Active harmonic filters are a great way to improve the quality of your electricity supply and protect your equipment from harmful harmonics. Harmonics are unwanted voltage fluctuations that can cause equipment to malfunction or fail. They also cause voltage warping, which can result in the premature failure of your equipment. Active harmonic filters can help reduce the number of harmonics in your supply and eliminate this type of pollution.
Reliability
The reliability of active harmonic filters depends on how well they work. The filter must be durable, handle voltage and current and meet any reactive power compensation requirement. This type of filter is suitable for high-voltage systems up to 5,000 kV and industrial currents up to 10 kA. Active harmonic filters generate another harmonic frequency. The problem with active filters is their high failure rates and disposal costs.
In addition, active harmonic filters require an extra power factor control panel. Since the devices use a fixed capacitor, they can’t connect to a diesel generator or variable reactive power compensation.
Several factors contribute to high harmonic distortions in electrical systems. Modern power electronics and equipment are susceptible to high levels of harmonics, which can affect the overall reliability of a power supply system. Regular power quality/reliability checkups can help you understand your electrical system’s health. Schneider Electric offers a variety of solutions to help ensure the best reliability.
Cost
Using active harmonic filters can help you save money on your electric bill. Harmonic energy is produced when electronic equipment operates at different frequencies. Harmonic energy can cause various problems, such as equipment failure and malfunction. Depending on the type of industry, the amount of wasted energy could be high enough to cost a large amount of money. To prevent this, you must reduce the level of harmonic energy in the electrical network by using active harmonic filters.
Active filters cost more than passive ones, but their benefits compensate for them. First, they are more powerful and can eliminate a greater range of harmonics than passive filters. In addition, they last longer and require less maintenance. They are also the most cost-effective option in the long run.
The cost of active harmonic filters varies depending on the type of harmonic filter. Some filters are designed with low impedance and act as a sink for all harmonics in the power system. The disadvantages of these devices are that they can overheat very easily. Moreover, all components of tuned filters have a nonzero temperature coefficient. Because of this, their tuned frequencies increase with temperature.
Size
Active harmonic filters are a good choice for reducing harmonics in electrical systems. Their compact size and ease of installation make them the best choice for small and medium-sized power systems. Moreover, these devices can be used in various applications, including industrial and commercial ones.
Active filters can be sized according to the harmonic content and the load requirements. For example, in a 480-volt system, the filter should be sized for 0.5A/kVA of the load. It is higher than the IEEE 519 requirement of 0.4A/kVA. Therefore, a 500kVA load would require between 200 and 250A of compensation, depending on the harmonic composition of the load.
Active harmonic filters are also available in 100 and 150-amp assemblies. Moreover, they can be paralleled for a total of 1200-amp power factor mitigation. The control unit of an active harmonic filter has a touch screen that allows for easy onsite programming. It can compensate for lagging reactive power and can be programmed for up to 0.7 lagging power factor.
Installation
The Active Harmonic Filter (AHF) is a device that improves the power quality of electrical systems. It works by detecting and counteracting harmonic currents on a power supply line. It can be installed on individual loads or a complete electrical installation.
Installing an Active Harmonic Filter by qualityenergy.com.au is essential in improving electrical installations’ safety and operational reliability. It also provides a way to eliminate harmonic pollution that may otherwise affect equipment. It is necessary to conduct a power quality audit to determine the harmonic content in a power distribution system. It is vital to document harmonic content and meet IEEE 519 harmonic current limits for a given installation.
Besides causing voltage distortion, harmonics also cause additional heating to transformers, switchboards, and wiring. It can lead to overloads, causing equipment to malfunction. In extreme cases, it can cause fires.