Development of a software tool under AS61000.3.7, to provide assessment of voltage flicker caused by fluctuating loads

AS61000.3.7 'Emission Limits for Fluctuating Loads in MV and HV Power Systems' was introduced as the governing standard in Australia and New Zealand in 2001, for the assessment of flicker in MV and HV systems. Unlike the previous Australian Standard, no software currently exits to assess loads under AS61000.3.7, and so the aim of this paper is to define and develop such a tool. The software tool must provide assessment of voltage flicker under the standard, emitted by a range of common fluctuating loads. This software tool is hoped to aid application and acceptance of the standard within the power utility industry.