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Wall and Rack Active Harmonic Filter modules

Active Harmonic Filter

Wall and Rack Active Harmonic Filter modules

The principle of Active Harmonic Filter AHF involves the use of power electronics and control techniques to actively compensate for power quality issues, primarily harmonics and reactive power, in electrical power systems. AHF  is designed to mitigate harmonics and correct the power factor in a system to improve the overall power quality.

    What are harmonics?

    Harmonics refer to the additional frequencies present in an electrical system that are multiples of the fundamental frequency. In an ideal power system, the fundamental frequency is typically 50 or 60 Hz, depending on the region. However, due to the presence of non-linear loads and other disturbances, harmonics can be introduced into the system.

    11oxoHarmonics from non linear loads

    On-linear loads, such as power electronic devices (e.g., rectifiers, inverters, variable frequency drives), can cause distortion in the current waveform, resulting in harmonic currents. These harmonic currents contain frequencies that are integer multiples of the fundamental frequency. For example, the 2nd harmonic is twice the fundamental frequency, the 3rd harmonic is three times the fundamental frequency, and so on.

    What are the effects of Harmonics?

    Harmonics are frequency components that are integer multiples of the fundamental frequency in electrical system. In power systems, harmonics can be caused by nonlinear loads such as power electronic devices, variable speed drives, and certain types of lighting. These nonlinear loads draw nonsinusoidal current waveforms, resulting in harmonic distortion in the voltage and current waveforms of the power system.

    The most common harmonic generating devices are listed below:  Switching Power Supplies, Welders, UPS ,,Old frequency converters with thyristor power converter technology, Motor drives, Converters with controlled rectifiers, DC controller for DC drives,Induction ovens.

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    Most common harmonic generating devices from non-linear loads

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    What are the effects of Harmonics?

    The effects of harmonics can be categorized into several areas:

    ● Equipment overheating: Harmonic currents flowing through transformers, cables, and other components can cause increased heating due to the additional losses associated with harmonics. This can lead to reduced equipment lifespan, increased maintenance costs, and even equipment failure.

    ● Current and voltage distortion: Harmonic currents can cause voltage distortion, leading to a distorted supply voltage waveform. This can affect sensitive electronic equipment, causing malfunctions and increased error rates. Harmonic currents can also flow through the neutral conductor, resulting in neutral current distortion and additional heating in the neutral conductor.

    ● Resonance: Harmonics can interact with the system impedance and create resonance conditions, where the system's response to certain frequencies is amplified. Resonance can lead to increased voltage and current distortion, equipment damage, and system instability.

    ● Power quality degradation: Harmonics can lead to poor power quality, including reduced power factor, increased total harmonic distortion (THD), and distorted waveform symmetry. These issues can result in increased energy losses, reduced system efficiency, and increased electricity costs.

    ● Interference: Harmonics can cause electromagnetic interference (EMI) in communication systems, affecting the operation of sensitive equipment such as telecommunication systems, audio/video systems, and data networks.

    To mitigate the effects of harmonics, various measures can be taken, including the use of harmonic filters, designing and operating power systems with low harmonic distortion, and adhering to relevant standards and guidelines for harmonic control.

    Intone Power-AHF Active Harmonic Filter

    Intone Power AHF Active Harmonic Filter is a perfect and comprehensive solution to the power quality issues of power grid , such as harmonics reactive power and three-phase load unbalance. Intone Power AHF which is in parallel to power grid can detect the harmonic wave in power grid in time, generate the reverse-phase compensation current through the converter and dynamically filter the harmonic wave in power grid. 

    Intone Power-AHF Active Harmonic Filters is static power electronic product that employ digital logic and IGBT semiconductors to synthesize a current waveform that is injected into the electrical network to cancel harmonic currents caused by nonlinear loads. AHF employ current transformers to measure the load current to determine the content of harmonic current present. The operation of AHF is unaffected by multifarious load forms and power grid structures. And it will not produce harmonic oscillation along with the system, thus perfectly realizing harmonic control under diverse loads. 

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    Internal topology structure of Active Harmonic Filter

    AHF also have the ability to correct for poor displacement power factor (DPF) and for mains current balancing. DPF correction can be provided for either leading (capacitive) or lagging (inductive) loads that cause poor DPF. Mains current balancing is achieved by measuring the negative sequence current present and injecting the inverse negative. sequence current to balance the current for the upstream network. Meanwhile, Intone Power-AHF has the function of controlling the three-phase load current unbalance, thus comprehensively handling various power quality matters in power grid .

    The main functions

    ● Combination of FFT method and Instantaneous Power theory

    ● Multifunctional – Combination of Harmonic mitigation, Power factor correction (both inductive and capacitive power) and imbalance compensation

    ● Wide Harmonic filtering range: from 2nd to 51st order Harmonics

    ● Excellent imbalance correction: Both negative and zero sequences, mitigates neutral current

    ● High harmonic filtering efficiency of > 98.4%

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    Main functions of Active Harmonic Filter

    ● Rapid response time: less than 5ms

    ● High Stability – avoid resonance due to automatic harmonic elimination

    ● Wide input voltage and frequency range adapt to harsh electrical environments.

