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Project is working to develop new test methods for high-frequency interference over electricity grids

The project

Electrical products can emit electromagnetic interference, that risks causing malfunctions in connected products, interference with powerline communications and over-heating of grid infrastructure.

EMPIR project Grid measurements of 2 kHz - 150 kHz harmonics to support normative emission limits for mass-market electrical goods (18NRM05, SupraEMI) is working to formulate and validate a new normative method to measure supraharmonic emissions in grids, conduct a laboratory comparison of the method, and contribute to standards development.

The resulting measurement framework will provide evidence for product emission limits and support future regulation.

New normative methods and apparatus will give rise to new services, while standards for mass-market goods will help ensure reliable operation of products, protect the grid, help develop smart grids, and prevent renewable energy operational issues.

Award winning paper

A paper describing the work of this EMPIR project has won a best paper award at the CIRED 2021 conference in September. CIRED is the premier international conference for the electricity distribution industry and is widely attended by industry engineers and academics. The award was won by project partner Victor Khokhlov of the Technische Universitaet Dresden for his work leading this collaborative paper Application of measurement methods for the frequency range 2-150 kHz to long-term measurements in public low voltage networks. 

The citation for the award reads ‘Application of measurement methods for the frequency range 2-150 kHz to long-term measurements in public low voltage networks’ (paper 438) receives the best young academic paper award. The paper deals with a very actual topic, building a bridge between systematic scientific research and practical application. It has provided highly valuable input to be included in the next edition of IEC 61000-4-30.’ Work described in the paper is the central theme and objective of this EMPIR normative project.

Project Coordinator Paul Wright from NPL said

‘The award is a recognition of the importance of this new interference threat to stable grid operation as more low carbon technologies are connected.  It shows that the SupraEMI project is directly addressing the needs of network operators in combating these issues in their electricity networks’.

This EMPIR project is co-funded by the European Union's Horizon 2020 research and innovation programme and the EMPIR Participating States.

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