 Harmonics,
or the distortion in electrical wave form, has always existed
in electrical power systems. With the recent rapid advances
of power electronics technology, non-linear loads
such as variable frequency drives for motor power/speed control,
are increasingly finding their way to shipboard or offshore
applications.
Harmonics induced by these nonlinear loads are a potential
risk if they are not predicted and controlled. The ABS Guidance
Notes for Control of Harmonics in Electrical Power Systems has
been developed in order to raise awareness among electrical
system designers of the potential risk associated with the
harmonics in electrical power systems.
Offshore units are impacted by harmonics especially with
the increased demand for high power nonlinear equipment such
as AC and DC variable speed drives used for main propulsion,
thrusters (such as redundant dynamic positioning systems
used for deepwater on station keeping) and other duties.
The Guidance Notes cover topics ranging from the fundamental
physics of harmonics to available means of mitigation to
practical testing methods. The Notes will aid designers
to plan at an early design stage for harmonic distortion
issues allowing the electrical power distribution systems
to be more robust and predictable. The soon-to-be-released
Notes will be available for free download from the ABS
website, Rules & Guides
downloads page.
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