Probabilistic estimation of harmonic distortion in non-radial distribution network

Harmonic estimation in distribution networks is commonly carried out based on typically radial topology. Considering the increasing penetration level of power electronics interfaced net-zero technologies, the cumulated effect of harmonic pollutions in upstream meshed distribution networks is foreseen. Based on a recent study that demonstrated a methodology to estimate harmonic distortions in partially monitored radial distribution networks, this study extends the general application of the methodology to non-radial distribution networks. A sensitivity-based electrical distance was proposed to facilitate and to solve the problem of determining the optimal/minimum number and locations of power quality monitors when the voltage drop and harmonic distortions are not highly correlated. The approach is validated against a highly interconnected (mashed) section of a distribution system.