Harmonic load identification using complex independent component analysis

Because of an increase of installation of power electronic equipment and other harmonic sources, the identification and estimation of harmonic loads is of concern in electric power transmission and distribution systems. Conventional harmonic state estimation requires a redundant number of expensive harmonic measurements. In this paper we explore the use of a statistical signal processing technique, known as Independent Component Analysis for harmonic source identification and estimation. If the harmonic currents are statistically independent, ICA is able to estimate the currents using a limited number of harmonic voltage measurements and without any knowledge of the system admittances or topology. Results are presented for the modified IEEE 30 bus system.