---
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/)
 
 

  

  

 

     - [  11 Nov 2026 Mining and Metals  
    
     
    
     Maximizing the value of mining data, from smart sensing to operational intelligence 
    
     
    
     
    
    
    - ![Marie Eve Desrochers2](https://www.assets.bbaconsultants.com/bba-production-assets/production/images/avatars/_size_avatar/219093/Marie-Eve-Desrochers2.webp)   
        
         Marie-Eve Desrochers
        
        Senior analyst, Process control and operational technologies
     
       
    
     
    
      ](https://www.bbaconsultants.com/en-ca/insights/maximizing-the-value-of-mining-data-from-smart-sensing-to-operational-intelligence "Maximizing the value of mining data, from smart sensing to operational intelligence")
- [  10 Nov 2026 Mining and Metals  
    
     
    
     Permits as drivers of design and investment decisions 
    
     
    
     
    
    
    - ![Mike bartlett](https://www.assets.bbaconsultants.com/bba-production-assets/production/images/avatars/_size_avatar/212262/mike-bartlett.webp)
    - ![Yves Thomassin](https://www.assets.bbaconsultants.com/bba-production-assets/production/images/avatars/_size_avatar/219195/Yves-Thomassin.webp)
     
       
    
     
    
      ](https://www.bbaconsultants.com/en-ca/insights/permits-as-drivers-of-design-and-investment-decisions "Permits as drivers of design and investment decisions")
- [  27 Oct 2026 Mining and Metals  
    
     
    
     Why strategy, people and culture are reshaping gold mining leadership 
    
     
    
     
    
    
    - ![Pr employee women susan eick retouch web SQ LR BBA](https://www.assets.bbaconsultants.com/bba-production-assets/production/images/avatars/_size_avatar/205536/Pr-employee-women-susan-eick-retouch-web-SQ-LR-BBA.webp)
    - ![Photo de profil de Julie Butcher](https://www.assets.bbaconsultants.com/bba-production-assets/production/images/avatars/_size_avatar/202970/photo-de-profil-de-Julie-Butcher.webp)
     
       
    
     
    
      ](https://www.bbaconsultants.com/en-ca/insights/why-strategy-people-and-culture-are-reshaping-gold-mining-leadership "Why strategy, people and culture are reshaping gold mining leadership")
- [  26 Oct 2026 Power and Renewables  
    
     
    
     Dewatering: strategic in achieving mining plan objectives 
    
     
    
     
    
    
    - ![Gabriel meilleur](https://www.assets.bbaconsultants.com/bba-production-assets/production/images/avatars/_size_avatar/218669/Gabriel-meilleur.webp)
    - ![Maxime Heroux](https://www.assets.bbaconsultants.com/bba-production-assets/production/images/avatars/_size_avatar/218673/Maxime-Heroux.webp)
    - ![Claude Caouette](https://www.assets.bbaconsultants.com/bba-production-assets/production/images/avatars/_size_avatar/218680/Claude-Caouette.webp)
     
       
    
     
    
      ](https://www.bbaconsultants.com/en-ca/insights/dewatering-strategic-in-achieving-mining-plan-objectives "Dewatering: strategic in achieving mining plan objectives ")
 
 

       

 

 [ See all 

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

 

   

 Let’s  
think it further  
together [ Contact us    

 ](https://www.bbaconsultants.com/en-ca/contact) 

 

   

  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