Non-Linear loads in industrial and commercial systems are an ever growing fact of life in our society. Understanding their impact on the power distribution network, requires sophisticated modelling tools that will enable designers to study, test and predict interactions between these loads and system components. Only when these interactions are thoroughly understood, can effective measures be taken. When dealing with the flow of Harmonics through the impedances of a power distribution system, one faces the challenges of calculating Load Flows at different frequencies, frequency scans, modelling non-linear loads, etc. The complex nature of these tasks is no trivial matter.

Traditional methods for studying harmonics through the use of mathematical models, without the aid of a flexible computer algorithm, are time consuming and in most cases non-feasible/non-practical after the conclusion of the initial design. “After-the-fact” harmonic surveys are done through the use of Power Quality monitors, and usually only when problems arise. This method, although important, may not always be enough to determine the right approach.

The EDSA computer based model created for this case study, allowed for an accurate interpretation of the harmonic survey results conducted at the plant. Two potential solutions were evaluated for effectiveness and other possible effects on the rest of the system. The results fell within expected theoretical guidelines.

Pietro Manni was born in Caracas Venezuela, on March 1964. He began his career as a Power Engineer in the Venezuelan Petrochemical industry where he gained valuable experience in indusrial system design, analysis, and operation. In 1987 he moved to Canada, and added commercial and residential power system design to his experience, while working as a system desginer for a well-establish Electrical/Mechanical consulting firm in Toronto. In March of 1990, he joined Ontario Hydro as a Power System Engineer for the Bruce Nuclear Power Developement. In 1993 he formed Manni & Associates Ltd., an engineering firm that specialized in Power Quality analysis and advanced computer modeling of power systems. The firm offered services to numerous clients in Canada, the USA, Mexico, the Caribbean, Asai, Europe and the Middle East. In the past 10 years Mr.Manni has conducted many training sessions and made multiple presentations on power quality issues and power system analysis worldwide. He is presently the President of PQ Logic Corporation; a firm that specializes excusively in strategic Computer Based Analysis and Simulation for Power Systems. Mr.Manni is a registered Professional engineer in the province of Ontario.