Why is harmonic distortion a concern for substations?

Harmonic distortion is a concern for substations primarily because it can negatively impact power quality and equipment performance. Harmonics are voltage or current waveforms that exhibit frequencies that are integer multiples of the fundamental frequency in electrical systems. When harmonics are present, they can cause various issues such as overheating in electrical equipment, increased losses in transformers, and malfunctions in sensitive electronic devices.

In substations, where the generation, distribution, and transformation of electric power occur, maintaining high power quality is vital. If harmonic distortion levels become excessive, they can lead to significant operational challenges, including equipment failures and even outages, which in turn affects the reliability of the power supply for consumers. Thus, mitigating harmonic distortion is necessary to protect equipment and ensure the efficient and stable operation of electrical systems within a substation.