Impact of Passive Filter Capacitor Failure on Harmonic Propagation in VSD-Driven ESP Systems

  • Benriwati Maharmi Department of Electrical Engineering, Sekolah Tinggi Teknologi Pekanbaru, Indonesia
  • Apriadi Apriadi Department of Electrical Engineering, Sekolah Tinggi Teknologi Pekanbaru, Indonesia
  • Fitri Ayu Department of Information Systems, Sekolah Tinggi Teknologi Pekanbaru, Indonesia
DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.36842/jomase.v70i2.630
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Abstract

Passive LC filters are commonly installed at the output of Variable Speed Drives (VSDs) to limit harmonic distortion in Electrical Submersible Pump (ESP) systems. However, capacitor degradation may reduce filter effectiveness and alter the electrical behavior of the entire drive system. This paper examines the impact of passive filter capacitor failure in a 390 kVA VSD-driven ESP installation using field measurements obtained under three operating conditions: before the filter, during normal LC filter operation, and after disconnection of a failed 200 ?F capacitor while the output reactor remained in service. Harmonic performance was evaluated in accordance with IEEE Std 519-2022, followed by impedance and resonance analyses to explain the measured responses. The results indicate that capacitor removal increased THDi from 4.30% to 12.30% and THDv from 39.50% to 61.23%, confirming a substantial reduction in harmonic suppression capability. The analytical evaluation further shows that changes in filter impedance promote resonance between the output reactor and the downhole cable capacitance. A preliminary single-tuned passive filter design is finally proposed to improve harmonic mitigation under comparable operating conditions.

##Keywords:## Electrical Submersible Pump, Harmonic Distortion, Passive Filter, Resonance,Variable Speed Drive.

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Published
Jul 30, 2026
How to Cite
MAHARMI, Benriwati; APRIADI, Apriadi; AYU, Fitri. Impact of Passive Filter Capacitor Failure on Harmonic Propagation in VSD-Driven ESP Systems. Journal of Ocean, Mechanical and Aerospace -science and engineering-, [S.l.], v. 70, n. 2, p. 148-153, july 2026. ISSN 2527-6085. Available at: <https://isomase.org/Journals/index.php/jomase/article/view/630>. Date accessed: 05 aug. 2026. doi: http://dx.doi.org/10.36842/jomase.v70i2.630.
Citation Formats
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Vol 70 No 2 (2026): Journal of Ocean, Mechanical and Aerospace -science and engineering- (JOMAse)
Section
Articles

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