---
title: Managing power system harmonics for underground mines
date: 2019-04-11T15:21:00-04:00
author: jessica napert
canonical_url: "https://www.bbaconsultants.com/en-ca/publications/managing-power-system-harmonics-for-underground-mines"
section: Publications
---
Developing an electrical distribution network for an underground mine has its challenges and integrating new technologies, such as on-demand ventilation or battery-powered vehicles, must be considered at the design stage. Electronic equipment like variable frequency drives and battery chargers are known to generate harmonics, which can negatively affect all mining site installations.

 

1. Phase-shifting transformers can be used as part of the development strategy for the mine’s power system, as they eliminate some of the harmonics generated by electronic equipment. This is a simple, effective and economic way of limiting power system harmonics, a solution proven time and again in numerous industrial applications.
 
This content is for general information purposes only. All rights reserved ©BBA

 

    1. ![Stéphan Landry](https://www.assets.bbaconsultants.com/bba-production-assets/production/images/avatars/_size_avatar/3316/Stephan-Landry.webp)   
    
     Stéphan Landry, P.Eng.
    
    Principal Engineer, Electrical - Power Generation and Apparatus
    
         [  ](https://www.linkedin.com/in/stephan-landry-a4702035/)
 
 

  

  

 

     - [  27 Jul 2026 Mining and Metals  
    
     
    
     Early tailings decisions shape long-term mine performance 
    
     
    
     
    
    
    - ![Geraldine Cosset](https://www.assets.bbaconsultants.com/bba-production-assets/production/images/avatars/_size_avatar/206707/Geraldine-Cosset.webp)
    - ![Jared Purdy](https://www.assets.bbaconsultants.com/bba-production-assets/production/images/avatars/_size_avatar/212424/Jared-Purdy.webp)
     
       
    
     
    
      ](https://www.bbaconsultants.com/en-ca/insights/early-tailings-decisions-shape-long-term-mine-performance "Early tailings decisions shape long-term mine performance")
- [  02 Jul 2026 Mining and Metals  
    
     
    
     Python: A key tool for data analysis in mineral processing 
    
     
    
     
    
    
    - ![Charles Blais](https://www.assets.bbaconsultants.com/bba-production-assets/production/images/avatars/_size_avatar/211197/Charles-Blais.webp)
    - ![Juan Pablo Vergara](https://www.assets.bbaconsultants.com/bba-production-assets/production/images/avatars/_size_avatar/211266/Juan-Pablo-Vergara.webp)
     
       
    
     
    
      ](https://www.bbaconsultants.com/en-ca/insights/python-a-key-tool-for-data-analysis-in-mineral-processing "Python: A key tool for data analysis in mineral processing")
- [  19 Jun 2026 Mining and Metals  
    
     
    
     Speed is earned early in projects 
    
     
    
     
    
    
    - ![Mm employee men jean lheureux retouch web SQ LR BBA](https://www.assets.bbaconsultants.com/bba-production-assets/production/images/avatars/_size_avatar/204266/mm_employee_men_jean-lheureux_retouch_web_SQ_LR_BBA.webp)
    - ![Mm employee men benoit richard retouch web SQ LR BBA](https://www.assets.bbaconsultants.com/bba-production-assets/production/images/avatars/_size_avatar/203602/mm_employee_men_benoit-richard_retouch_web_SQ_LR_BBA.webp)
     
       
    
     
    
      ](https://www.bbaconsultants.com/en-ca/insights/speed-is-earned-early-in-projects "Speed is earned early in projects")
- [  17 Jun 2026 
    
     Industrial data platforms: building a solid foundation to optimize your operations 
    
     
    
     
    
    
    - ![Pierre Boucher](https://www.assets.bbaconsultants.com/bba-production-assets/production/images/avatars/_size_avatar/2671/Pierre-Boucher.webp)   
        
         Pierre Boucher, P.Eng.
        
        Senior Engineer, Operational Technology and Infrastructure
     
       
    
     
    
      ](https://www.bbaconsultants.com/en-ca/insights/industrial-data-platforms-building-a-solid-foundation-to-optimize-your-operations "Industrial data platforms: building a solid foundation to optimize your operations")
 
 

       

 

 [ See all 

 ](https://www.bbaconsultants.com/en-ca/insights "Go to Publications listing page") 

 

   

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  Developing an electrical distribution network for an underground mine has its challenges and integrating new technologies, such as on-demand ventilation or battery-powered vehicles, must be considered at the design stage. Electronic equipment like variable frequency drives and battery chargers are known to generate harmonics, which can negatively affect all mining site installations.

 

1. Phase-shifting transformers can be used as part of the development strategy for the mine’s power system, as they eliminate some of the harmonics generated by electronic equipment. This is a simple, effective and economic way of limiting power system harmonics, a solution proven time and again in numerous industrial applications.
 
This content is for general information purposes only. All rights reserved ©BBA