In the rapidly evolving landscape of power generation and distribution, a new challenge is emerging that could significantly impact the energy sector’s commercial operations. Supraharmonic emissions, a type of high-frequency electrical disturbance, are becoming more prevalent as non-linear devices like solar inverters proliferate in power grids. A recent study published in the journal Energies, which translates to ‘Energies’ in English, sheds light on this issue, offering a comprehensive review and highlighting the challenges ahead.
At the forefront of this research is Kasun Peiris, a researcher at the Australian Power Quality Research Centre, University of Wollongong. Peiris and his team have been delving into the complex world of supraharmonic emissions, which occur in the 2–150 kHz range. These emissions, often overlooked in traditional power quality assessments, can cause significant issues for sensitive electronic equipment and even impact the stability of the power grid itself.
“As we integrate more renewable energy sources into the grid, we’re seeing an increase in these high-frequency disturbances,” Peiris explains. “While power electronic equipment like solar inverters are crucial for our transition to clean energy, they also happen to be a significant source of supraharmonic emissions.”
The study, which integrates existing research on supraharmonic emissions, identifies five key areas of focus: emissions, propagation and attenuation, measurement techniques, modelling and simulation, and mitigation. Each of these areas presents unique challenges and opportunities for the energy sector.
One of the most pressing issues is the lack of standardized measurement techniques for supraharmonic emissions. Without consistent measurement methods, it’s difficult for energy providers to monitor and mitigate these disturbances effectively. This gap in knowledge could lead to increased equipment failures and downtime, resulting in substantial commercial losses.
Moreover, the propagation and attenuation of supraharmonic emissions are not yet fully understood. These emissions can travel through the power grid, affecting equipment far from their source. Understanding how they move and dissipate is crucial for developing effective mitigation strategies.
The study also highlights the need for advanced modelling and simulation tools. As the power grid becomes more complex, with a mix of traditional and renewable energy sources, accurate modelling is essential for predicting and managing supraharmonic emissions.
So, what does this mean for the future of the energy sector? As Peiris puts it, “We’re at a critical juncture. The decisions we make now about how to manage supraharmonic emissions will shape the resilience and reliability of our power grids for years to come.”
The research published in Energies serves as a call to action for the energy sector. By addressing the challenges outlined in this study, energy providers can ensure a smoother transition to renewable energy sources, minimize commercial losses, and maintain the stability of the power grid. The future of energy is here, and it’s time to tackle the challenges that come with it.