Paul Steciuk of VarStec Power Solutions

Harmonic Analysis Understanding the Fundamentals

Modern harmonic-analysis programs such as EasyPower, ETAP, DIgSILENT PowerFactory, and similar tools can solve complex power systems quickly, but the engineer still needs to understand what the software is calculating, which assumptions matter, and whether the results make physical sense.

This presentation develops harmonic analysis from those fundamentals. Beginning with nonlinear waveforms and Fourier analysis, it shows how a power system can be represented and solved as a separate electrical network at each harmonic frequency. Using a practical medium-voltage industrial system, attendees are taken through the modeling of source impedance, transformers, capacitor banks, motors, plant loads, and harmonic current injections, followed by the calculation and interpretation of harmonic voltage and current distortion.

Particular emphasis is placed on system resonance, how capacitor banks interact with frequency-dependent system impedance, why resonant frequencies move with operating conditions, and how relatively small harmonic currents can produce severe voltage distortion and current magnification.

The presentation then moves from analysis to mitigation, comparing the application and performance of notch-tuned, detuned, high-pass, C-high-pass, and H-type harmonic filters. Practical examples illustrate tuning, damping, filter interaction, interharmonics, resistor losses, resonance control, and economic tradeoffs in filter selection.

Biography:

Paul B. Steciuk is a Co-Founder of VarStec Power Solutions, specializing in the design, engineering, and manufacturing of integrated medium-voltage reactive compensation and  power quality systems. His expertise encompasses the full project lifecycle, from fundamental harmonic and power system analysis to the physical design and commissioning of medium-voltage metal-enclosed capacitor banks and harmonic filter banks.

Prior to founding VarStec, Paul served as Co-Founder and President of Northeast Power Systems, Inc. (NEPSI) for nearly 25 years, leading the organization through its acquisition by AMSC. Throughout his career, he has provided technical consultancy to EPCs and owners across the Global Mining, Oil & Gas, and Renewables sectors.

A recognized subject matter expert, Paul has authored over 30 technical papers on harmonic analysis and filter applications. He holds a B.S. and M.S. in Electric Power Engineering from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (RPI). At VarStec, he leads the development of next-generation integrated reactive compensation solutions, leveraging decades of manufacturing experience to solve complex modern grid challenges.

Address:Saratoga Springs, New York, United States