A methodology for imposing harmonic distortion's penalty in customers bill

Abstract

With the growing use of motorized loads, light bulbs, and solar cells, the use of electrical equipment with nonlinear behavior increases the harmonic level of currents and voltages in electrical distribution networks. As a result, analysis of distorted harmonic systems and calculation of overpaying on bills (penalties) due to harmonics consequences play an essential role in controlling harmonics and reactive power compensation in electric distribution networks. Meanwhile, providing a model to calculate the penalty due to harmonics has recently been investigated by many electric companies. The main aim of this work is to provide a decision tool to allow economic assessment of harmonics and its consequences in power systems from a financial point of view supported by a distribution company insight. In this regard, this paper presents a simple model to calculate the rate of the penalty of customers in the presence of harmonic-polluted loads to encourage more efficient use of the power system. One of Sanandaj's commercial projects has been selected as a case study to evaluate the effectiveness of the proposed model. The results obtained show that the presented model calculates and evaluates the problems caused by the existence of harmonics in the studied cases effectively.