Impact of Nonlinear Lighting Loads on the Neutral Conductor Current of Low Voltage Residential Grids

Abstract

In the last decade, mainly due to political incentives towards energy efficiency, the share of lamps with power electronic interfaces, like Compact Fluorescent Lamps (CFL) and Light Emitting Diode (LED) lamps, has significantly increased in the residential sector. Their massive use might have a substantial impact on harmonic currents and, consequently, on the current flowing in the neutral conductor. This paper analyzes the impact of modern energy-efficient lighting technologies on the neutral conductor current by using a synthetic Low Voltage residential grid. Different load scenarios reflecting the transition from incandescent lamps, via CFL, to LED lamps are compared concerning the neutral conductor current at different points in the network. The inherent randomness related to the use of lighting devices by each residential customer is considered employing a Monte Carlo simulation. Obtained results show that the use of CFL has a greater impact on the neutral conductor current of Low Voltage (LV) residential grids and that, with increasing use of LED lamps, a decreasing impact can be expected in the future.

Comparison of APF and STATCOM for Current Harmonic Mitigation

“…Harmonics is one of the major obstacles to a stable, reliable, and sustainable power supply [6]. Some of the noticeable and severe consequences of harmonics in power systems include core, hysteresis and eddy current losses which generate excessive heat in the windings of transformers and rotating machines leading to acute degradation of winding insulation, reduced dynamic torque, operating noise/mechanical vibration, and a consequent reduction in equipment lifetime [7], [8]. In a four-wire system, the existence of harmonics increases the zero-sequence component of current leading to a sharp increase in neutral conductor current [9], [10].…”