    ● Free from overload due to automatic current limiting output

    ● 7inch or 10inch Touch screen HMI for programming and monitoring various electrical, PQ parameters, Alarms and Logs

    ● Parallel connected operation available: 12 modules can be connected in parallel

    ● Flexible application: Modular design embedded in standard or customized enclosures

    ● Environmental adaptability: 10 deg C to 50 deg C temperature (without derating)

    ● Easy installation and maintenance – Plugin installation of AHF modules for replacement or expansion

    ● Hardware protection: V Bus Over voltage protection;Over voltage Protection     

    ● Software protection: AC instantaneous over current protection;AC Real over current protection; V Bus over voltage protection;AC over voltage protection;AC under voltage protection,Over temperature protection;

    Rack and Wall mounted modules

    Intone Power Active Harmonic Filter rack modules refer to AHF units that are designed to be installed in a rack or cabinet. These modules typically contain the necessary components, such as power electronics, control circuitry, and cooling systems, to perform the reactive power compensation function. Rack-mounted modules are commonly used in industrial applications, data centers, and large-scale electrical installations where multiple AHF units are required.

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    rack modules of active harmonic filter

    Active Harmonic Filter wall-mounted modules are designed for installation directly on a wall or mounting surface. They are compact units that integrate the necessary components into a single enclosure, making them suitable for smaller applications or locations where space is limited. Wall-mounted AHF modules are commonly used in commercial buildings, offices, and smaller electrical installations.

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    wall mounted modules of active harmonic filter

    Intone Power-AHF modules support: 15A,25A,30A,50A,75A,100A,125A,150A, from 220V to 690V,both for 50Hz and 60Hz networks..

    Both rack-mounted and wall-mounted AHF modules serve the same purpose of reactive power compensation and voltage stabilization. The choice between the two depends on the specific requirements of the installation, available space, and other factors such as scalability and expandability needs.

    Active Harmonic Filter Benefits

    Improved ​Power Quality

    The most apparent benefit of active harmonic filters is the enhancement of power quality. By​actively mitigating harmonics ​and correcting ​power factors, these ​filters ensure ​that the electrical​supply is ​stable and clean. This results ​in a significant ​reduction in ​voltage distortion, minimum​the risk of equipment malfunctions and improving ​the overall performance ​of sensitive ​devices.

    Energy Efficiency

    Active harmonic ​filters can help ​improve energy ​efficiency in several ​ways. By ​reducing the need ​for reactive ​power from the ​utility, they ​reduce energy losses. ​Additionally, they ​enable equipment to ​operate more ​efficiently by maintaining ​a close-to-unity ​power factor. This ​translates into ​lower energy bills and a ​reduced environmental footprint.

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    Benefits of active harmonic filter

    Benefits of active harmonic filter

    The presence of ​harmonics can ​be detrimental to ​electrical equipment. ​It can lead ​to overheating, reduced equipment lifespan, ​and, in ​some cases, catastrophic ​failure. Active ​harmonic filters play ​a crucial ​role in protecting ​equipment from ​these harmful effects, ​ensuring that ​the facility’s assets ​remain in ​good working condition.

    ​Compliance with ​Standards

    Many countries ​and regions ​have stringent regulations ​and standards ​in place to ​ensure power ​quality. Active harmonic ​filters help ​facilities meet these ​requirements by ​effectively controlling power ​factor and ​harmonic distortion. Compliance ​not only ​avoids potential penalties ​but also ​ensures a reliable ​and stable power supply.

    Cost ​Savings

    While ​there is an ​initial cost ​associated with installing ​active harmonic ​filters like SVGs, ​the long-term ​cost savings can ​be substantial. ​Lower energy bills, ​reduced maintenance ​costs, and extended ​equipment lifespans ​all contribute to ​a compelling ​return on investment.

    Typical ​Applications of Active ​Harmonic Filters

    Active harmonic filters, ​find applications in ​a variety ​of industries and ​facilities where ​power quality and efficiency are ​critical. Some typical ​applications include:

    Manufacturing Facilities

    Manufacturing ​environments often ​have a multitude ​of non-linear ​loads, such as​variable frequency drives, welders, and ​CNC machines. ​These loads are​known for ​creating harmonics that​can lead ​to power quality ​issues. Active ​harmonic filters are ​employed to ​ensure stable power ​quality, minimisse ​equipment downtime, and​optimise energy ​usage.

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    Active harmonic filter in Manufacturing Facilities

    Data Centers

    Data centers ​are highly sensitive ​to power ​quality disturbances. Any ​disruption in ​power supply can ​lead to ​data loss and ​system failures. ​Active harmonic filters ​are used ​to safeguard against ​voltage distortion and ensure the ​continuous operation ​of critical IT ​infrastructure.

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    Active harmonic filter in data center

    Commercial ​Buildings

    In commercial ​buildings, there ​are numerous loads, ​including lighting, ​HVAC systems, and ​elevators, that can cause power ​quality problems. ​Active harmonic filters ​help maintain ​power quality, reduce ​energy costs, ​and protect building ​systems.

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    Active harmonic filter in HVAC system

    Renewable ​Energy Systems

    As ​renewable energy ​sources like solar ​and wind ​become more prevalent, ​active harmonic ​filters play a ​vital role ​in ensuring the ​quality of ​power generated and ​fed into ​the grid. They ​help regulate ​the output of ​these intermittent ​energy sources, making ​them more ​reliable and efficient.

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    Active harmonic filter in EV charger station

    Large Industrial ​Plants

    Large industrial ​plants with ​a wide range ​of machinery ​and processes often ​face challenges ​related to power ​quality. Active ​harmonic filters are ​used to ​manage power factors ​and mitigate ​harmonics, resulting in ​improved efficiency ​and equipment protection.

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    Active harmonic filter in electrical arc furnaces