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Home / Technical Articles / What is the resonance phenomena?

Parallel-resonance phenomena

The use of both capacitive and inductive devices in distribution systems leads to resonance phenomena, resulting in extremely high or low impedance values. These variations in impedance modify the current and voltage in the distribution system. Here we will discuss only parallel-resonance phenomena, which are the most frequent.

What is the resonance phenomena?
What is the resonance phenomena? (photo by hpfriedrichs.com)

Consider the simplified diagram below, showing an installation made up of:

  1. A transformer supplying power,
  2. Linear loads,
  3. Non-linear loads causing harmonic currents,
  4. Power factor correction capacitors.
Simplified diagram installation linear loads
Simplified diagram of installation of power transformer, linear and non linear loads and power factor correction capacitors

Harmonics have a major economic impact on installations in that they cause:

  1. Higher energy bills,
  2. Premature ageing of equipment,
  3. Drops in productivity



For harmonic-analysis purposes, the equivalent diagram is shown below:

Harmonic-analysis - The equivalent diagram
Harmonic-analysis – The equivalent diagram

Resonance occurs when the denominator 1-LsCω2 approaches zero. The corresponding frequency is called the resonant frequency of the circuit. At this frequency, the impedance is at its maximum value, resulting in considerable voltage harmonics and consequently major voltage distortion. This voltage distortion is accompanied by the circulation of harmonic currents in the Ls + C circuit which are greater than the injected harmonic currents.

The distribution system and the power factor correction capacitors are subjected to considerable harmonic currents, resulting in the risk of overloads.

Reference // Harmonic detection and filtering – Schneider Electric

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Edvard Csanyi - Author at EEP-Electrical Engineering Portal

Edvard Csanyi

Hi, I'm an electrical engineer, programmer and founder of EEP - Electrical Engineering Portal. I worked twelve years at Schneider Electric in the position of technical support for low- and medium-voltage projects and the design of busbar trunking systems.

I'm highly specialized in the design of LV/MV switchgear and low-voltage, high-power busbar trunking (<6300A) in substations, commercial buildings and industry facilities. I'm also a professional in AutoCAD programming.

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3 Comments


  1. Vinod Kotra
    Jan 18, 2020

    sir,

    Wanted to know the following
    If a capacitor bank is connected on 415V side of distribution transformer with on / off switching, will there be a change in pf recorded by meters at consumer end ( say 100 consumers 1Ph and 3Ph are connected to this transfomer.) when the capacitor bank is switched on / off


  2. dinesh_xform
    Dec 09, 2011

    Sir, can u explain further the following:

    to reduce the effect of harmonics or noise transferring from one winding to other (due to coupling), a earthed copper shield is provided,
    the reduction of harmonics is related with the resonance, but i can/t understand, what is going there actually..

    can you pls explain me.


    • Diego
      Oct 14, 2015

      Yes, is because when you have harmonic currents in an transformer, you have Load Loses in the core,
      and these are below:

      PLL= I^2R+ Pec

      PLL= Load Loses.
      Pec= Loses by Eddy current.
      I^2R= Copper Loses.

      If you put a copper lead in the core, this conductor filtering the eddy-current unto earth.

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