phase of the electrical mains distribution, the UPS system is separated from other equipment by a
separate mains transformer, i.e. the UPS has a dedicated electrical line.
• By the addition of harmonic filters, which act as a short-circuit path for these harmonics.
• With the increase of the pulse number of the rectifier; by 6 pulse double bridge rectifier with or without galvanic
separation 30° el. degree shift out of phase.
• For parallel installation (2x) one UPS can be equipped with a 30° phase shift transformer. The result is
practically the same as the double bridge (12 pulse rectifier).
Note
Since the Harmonics reduction implies an investment, the first step is analyzing whether it is really necessary to
reduce the harmonics distortion.

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UPS harmonics on input mains

3 Standard requirement
Harmonics compatibility with public low-voltage supplies is defined by IEC61000-2-2.
th
The input total voltage distortion factor D< 8% with the following maximum level of individual voltage (up to 40
harmonic):

Odd harmonics Odd harmonics Even harmonics

non multiple of 3 non multiple of 3
Harmonic Harmonic Harmonic Harmonic Harmonic Harmonic
order voltage order voltage order voltage
n % n % n %
5 6 3 5 2 2
7 5 9 1.5 4 1
11 3.5 15 0.3 6 0.5
13 3 21 0.2 8 0.5
17 2 >21 0.2 10 0.5
19 1.5 12 0.2
23 1.5 >12 0.2
25 1.5
>25 0.2+0.5x25/n
Note: All the above harmonics levels are assumed not to occur simultaneously.

As above showed the Standard requirement is related to the the THDU (Total Voltage Harmonics Distortion); this
is related to the current harmonics by the Input Mains reactancetata are different for any application, therefore in
common use the THDI (Total Current Harmonics Distortion) is request. In fact this value can be easily measured
an less influenced by the Input Mains reactance.

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TechNote no. 4
UPS harmonics on input mains

4 SitePro configuration characteristics

4.1 SitePro configurations

SitePro is a UPS design to be used in several type of applications. For this reason different type of configuration
are possible to comply with the specific requirement.
Here below find out a detailed analysis of the different options available.

Configuration Benefit Limitation

• Simple solution • High harmonics contents
• Less expensive • Generator might be
6%
6 pulse =
configuration overheat
Lk
(standard) • Distortion on other
equipment on the same
mains
th
• Attenuation of 5 and • As capacitive load might
6% 6% th
partially 7 harmonics have resonance
6 pulse + = • Input power factor • Possible problems with
th
5 harm. Lk
correction GenSet. Regulation
Filter
• Best price/performance

• Elimination of 5th, 7th, • No galvanic separation

6% 17th, 19th, 29th, 31st
12 pulse • No power factor
harmonics correction
without 6%
=
galvanic • No influence with
separation 6% GenSet. regulation
Lk

Lk =

• Elimination of 5th, 7th, • No power factor

6% 17th, 19th, 29th, 31st correction
12 pulse 6% = harmonics
with
galvanic Lk • No influence with
separation = GenSet. regulation
• Galvanic separation
• Attenuation of 5th to 13th • As capacitive load might
6% 6% harmonics have resonance with p.f.
= • Power factor correction capacitors
DCU Lk
ca. 0.98 • Possible problems with
GenSet. Regulation

• Elimination or attenuation • As capacitive load might

12 pulse 6% of most harmonics have resonance with p.f.
with 6% = • Galvanic separation capacitors
galvanic • Possible problems with
Lk • Power factor correction
separation GenSet. Regulation
= ca. 0.98
+ DCU
• Expensive configuration

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UPS harmonics on input mains

4.2 SitePro harmonics value

Generated currents-harmonics contents in %

Harmonics order
5 7 11 13 17 19 23 25 29 31 THD(I)
Configuration
6 pulse 24.5 7.7 6.3 4.2 2.3 2.2 0.7 0.9 0.5 0.5 27 %
th
6 pulse + 5 harmonics filter 6.2 3.0 4.8 2.6 2.6 2.0 0.6 0.8 0.5 0.5 10 %

12 pulse without galvanic separation 1.9 1.3 7.2 5.7 0.4 0.3 1.4 1.0 -- -- 9.7 %

12 pulse with galvanic separation -- -- 7.2 5.7 -- -- 1.4 1.0 -- -- 9.4 %

DCU 3.8 2.6 1.4 1.1 3.6 2.7 1.4 1.0 0.8 0.6 7.0 %
12 pulse with galvanic separation + <5%
-- -- 1.4 1.1 -- -- 1.4 1.0 -- --
DCU (2.5÷4.5)

The above table shows the harmonics value measured on some applications. The value is influenced by input
mains characteristics; therefore in practical applications the values measured on the application could be different
from the values above indicated.

