Harmonic compliance assessment and mitigation design in renewable energy networks

The analysis approach for harmonic emission compliance studies in distributed generation systems is shaped by a regulatory framework that requires a priori resolution of several performance requirements. This approach is steeped in risk avoidance and, like most risk avoidance, results in conservative outcomes that are not necessarily in the best interest of the market. This article describes this analysis approach and demonstrates how the regulation and associated analysis result in increased rather than decreased risk to the stakeholders. A suggestion is made for a pragmatic approach that will result in better outcomes for network owners as well as generation proponents. The recommended approach provides for an initial risk assessment followed by field measurements that quantify the extent of compliance and assist in the design of mitigation systems.