Designing criteria for building power systems supplying distributed nonlinear loads

Abstract

In commercial and institutional buildings, the wider use of power electronics equipment, such as computer switch-mode power supplies and compact fluorescent lights with electronic ballasts, can create many problems. These loads are generally single-phase with a 3rd harmonic current that can be equal to or more than 60%. The aim of this paper is to analyze several specific aspects of power system design, such as: sizing of circuits, and the selection of type of circuits, by correlating them with this specific problem of distributed nonlinear load supply. The proposed criteria can be utilised both in a short-term action for resolution of specific problems, and in medium-term action for development of new optimization procedures of power system design