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UPS harmonics on input mains

4.3 6 pulse rectifier

UPS

EBP
INPUT
RECTIFIER INVERTER
LOADS
MAINS
Lk

BATTERY

Characteristics 100
100
• standard UPS configuration
90
Harmonics compensation
80
• THD(I) ca. 27%
current harmonics %

70
Power factor THDI = 27%
• 0.80 approximately 60

Benefit 50

• simple solution 40

• less expensive configuration 30 24.5

Limitation 20
• high harmonics contents 10
7.7 6.3
4.2 2.7 2.2
0.7 0.9
• generator might be overheat 0.5 0.5
0
• distortion on other equipment on the same mains 1 4 7 10 13 16 19 22 25 28 31
harmonic order (n)

UPS input current waveform

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TechNote no. 4
UPS harmonics on input mains

4.4 6 pulse rectifier and 5th harmonic filter

UPS

EBP
INPUT
RECTIFIER INVERTER
LOADS
MAINS
Lk

BATTERY

5th
5th HARMONIC

Characteristics 100
th 100
• the filter is realized in order to limit the effect of 5
th
and partially 7 harmonics on rectifier input mains 90

• automatic on-off connection at ~50% load. 80

The on-off insertion is related to avoid the capacitive
current harmonics %

70
power on the electrical network at partial load, due to THDI = 10%
the fact that the utility supplier does not allow it. 60

• for power range 20÷40 kVA mounted inside the 50

UPS cabinet; additional battery cabinet is required
40
• for power range > 60 kVA in a separated cabinet
30
Harmonics compensation
th th
• affect 5 and partially 7 harmonic 20

• THD(I) ca. 10% 10 6.2

3 4.8
2.6 2.6 2
0.6 0.8 0.5 0.5
Power factor compensation 0

• 0.90 approximately 1 4 7 10 13 16 19 22 25 28 31
harmonic order (n)
Benefit
• best price/ performance compromise
Limitation
• as capacitive load might have resonance
• possible problems with GenSet. Regulation.
For this reason the filter PCB (Power Contro Board)
is equipped by a GenOn contact; this can be
connected to the GenSet customer interface relay
contact, causing the filter disconnection when the
generator is running.

UPS input current waveform

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TechNote no. 4
UPS harmonics on input mains

4.5 12 pulse rectifier without galvanic separation

UPS

EBP
RECTIFIER
INPUT
INVERTER
LOADS
MAINS

BATTERY

Characteristics
• realized by two input rectifier 30° el. shifted. One 100
rectifier is connected to the input mains by a Dy 100
transformer; the other one by an input coil. 90
• available for power range >40 kVA 80
current harmonics %

Harmonics compensation 70
th th th th th st
• suppression of 5 , 7 , 17 , 19 , 29 , 31 ,….. 60
harmonics THDI = 9.7%
50
• THD(I) ca. 9.7%
40
Power factor compensation
30
• none (standard p.f.=0.80)
20
Benefit 7.2 5.7
10 1.9 1.3 1.4 1
• good THDI compensation 0.4 0.3
0
• no influence with GenSet. regulation 1 3 5 7 9 11 13 15 17 19 21 23 25 27 29 31
Limitation harmonic order (n)
• no galvanic separation
• no power factor correction

UPS input current waveform

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TechNote no. 4
UPS harmonics on input mains

4.6 12 pulse rectifier with galvanic separation

UPS

EBP
RECTIFIER
INPUT
INVERTER
LOADS
MAINS

BATTERY

Characteristics 100
100
• realized by two input rectifier 30 el. degr. shifted.
The two rectifiers are connected to the input mains 90
by a Ddy transformer. 80
current harmonics %

