DSATools™ Add-On Module | HARMONICS Harmonic Distortion Analysis

HARMONICS

Harmonics

Frequency Sweep Engine

Analyzes system response across harmonic orders up to 100th harmonic.

Parallel Resonance Identification

Highlights locations with potential for harmful voltage amplification.

Source/Load Modeling Options

Includes nonlinear source representations and passive load configurations.

Supports Mitigation Studies

Test filters, capacitor switching, or redesign options to address resonance.

PSAT-Harmonics

Harmonic Analysis

The Harmonics module is an add-on module to PSAT that enhances the software to perform power quality analysis of a power system.

image_2025-04-15_184110263

The Harmonics module uses various industry standard indices to analyze harmonic distortion due to particular equipment in a system:

  • Toral Harmonic Distortion (THD)
  • Total Power-Factor (TPF)
  • Individual Harmonic Distortion (IHD)

Frequency Scan Analysis is used to observe any harmonic resonance at a bus or in the transfer impedance between two buses.

Bar charts and plots are utilized to visually compare harmonic components and impedances at various frequencies. This module complies with the IEEE 519-1992 standard.

Application Scope

The principal applications of the Harmonics module are to determine the impact of harmonics sources on a power system, including:

  • Identifying potential risks due to particular harmonic current and voltage.
  • Verifying whether harmonic distortion levels comply with IEEE 519-1992 standard.
  • Identifying resonance frequencies and locations of dangerous resonance paths.
  • Facilitating design of harmonic mitigation measures such as harmonic filters.
Approach

The Harmonics module uses two methods:

  • Harmonic Powerflow. This method is applied for:
    • network harmonic distortion assessment (THD, TPF, IHD).
    • harmonic limit compliance verification.
    • equipment rating selection.
    • equipment de-rating calculation.
  • Harmonic Frequency Scan. This method is mainly for: 
    • identification of resonance frequencies.
    • determination of network components that contribute to resonances.
Sample Results

The plots here shows the frequency scan results from the Harmonics module for the example included in the IEEE 519-1992 standard.

Specifications and Requirements
  • Runs on MS Windows 7/10/server 2012 R2/server 2016
  • Requires PSAT to run