Abstract: Power electronic devices are commonplace and increasing in number in commercial and industrial facilities as well as the grid. Power electronics provide electrical device control and modulation through voltage and frequency manipulation as well as many other functions. Utilities across the country are concerned about power quality as it effects them as well as their customers.
Power electronics are found in transformers, invertors, variable frequency drives, ballasts, drivers, power supplies, LED lamps, computers, programmable logic controllers and others. However, as power electronic devices multiply so does the occurrence and magnitude of harmonic distortion in the electrical distribution system. Excessive harmonic distortion can lead to unresponsive equipment, and electronic equipment damage. This talk will address power quality issues and harmonic distortion in facilities:
1. What is good and bad power quality?
2. Fundamentals of creating and avoiding power quality issues
3. What are harmonics?
4. How are power electronics associated with harmonics?
5. Consequences of harmonics
6. Harmonic distortion levels and thresholds
7. Mitigative and corrective measures

Biography: Eric Sonju, President — Erik earned a BS degree in Electrical Engineering from North Dakota State University at Fargo, North Dakota with an emphasis in power systems. He has over 20 years of experience in the power industry, with the majority of those years providing professional engineering consulting services to electric utilities and private industry throughout the United States and Canada. His expertise includes engineering studies, design and business strategy matters in the electric power sector, including utility management, power delivery infrastructure, and technical applications. Erik is a licensed Professional Engineer in 20 states and in the Canadian province of Saskatchewan.

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