• available for power range >40 kVA 70

Harmonics compensation 60
th th th th th st
• elimination of 5 , 7 , 17 , 19 , 29 , 31 , 50
…harmonics THDI = 9.4%
40
• THD(I) ca. 9.4%
Power factor compensation 30

• none (standard p.f.=0.80) 20

Benefit 10 3.8 2.6

1.4 1.1
3.6 2.7
1.4 1

• good THDI compensation 0

1 3 5 7 9 11 13 15 17 19 21 23 25 27 29 31
• no influence with GenSet. regulation harmonic order (n)
Limitation
• no power factor correction

12 pulse configuration for parallel standard units

In case of two (or multiple of two) UPSs in parallel, it is
possible to obtain the same result by equipping
alternatively one UPS with a Dd0 Transformer (0 el.
degr. phase shift) and the other UPS with a Dy11
Transformer 30 el. degr. out of phase. This solution is
applicable for all UPSs.

UPS input current waveform

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UPS harmonics on input mains

4.7 6 pulse rectifier and DCU

UPS

EBP
INPUT
RECTIFIER INVERTER
LOADS
MAINS
Lk

BATTERY

5th 7th 11th 13th

DCU

Characteristics
100
• the DCU is a filter with a special dynamic feature. 100
Depending of the percentage of the load it will
90
automatically disconnect, in part or totally, in order
that with a partial load the input power factor never 80
current harmonics %

becomes capacitive, situation not allowed by the 70

utility.
60
• two automatic on-off step connection:
50
- 1st step switched on at ~50% load (adjustable) THDI = 7.0 %
nd 40
- 2 step switched on at ~75% load (adjustable)
• The on-off insertion is related to avoid the 30
capacitive power on the electrical network at partial 20
load, due to the fact that the utility supplier does
10 3.8 2.6 3.6 2.7
not allow it. 1.4 1.1 1.4 1
0
• available for power range > 40 kVA, mounted in
additional separated cabinet 1 3 5 7 9 11 13 15 17 19 21 23 25 27 29 31
harmonic order (n)
Harmonics compensation
th th th th
• compensation for 5 ; 7 ; 11 ; 13 and partially
rd th
23 and 25 harmonics
• THD(I) ca. 7%
Power factor compensation
• 0.98 approximately
Benefit
• high THDI compensation
• power factor compensation near to 1
Limitation
• as capacitive load might have resonance with p.f.
capacitors
• possible problems with GenSet regulation.
For this reason the filter PCB (Power Contro Board)
is equipped by a GenOn contact; this can be
connected to the GenSet customer interface relay
contact, causing the filter disconnection when the
generator is running. UPS input current waveform

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UPS harmonics on input mains

4.8 12 pulse rectifier with galvanic separation and DCU

UPS

EBP
RECTIFIER
INPUT
INVERTER
LOADS
MAINS

BATTERY

5th 7th 11th 13th

DCU

Characteristics. 100
100
• this solution add the feature of 12 pulse and DCU
filter 90
• available for power range >40 kVA 80
current harmonics %

• solution used where high harmonics compensation 70

is required.
60
Harmonics compensation
th th th th th st 50
• elimination of 5 , 7 , 17 , 19 , 29 , 31 , …… THDI = < 5%
harmonics 40
•
th th
compensation for 11 ; 13 and partially 23rd and 30
th
25 harmonics 20
• THD(I) ca. 2.5 ÷ 4.5%; typical <5% 10 1.4 1.1 1.1 1
Power factor compensation 0
• up to 0.98 1 3 5 7 9 11 13 15 17 19 21 23 25 27 29 31
Benefit harmonic order (n)
• elimination or attenuation of most harmonics
• galvanic separation
• power factor correction near to 1
Limitation
• as capacitive load might have resonance
• expensive configuration
• possible problems with GenSet. Regulation.
For this reason the filter PCB (Power Contro Board)
is equipped by a GenOn contact; this can be
connected to the GenSet customer interface relay
contact, causing the filter disconnection when the
generator is running.

