How can neutral current be reduced?

The most common approach for reducing the neutral current caused by the inherent imbalance of distribution feeders is to rearrange the phase connection between the distribution transformers and the load tapped-off points by using the metaheuristics algorithms.

What is the effect of high neutral current?

High neutral currents in power systems can cause overloaded power feeders, overloaded transformers, voltage distortion, and common mode noise[8-10]. Three-phase, four-wire building power feeders are often sized based on three current-carrying conductors in a conduit.

Does current flow in the neutral conductor of a balanced power system?

Normal circuit currents flow only in the neutral, and the protective earth conductor bonds all equipment cases to earth to intercept any leakage current due to insulation failure. The neutral conductor is connected to earth ground at the point of supply, and equipment cases are connected to the neutral.

What causes neutral current?

An incorrect wiring connection or 3-phase load unbalance issue may cause resultant current flowing on neutral conductor. Apart from these possibilities, high 3rd harmonic current present on each phase may also cause high neutral current.

What happens if neutral fails?

If a neutral wire gets disconnected, then the appliances will not work, the fan may get burn, choke in the tube may burn, and current starts flowing through the neutral wire.

Should I have current on my neutral?

Neutral wire carries the circuit back to the original power source. More specifically, neutral wire brings the circuit to a ground or busbar usually connected at the electrical panel. Although they may not always be circulating an electrical current, they should be handled with as much caution as hot wire.

Can neutral current be higher than phase current?

The neutral current (In) is summation of the phase currents. In a 3-phase, 4-wire system, the triplen harmonic currents (3, 9, 15, 21…) sum in the neutral wire because they are all in-phase. This is why the neutral current can be much higher than the phase currents even on an otherwise balanced load application.

What is the effect of neutral conductor?

The study results show that the neutral conductor plays an important role in keep the motor running in two-phase operation when one phase of a three-phase voltage is lost. Hence, maintaining the motor output torque and reducing in pulsation torque.

How much unbalanced phase current does it take to produce neutral current?

A 10\% unbalanced phase current in a 3-phase 4-wire power distribution system with an average phase current of 100A (Figure 1) would produce a neutral current of about 17A and increase the total copper loss by about 1\%.

What is balancing loads in electrical wiring?

Balancing electrical loads is an important part of laying out the circuits in a household wiring system. It is usually done by electricians when installing a new service panel (breaker box), rewiring a house, or adding multiple circuits during a remodel.

What is the effect of uneven distribution of loads on power lines?

The unequal distribution of loads between the three phases of the system cause the flow of unbalanced currents in the system, that produce unbalanced voltage drops on the electric lines. This increase in neutral current which cause line losses. If the system has balanced phase then Neutral current flow will be less on a system.

What is the importance of three phase load balance in electrical system?

In General, three phase load balance is the ideal situation for any Electrical system. It determines the quality of delivered Electrical Power. However, unbalanced may makes worse effect on Power quality of Electrical Power at distribution level. The voltages are quite well balanced from the source which is the Electricity board.