Home (http://www.electronics-tutorials.ws) AC Circuits (http://www.electronicstutorials.

ws/category/accircuits) Harmonics

Search

Harmonics
Harmonics and Harmonic Frequency
In an AC circuit, a resistance behaves in exactly the same way as it does in a DC circuit. That is, the current flowing through the resistance is
proportional to the voltage across it. This is because a resistor is a linear device and if the voltage applied to it is a sine wave, the current flowing
through it is also a sine wave.
Generally when dealing with alternating voltages and currents in electrical circuits it is assumed that they are pure and sinusoidal in shape with only one
frequency value, called the fundamental frequency being present, but this is not always the case.
In an electrical or electronic device or circuit that has a voltage-current characteristic which is not linear, that is, the current flowing through it is not
proportional to the applied voltage. The alternating waveforms associated with the device will be different to a greater or lesser extent to those of an ideal
sinusoidal waveform. These types of waveforms are commonly referred to as non-sinusoidal or complex waveforms.
Complex waveforms are generated by common electrical devices such as iron-cored inductors, switching transformers, electronic ballasts in fluorescent lights
and other such heavily inductive loads as well as the output voltage and current waveforms of AC alternators, generators and other such electrical machines.
The result is that the current waveform may not be sinusoidal even though the voltage waveform is.
Also most electronic power supply switching circuits such as rectifiers, silicon controlled rectifier (SCRs), power transistors, power converters and other such
solid state switches which cut and chop the power supplies sinusoidal waveform to control motor power, or to convert the sinusoidal AC supply to DC. Theses
switching circuits tend to draw current only at the peak values of the AC supply and since the switching current waveform is non-sinusoidal the resulting load
current is said to contain Harmonics.
Non-sinusoidal complex waveforms are constructed by adding together a series of sine wave frequencies known as Harmonics. Harmonics is the
generalised term used to describe the distortion of a sinusoidal waveform by waveforms of different frequencies.
Then whatever its shape, a complex waveform can be split up mathematically into its individual components called the fundamental frequency and a number
of harmonic frequencies. But what do we mean by a fundamental frequency.

Fundamental Frequency
A Fundamental Waveform (or first harmonic) is the sinusoidal waveform that has the supply frequency. The fundamental is the lowest or base frequency,
on which the complex waveform is built and as such the periodic time, of the resulting complex waveform will be equal to the periodic time of the
fundamental frequency.
Lets consider the fundamental or 1st harmonic waveform as shown.

Where: Vmax is the peak value in volts and is the waveforms frequency in Hertz (Hz).
We can see that a sinusoidal waveform is an alternating voltage (or current), which varies as a sine function of angle, 2. The waveforms frequency, is
determined by the number of cycles per second. In the United Kingdom this fundamental frequency is set at 50Hz while in the United States it is 60Hz.
Harmonics are voltages or currents that operate at a frequency that is an integer (whole-number) multiple of the fundamental frequency. So given a 50Hz
fundamental waveform, this means a 2nd harmonic frequency would be 100Hz (2 x 50Hz), a 3rd harmonic would be 150Hz (3 x 50Hz), a 5th at 250Hz, a 7th at
350Hz and so on. Likewise, given a 60Hz fundamental waveform, the 2nd, 3rd, 4th and 5th harmonic frequencies would be at 120Hz, 180Hz, 240Hz and 300Hz
respectively.
So in other words, we can say that harmonics are multiples of the fundamental frequency and can therefore be expressed as: 2, 3, 4, etc. as shown.

Complex Waveforms Due To Harmonics

The fundamental waveform can also be called a 1st harmonics waveform. Therefore, a second harmonic has a frequency twice that of the fundamental, the
third harmonic has a frequency three times the fundamental and a fourth harmonic has one four times the fundamental as shown in the left hand side
column.
The right hand side column shows the complex wave shape generated as a result of the effect between the addition of the fundamental waveform and the
harmonic waveforms at different harmonic frequencies. Note that the shape of the resulting complex waveform will depend not only on the number and
amplitude of the harmonic frequencies present, but also on the phase relationship between the fundamental or base frequency and the individual harmonic
frequencies.
We can see that a complex wave is made up of a fundamental waveform plus harmonics, each with its own peak value and phase angle. For example, if the
fundamental frequency is given as; E=Vmax(2t), the values of the harmonics will be given as:
For a second harmonic:

E2=V2max(22t)=V2max(4t),=V2max(2t)
For a third harmonic:

E3=V3max(32t)=V3max(6t),=V3max(3t)
For a fourth harmonic:

E4=V4max(42t)=V4max(8t),=V4max(4t)
and so on.
Then the equation given for the value of a complex waveform will be:

