Sources of harmonic distortion in consumer power supply circuits and their impact on power quality in low-voltage smart grids
1
Faculty of Mechanical Engineering and Robotics, AGH University of Krakow, al. A. Mickiewicza 30, 30-059 Kraków, Poland
Submission date: 2026-04-14
Final revision date: 2026-06-24
Acceptance date: 2026-06-29
Online publication date: 2026-06-29
Publication date: 2026-06-29
Corresponding author
Tomasz Korbiel
Faculty of Mechanical Engineering and Robotics, AGH University of Krakow, al. A. Mickiewicza 30, 30-059 Kraków.
Faculty of Mechanical Engineering and Robotics, AGH University of Krakow, al. A. Mickiewicza 30, 30-059 Kraków.
Diagnostyka 2026;27(2):2026212
KEYWORDS
TOPICS
ABSTRACT
This paper presents an analysis of the impact of modern nonlinear loads on power quality in low-voltage networks supplying residential installations and local smart-grid systems. Particular attention is devoted to total harmonic distortion of input current (THDI) and power factor, treated as diagnostic indicators of the operating condition of low-voltage networks.
The research methodology consisted of two complementary stages. In the first stage, numerical modeling of simplified rectifier and switch-mode converter topologies was performed in the LTspice environment in order to analyze the mechanisms of harmonic generation and their influence on THDI and power factor. In the second stage, experimental measurements were conducted on selected consumer devices, including LEDlamps, a fluorescent lamp, a charger, and a switch-mode power supply, operating under real network conditions characterized by distorted supply voltage.
The results showed good qualitative agreement between numerical simulations and experimental measurements. The measurements also confirmed that significant differences between devices were associated mainly with the topology of the input stage, while no simple monotonic relation with rated power was observed within the investigated set of loads. The obtained results indicate that THDI and power factor can be treated as useful diagnostic indicators of power-quality threats in contemporary low-voltage power systems.
FUNDING
This research was financed from the statutory subsidy of AGH University of Krakow, under grant no. 10.0000.501.00.130.
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