Analysis of the Electrical Quantities Measured by Revenue Meters Under Different Voltage Distortions and the Influences on the Electrical Energy Billing

Abstract

This paper evaluates the impact of voltage distortion on the electrical quantities measured by revenue meters and the influences on the electrical energy billing. This is done through an experimental setup, which combines the following variables for the first time in an experiment: different total harmonic voltage distortion (THDv) levels; among these levels, different harmonic profiles; and different loads. A programmable alternating current (AC) power source was used in the laboratory to apply voltage signals in three electronic loads: a compact fluorescent lamp (CFL) and two light emitting diode (LED) lighting devices for which voltage signals with THDv 4.9%, 18.8% and 24.5% have been applied. All applied signals contain one or more harmonic order more commonly found in the low voltage grid (3rd, 5th and 7th). For these analyses, a power quality analyzer and a revenue meter were used. The results show that significant and diverse effects on the electrical quantities of individual loads will occur with different THDv levels and harmonic profiles. Comparing with a reference case (sinusoidal condition), when a distorted signal was applied, for the same THDv level, some parameters remained numerically the same, some have improved and some have become worse. This study shows that the effects of combination of the variables such as different THDv level with different harmonic profiles on electrical quantities of loads are not as clear as the effects of considering only one variable. The results of this paper shed light on such effects.

Energy Metering Integrated Circuit Behavior beyond Standards Requirements

“…Depending on the power electronic design [32,33], the line impedance [20] and the type of load [8], different current waveforms may be produced, including signals with high CF values. In an effort to replicate the characteristics of such signals, for the crest factor tests, a perfect sine waveform is "chopped", leaving only portions of the waveform.…”

“…The accuracy of static electricity meters under non-sinusoidal situations is an important topic for both academic study and public interest [1]. It is not yet properly covered by the standards [2] but has been analyzed from different perspectives [3][4][5][6][7][8][9] during the last few years. However, addressing the problem of erroneous readings on SEMs when exposed to distorted signals is a complex task [10], where a large number of variables could affect the final measurement reported by the meter.…”

Impact of Harmonic Currents of Nonlinear Loads on Power Quality of a Low Voltage Network–Review and Case Study

“…On one hand, due to their nonlinear V-I characteristics, these devices introduce power quality (PQ) problems in the electric power distribution system, and on the other hand they are sensitive to the PQ level. In the case of electrical energy billing, even the revenue meters that measure electrical quantities may be not immune enough to the impact generated by disturbing devices [3][4][5]. Since the intensified integration of nonlinear components, PQ monitoring is essential to improving the performance of both power system equipment and the end-user loads.…”

Method for the Analysis of Three-Phase Networks Containing Nonlinear Circuit Elements in View of an Efficient Power Flow Computation

“…Nonlinear circuit elements are an important source of harmonics in three-phase networks. Harmonics affect power quality and generate additional losses and overloads, may inflict operation malfunction, and finally significantly decrease the equipment's life cycle or even cause its failure [1][2][3][4][5][6][7][8][9]. The current trend, both in the European Union and worldwide, is to reduce costs and increase the energy efficiency of both industrial and household equipment through the widespread use of power electronics [10][11][12][13].…”