A new method for evaluation of harmonic distortion in reconfiguration of distribution network.

One of the concerns of distribution network operators is the presence of harmonics in the network and their related issues. In most practical distribution networks, there is not enough information available about harmonic contents of customers for network operators. On the other hand, the changing nature of harmonic contents makes their evaluation more complex. Accordingly, in this article, for the first time, a new method for evaluation of harmonic distortion level is presented based on the IEEE‐519 standard. The method focuses on impedance characteristics of the network buses and uses the harmonic current and voltage limits, which are determined by the mentioned standard. The proposed method is utilized as harmonic constraint for network reconfiguration of IEEE 69‐bus and practical Iranian 95‐bus distribution networks. The results indicate the effectiveness of the proposed method for evaluation of harmonic distortion level in the distribution network. The proposed method can also be used as a useful tool in distribution networks where harmonic contents of nonlinear loads are not available. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]