UPS input current waveform

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TechNote no. 4
UPS harmonics on input mains

4.9 Rectifier with phase shift displacement

For parallel UPS configuration a rectifier phase shift
displacement could be realized.
Rectifier Pulse Transformer
The formula here showed define the required phase
number number displacement
shift:
[electrical deg.]
360
= k*F
6∗P 1 6 0
where
2 Quasi 12 0 - 30°
P: rectifier number
F: transformer phase displacement (electrical
degrees) 2 12 0 – 30°
k: ±1, ±2,…
The limitation of this solution is that in case of 3 18 -20° - 0 - +20°
extension units, the same input mains harmonics
characteristics are carry out by adding a complete UPS -15° - 0
group (2, 3 or 4 units according to the configuration 4 24
chosen). +15° - +30°
Phase shift below 30 el. degr. is realized by zig-zag
transformers.
Due to the difficulties in the transformer construction
the smallest reasonable phase shift is 15 el. degr. (24 pulse configuration); smallest phase shift 12 el. degr. (30
pulse) or 10 el. degr. (36 pulse) are very difficult and expensive.

Generated currents-harmonics contents in %

Harmonics order
5 7 11 13 17 19 23 25 29 31 THD(I)
Configuration

6 pulse rectifier 24 7.7 6.3 4.2 2.3 2.2 0.7 0.9 0.3 0.2 27.0 %

quasi 12 pulse rectifier 1.9 1.3 7.2 5.7 0.4 0.3 1.4 1.0 -- -- 9.7 %

12 pulse rectifier -- -- 7.2 5.7 -- -- 1.4 1.0 -- -- 9.4 %

18 pulse rectifier -- -- -- -- 4.1 3.6 -- -- -- -- 5.8 %

24 pulse rectifier -- -- -- -- -- -- 1.4 1.0 -- -- 2.3 %

TCN_SPE_004_XXX_XXX_XGB_0207.doc July 2002 Page 18/22

 GE Digital Energy
TechNote no. 4
UPS harmonics on input mains

4.9.1 12 pulse configuration by two parallel UPS

INPUT
MAINS
RECTIFIER MAINS

BYPASS MAINS

UPS 1 UPS 2

+30° RECTIFIER 0° RECTIFIER

INVERTER INVERTER

EBP EBP
BATTERY BATTERY

OUTPUT BUSBAR

LOADS

Characteristics 100
100
• the required phase shift is 30 el. degr.; this is
realized by using: 90
- no. 1 Dy11 transformer (30 el. degr.) 80
current harmonics %

- no. 1 Ddo transformer (0 el. degr.) in case a

70
galvanic separation is required
60
• available for 2 or multiple UPSs
50
THDI = 9.4%
Harmonics compensation
•
th th th th th
elimination of 5 , 7 , 17 , 19 , 29 , 31 , ……
st 40
harmonics 30
• THD(I) ca. 9.4% 20
Power factor compensation 10 3.8 2.6 3.6 2.7
1.4 1.1 1.4 1
• none (standard p.f.=0.80) 0
Benefit 1 3 5 7 9 11 13 15 17 19 21 23 25 27 29 31
harmonic order (n)
• simple solution with good price/performance ratio
• good THDI compensation
Limitation
• in case of extension units, the same input mains
harmonics characteristics are available by adding 2 (or multiple) units

TCN_SPE_004_XXX_XXX_XGB_0207.doc July 2002 Page 19/22

 GE Digital Energy
TechNote no. 4
UPS harmonics on input mains

4.9.2 18 pulse configuration

RECTIFIER MAINS

BYPASS MAINS

UPS 1 UPS 2 UPS 3

-20° RECTIFIER 0° RECTIFIER +20° RECTIFIER

INVERTER INVERTER INVERTER

EBP EBP EBP

BATTERY BATTERY BATTERY

OUTPUT BUSBAR

LOADS

Characteristics
100
• the required phase shift is 20 el. degr.; this is 100
realized by using:
90
- no. 2 zig-zag transformers (20°el. degr.)
current harmonic %

- no. 1 Ddo transformer in case galvanic 80

separation is required (0 el. degr.) 70
• available for 3 or multiple UPSs 60
Harmonics compensation 50 THDI = 5.8%
th th th th rd th th st
• elimination of 5 , 7 , 11 , 13 , 23 , 25 , 29 , 31 , 40
…… harmonics 30
• THD(I) ca. 5.8% 20
Power factor compensation 10 4.1 3.6
• none (standard p.f.=0.80) 0
Benefit 1 3 5 7 9 11 13 15 17 19 21 23 25 27 29 31
• elimination of most harmonics harmonic order (n)

