Analysis of Harmonic Distortion on the Electrical Energy System in the Malahayati Training Ship Aceh

Abstract

The operation of the Malahayati training ship in Aceh relies on electrical energy to ensure optimal performance, necessitating a very high level of accuracy in electrical energy measurements. Inaccurate energy measurements can lead to significant financial and operational losses for all parties involved, including both ship management and operators. One of the main causes of accuracy issues in electrical energy measurement is the presence of nonlinear loads on the ship. These nonlinear loads can trigger harmonics in the electrical system, which are distortions in voltage and current waveforms that can significantly affect power quality and potentially reduce the accuracy of energy measurements.This study was conducted to further understand how harmonics generated by nonlinear loads affect the precision of electrical energy measurements on the Malahayati training ship. The research focuses on analyzing the level of harmonic distortion measured in terms of Total Harmonic Distortion (THD) and how this impacts the performance of energy measurement devices, particularly the kWh meters used on the ship.The results obtained from this study indicate a significant correlation between the increased use of nonlinear loads and the rise in harmonic distortion. The more nonlinear loads that are utilized, the higher the level of harmonic distortion, which is reflected in the increase of %THD. This increase in %THD, in turn, causes substantial deviations in electrical energy measurements, leading to a decline in measurement accuracy. In some cases, deviations in electrical energy measurements can exceed -50%, indicating that the measurements become highly inaccurate and far from the actual values. Particularly when %THD exceeds 100%, both conventional and digital energy measurement devices show a significant drop in performance, rendering them unable to provide reliable measurement results.Therefore, this study emphasizes the importance of mitigating harmonics in the ship's electrical system to maintain a high level of accuracy in electrical energy measurements, ultimately helping to reduce potential losses and ensure more efficient ship operations.