The rise of nonlinear and unbalanced loads in modern electrical systems poses challenges to power quality management. These loads, prevalent in electronic devices and industrial equipment, induce harmonic distortions and unbalance, adversely affecting the neutral conductor in three-phase systems. This study investigates these effects through modeling and simulation using MATLAB/Simulink and symmetrical components theory for detailed power quality analysis. The research focuses on three scenarios: nonlinear loads, unbalanced loads, and combined nonlinear-unbalanced loads. Simulation results show that nonlinear loads significantly increase harmonic content, while unbalanced loads lead to notable power quality deviations. When combined, these conditions exacerbate harmonic distortions and unbalance, resulting in higher neutral current magnitudes. Key findings highlight the severe impact of combined load conditions on the neutral conductor, emphasizing the need for accurate modeling and analysis. This research provides valuable insights and practical recommendations for addressing the challenges of nonlinear and unbalanced loads, contributing to improved power system design and management.
