Harmonic Distortion Cost Estimator — Put THD Impact Into Energy Cost
Estimate how current total harmonic distortion can increase RMS current and resistive loss, then translate the modeled extra loss into annual energy and cost.
Harmonic loss inputs
Why harmonic distortion can increase electrical loss
Total harmonic distortion means current contains components beyond the fundamental. Those components contribute to RMS current even when the real-power load has not changed proportionally.
Why RMS current matters
Resistive heating is related to current squared. Therefore additional RMS current can increase modeled conductor loss.
Why this is only a screening estimate
Real harmonic losses depend on the spectrum, conductor construction, frequency, transformer behavior and skin/proximity effects. The tool deliberately uses a simplified RMS relationship so the assumption is transparent.
Worked example
At 180 A fundamental current and 25% THD, RMS current under the simplified model is about 185.5 A. The difference becomes more visible when converted through I²R over thousands of operating hours.
What THD does not tell you
THD alone does not show which harmonic orders are dominant, whether a neutral is heavily loaded, or whether a particular item of equipment is experiencing a problem.
Frequently asked questions
Does more THD always mean the same loss increase?
No. The result also depends on the fundamental current and resistance.
Can baseline THD be non-zero?
Yes. A non-zero baseline lets you estimate the incremental loss associated with an increase from one known THD condition to another.
Does this calculate a harmonic filter size?
No. It is an economic and loss-screening tool.