Harmonics are generally classified by their name and frequency, for example, a 2nd harmonic of the fundamental frequency at 100 Hz, and also by their
sequence. Harmonic sequence refers to the phasor rotation of the harmonic voltages and currents with respect to the fundamental waveform in a balanced,
3-phase 4-wire system.
A positive sequence harmonic ( 4th, 7th, 10th, ) would rotate in the same direction (forward) as the fundamental frequency. Where as a negative sequence
harmonic ( 2nd, 5th, 8th, ) rotates in the opposite direction (reverse) of the fundamental frequency.
Generally, positive sequence harmonics are undesirable because they are responsible for overheating of conductors, power lines and transformers due to the
addition of the waveforms.
Negative sequence harmonics on the other hand circulate between the phases creating additional problems with motors as the opposite phasor rotation
weakens the rotating magnetic field require by motors, and especially induction motors, causing them to produce less mechanical torque.
Another set of special harmonics called triplens (multiple of three) have a zero rotational sequence. Triplens are the odd multiples of the third harmonic (
3rd, 6th, 9th, ), etc, hence their name, and are therefore displaced by zero degrees. Zero sequence harmonics circulate between the phase and neutral or
ground.
Unlike the positive and negative sequence harmonic currents that cancel each other out, third order or triplen harmonics do not cancel out. Instead add up
arithmetically in the common neutral wire which is subjected to currents from all three phases.

The result is that current amplitude in the neutral wire due to these triplen harmonics could be up to 3 times the amplitude of the phase current at the
fundamental frequency causing it to become less efficient and overheat.
Then we can summarise the sequence effects as multiples of the fundamental frequency of 50Hz as:

Harmonic Sequencing
Name

Fund. 2nd

3rd

4th

5th

6th

7th

8th

9th

Frequency, Hz

50

100

150

200

250

300

350

400

450

Sequence

Note that the same harmonic sequence also applies to 60Hz fundamental waveforms.

Sequence

Rotation

Harmonic Effect

Forward

Excessive Heating Effect

Reverse

Motor Torque Problems

None

Adds Voltages and/or Currents in Neutral Wire

causing Heating

Harmonics Summary
Harmonics have only been around in sufficient quantities over the last few decades since the introduction of electronic drives for motors, fans and pumps,
power supply switching circuits such as rectifiers, power converters and thyristor power controllers as well as most non-linear electronic phase controlled
loads and high frequency (energy saving) fluorescent lights. This is due mainly to the fact that the controlled current drawn by the load does not faithfully
follow the sinusoidal supply waveforms as in the case of rectifiers or power semiconductor switching circuits.
Harmonics in the electrical power distribution system combine with the fundamental frequency (50Hz or 60Hz) supply to create distortion of the voltage
and/or current waveforms. This distortion creates a complex waveform made up from a number of harmonic frequencies which can have an adverse effect
on electrical equipment and power lines.
The amount of waveform distortion present giving a complex waveform its distinctive shape is directly related to the frequencies and magnitudes of the most
dominant harmonic components whose harmonic frequency is multiples (whole integers) of the fundamental frequency. The most dominant harmonic
components are the low order harmonics from 2nd to the 19th with the triplens being the worst.

Reactive Power (http://www.electronics-tutorials.ws/accircuits/reactive-power.html) | Passive Components in AC Circuits (http://www.electronicstutorials.ws/accircuits/passive-components.html)

Other Good Tutorials in this Category

AC Capacitance and Capacitive Reactance (http://www.electronics-tutorials.ws/accircuits/ac-capacitance.html)
AC Inductance and Inductive Reactance (http://www.electronics-tutorials.ws/accircuits/ac-inductance.html)
AC Resistance and Impedance (http://www.electronics-tutorials.ws/accircuits/ac-resistance.html)
AC Waveform and AC Circuit Theory (http://www.electronics-tutorials.ws/accircuits/ac-waveform.html)
Average Voltage Tutorial (http://www.electronics-tutorials.ws/accircuits/average-voltage.html)
Complex Numbers and Phasors (http://www.electronics-tutorials.ws/accircuits/complex-numbers.html)
Harmonics (http://www.electronics-tutorials.ws/accircuits/harmonics.html)
Parallel Resonance Circuit (http://www.electronics-tutorials.ws/accircuits/parallel-resonance.html)
Parallel RLC Circuit Analysis (http://www.electronics-tutorials.ws/accircuits/parallel-circuit.html)
Passive Components in AC Circuits (http://www.electronics-tutorials.ws/accircuits/passive-components.html)
Phase Difference and Phase Shift (http://www.electronics-tutorials.ws/accircuits/phase-difference.html)
Phasor Diagrams and Phasor Algebra (http://www.electronics-tutorials.ws/accircuits/phasors.html)
Reactive Power (http://www.electronics-tutorials.ws/accircuits/reactive-power.html)
RMS Voltage Tutorial (http://www.electronics-tutorials.ws/accircuits/rms-voltage.html)
Series Resonance Circuit (http://www.electronics-tutorials.ws/accircuits/series-resonance.html)
Series RLC Circuit Analysis (http://www.electronics-tutorials.ws/accircuits/series-circuit.html)
Sinusoidal Waveforms (http://www.electronics-tutorials.ws/accircuits/sinusoidal-waveform.html)
Tags:

AC

Circuits

(http://www.electronics-tutorials.ws/tag/ac-circuits)

Waveform (http://www.electronics-tutorials.ws/tag/waveform)

5 Responses to Harmonics

Harmonics

(http://www.electronics-tutorials.ws/tag/harmonics)

Ary
i did not understand the fundamental and harmonic waveforms shown in the figure.
i mean what does the figure wants to say?
Reply (/accircuits/harmonics.html?replytocom=768#respond)

May 15th, 2014 (http://www.electronics-tutorials.ws/accircuits/harmonics.html/comment-page-1#comment-768)

Gourab bagchi
The fig. means to say that the fundamental components(red) magnitude & phase angle are effected by the harmonics components. carefully see the
fig, the the fundamental waveform's magnitude & frequencies are increasing & decreacing respectively
June 21st, 2014 (http://www.electronics-tutorials.ws/accircuits/harmonics.html/comment-page-1#comment-1146)

Reply (/accircuits/harmonics.html?replytocom=1146#respond)

Pete
If I have a fundamental (F1) of 50Hz and a 2nd harmonic (F2) of 100Hz, how would I go about plotting the sum of the fundamental and the 2nd
harmonic for 2 cycles of F1, while also adding in the DC component (+8 volts). F1 voltage (RMS) = -6.266, and F2 voltage (RMS) = -6.366 ?
Reply (/accircuits/harmonics.html?replytocom=550#respond)

April 28th, 2014 (http://www.electronics-tutorials.ws/accircuits/harmonics.html/comment-page-1#comment-550)

Wayne Storr (http://www.electronics-tutorials.ws)

If the fundamental waveform is: 6.266V rms (8.86V pk) at 50Hz and the 2nd harmonic is 6.366V rms (9V pk) at 100Hz, then the instantaneous voltage
given as: E(t) = Vpk*sin(wt) will be E(t) = V1+V2 = 8.86*sin(t) + 9*sin(2t). However the two waveforms are superimposed on top of a +8V DC
component and not 0V, so the resulting instantaneous voltage would be E(t) = V1+V2+8.
April 28th, 2014 (http://www.electronics-tutorials.ws/accircuits/harmonics.html/comment-page-1#comment-552)

Reply (/accircuits/harmonics.html?replytocom=552#respond)

Mohan
i need to details about THD. I am working in Metering domain. i wanna to clarify my doubts regarding THD. Can you Suggest me?
Reply (/accircuits/harmonics.html?replytocom=5992#respond)

February 19th, 2015 (http://www.electronics-tutorials.ws/accircuits/harmonics.html/comment-page-1#comment-5992)

Leave a Reply
Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *
Name *

Email *

Website

What's the Sum *

three = 6
Comment

You may use these HTML (HyperText Markup Language) tags and attributes: <a href="" title=""> <abbr title=""> <acronym title=""> <b> <blockquote
cite=""><cite><code><deldatetime=""><em><i><qcite=""><strike><strong>

Post Comment

(http://www.addthis.com/bookmark.php?v=300&winname=addthis&pub=ra-4dabe1c24a1ae8c8&sourc
US&s=google_plusone_share&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.electronicstutorials.ws%2Faccircuits%2Fharmonics.html&title=Harmonics%20and%20Harmonic%20Frequency%20in%2
ra-4dabe1c24a1ae8c8/-//5501525d601a0308/2&frommenu=1&uid=5501525d63c69e01&ct=1&pre=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.electronics
tutorials.ws%2Fcategory%2Faccircuits&tt=0&captcha_provider=nucaptcha)
(http://www.addthis.com/bookmark.php?v=300&winname=addthis&pub=ra-4dabe1c24a1ae8c8&sourc
US&s=stumbleupon&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.electronicstutorials.ws%2Faccircuits%2Fharmonics.html&title=Harmonics%20and%20Harmonic%20Frequency%20in%2
ra-4dabe1c24a1ae8c8/-//5501525d601a0308/3&frommenu=1&uid=5501525d2359d092&ct=1&pre=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.electronics
tutorials.ws%2Fcategory%2Faccircuits&tt=0&captcha_provider=nucaptcha)

20

( http://schematics.com/)

Find us on Facebook

Electronics Tutorials Fan Page

Like

11,701 people like Electronics Tutorials Fan Page.

Facebook social plugin

Basic Electronics Tutorials Site by Wayne Storr. Last updated 12th March 2015,
Copyright19992015,AllRightsReserved-BasicElectronicsTutorials.
|RSS (http://feeds.feedburner.com/electronics-tutorials)|Privacy Policy (http://www.electronicstutorials.ws/privacypolicy)|Terms of Use (http://www.electronics-tutorials.ws/terms)|Site Map
(http://www.electronics-tutorials.ws/sitemap)|Contact Us (http://www.electronicstutorials.ws/contact)|Find us on Google+ (https://plus.google.com/+ElectronicstutorialsWs/posts)|Electronics Tutorials (http://www.electronics-tutorials.ws/)|