Interharmonics and light flicker

High levels of odd triplen harmonics and flicker of Compact Fluorescent Lamps (CFL) have been observed in networks. This paper addresses the possibility thatthese issues are related by the following phenomena. Inverter driven loads such as heat pumps generate odd harmonics that can be modulated by fluctuations in those loads, such as oscillating torque. Because the zero sequence impedance of the low voltage distribution network is much higher than for the other symmetriccomponents of a three phase system, the impacts of odd triplen harmonics currents on the voltage are stronger than for the other harmonic currents. Modulating fluctuations may also come from the power network. This modulation causes interharmonics near odd harmonics, which cause voltage peak value fluctuations. In typical Compact Fluorescent Lamps (CFL) the link capacitance is dimensioned so small that the luminance varies with the voltage peak value fluctuations. Some related gaps in Electro Magnetic Compatibility standards are pointed out