Demand Charge Under Nonsinusoidal Conditions

Abstract

This paper aims to present a new point of view about the demand (active power) measured at the Point of Common Coupling (PCC) between the utility and the consumer when harmonic distortions are involved. The active power from distorted voltage and distorted current has harmonic components besides the fundamental component. Depending on the origin of the harmonic distortions, the active power due to this sum can result in higher or lower values in comparison to the fundamental component value. Such difference results in a higher or lower energy and demand billing and consequently, higher costs for the consumer or losses for the electric utility. Besides the financial issue, the one in disadvantage deals with the harmful effects of the harmonics generated by the other. Using theoretical analysis and computational simulations, the influence of the distortions from the electric utility or from the consumer are evaluated and compared.