What does THD stand for in power quality?

Total Harmonic Distortion (THD) is a critical measure in power quality that assesses the distortion of a waveform compared to a pure sine wave. It quantifies the presence of harmonics, which are integer multiples of the fundamental frequency in electrical systems. Essentially, when electronic devices and equipment operate, they can create harmonics that introduce distortion, affecting performance and efficiency.

The significance of knowing the THD value lies in its impact on the overall system health. A high THD indicates a substantial deviation from the ideal waveform, which can lead to increased heating, energy losses, and potential failure of equipment due to overheating or other operational issues. Monitoring THD is crucial for maintaining power quality and ensuring that electrical systems function effectively while minimizing disruptions and inefficiencies.

Understanding THD helps engineers diagnose issues, select the appropriate corrective measures, and optimize power system performance, making it an essential concept in electrical power testing and quality assessment.