Triplen harmonics: Myths and reality

In a symmetrical and balanced three-phase system with distorted waveforms, a well-known rule states that each harmonic order corresponds to a specified sequence (positive, negative or zero). In this ideal case, the current in the neutral conductor (or more generally in the return path) contains only triplen harmonics. However, this rule is no longer valid in practical distribution systems subject to unbalance and waveform distortion, in which phase and neutral currents at any sequence generally contain components of any harmonic order. Possible improper extension of the ideal case concepts to general situations may create a sort of myth, to be removed by providing tutorial and practical examples. This paper provides a direct quantification of the extent to which non-triplen harmonics are present in the zero-sequence current components and triplen harmonics are present in the positive and negative sequence current components. An original set of indicators, built on the basis of the theoretical symmetrical component-based framework developed by the authors, is introduced for assessing the specific impact of the triplen harmonics at the different sequences. Some classical myths based on the ideal case are illustrated and discussed on specific examples including theoretical cases and experimental analyses, quantifying the actual role played by the triplen harmonics in these applications. (C) 2011 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.