Limitation
• zig-zag transformer is more expensive than normal
Dy or Dd transformer
• in case of extension units, the same input mains harmonics characteristics are available by adding 3 (or
multiple) units
• in case of one UPS shut down, the rectifier bridge became unbalanced and even harmonics will be product

TCN_SPE_004_XXX_XXX_XGB_0207.doc July 2002 Page 20/22

 GE Digital Energy
TechNote no. 4
UPS harmonics on input mains

4.9.3 24 pulse configuration (for 6 pulse UPS)

INPUT
MAINS
RECTIFIER MAINS

BYPASS MAINS

UPS 1 UPS 2 UPS 3 UPS 4

-15° RECTIFIER 0° RECTIFIER +15° RECTIFIER +30° RECTIFIER

INVERTER INVERTER INVERTER INVERTER

EBP EBP EBP EBP

BATTERY BATTERY BATTERY BATTERY

OUTPUT BUSBAR

LOADS

Characteristics
100
• the required phase shift is 15 el. degr.; this is 100
realized by using: 90
- no. 2 zig-zag transformers (15 el. degr.)
80
- no. 1 Dy11 transformer (30 el. degr.)
current harmonics %

- no. 1 Ddo transformer in case galvanic 70

separation is required (0 el. degr.) 60
• available for 4 or multiple UPSs 50 THDI = 2.3%
Harmonics compensation 40
th th th th th th th st
• elimination of 5 , 7 , 11 , 13 , 17 , 19 , 29 , 31 , 30
……harmonics
20
• THD(I) ca. 2.3 % 10 1.4 1
Power factor compensation
0
• none (standard p.f.=0.80) 1 3 5 7 9 11 13 15 17 19 21 23 25 27 29 31
Benefit harmonic order (n)
• elimination of most harmonics
Limitation
• practically this configuration is difficult to realize;
realize four rectifier system with a perfect 15 el. degree shift is not easy due to the tolerance in the transformer
wiring connections
• zig-zag transformer is more expensive than normal Dy or Dd transformer
• in case of extension units, the same input mains harmonics characteristics are available by adding 4 (or
multiple) units
• in case of one UPS shut down, the rectifier bridge became unbalanced and even harmonics will be product

TCN_SPE_004_XXX_XXX_XGB_0207.doc July 2002 Page 21/22

 GE Digital Energy
TechNote no. 4
UPS harmonics on input mains

4.9.4 24 pulse configuration (for 12 pulse UPS)

INPUT
MAINS
RECTIFIER MAINS

BYPASS MAINS

UPS 1 UPS 2

0° +30° -15° +15°

INVERTER INVERTER

EBP EBP
BATTERY BATTERY

OUTPUT BUSBAR

LOADS

Characteristics
• the required phase shift is 15 el. degr.; this is 100
realized by using: 100
- no. 1 Ddy transformer (0° - 30 el. degr.) 90
- no. 1 Dzz transformer (-15 - +15 el. degr.)
80
• available for 2 or multiple UPSs
current harmonics %

70
Harmonics compensation
th th th th th th th st
60
• elimination of 5 , 7 , 11 , 13 , 17 , 19 , 29 , 31 , THDI = 2.3%
50
……harmonics
40
• THD(I) ca.2.3%
30
Power factor compensation
20
• none (standard p.f.=0.80)
10
Benefit 1.4 1
0
• elimination of most harmonics
1 3 5 7 9 11 13 15 17 19 21 23 25 27 29 31
Limitation harmonic order (n)
• practically this configuration is difficult to realize;
realize four rectifier system with a perfect 15 el.
degree shift is not easy due to the tolerance in the
transformer wiring connections
• zig-zag transformer is more expensive than normal transformer
• in case of extension units, the same input mains harmonics characteristics are available by adding 2 (or
multiple) units

TCN_SPE_004_XXX_XXX_XGB_0207.doc July 2002 Page 22/22