How does Active Harmonic Filter improve power quality?

Power Qualty Cause

The transmission of electricity from the power grid to the load side is mainly carried out using a three-phase line. Most of the industrial loads are also three-phase loads. The three-phase voltages produced in synchronous generators can be considered sinusoidal and symmetrical. The reason for the voltage and current distortion at a given point in the supply network is the widespread use of power electronic systems and large industry asymmetrical loads (e.g., arc furnaces), as well as a large number of low-power loads (switching power supplies, energy-saving lighting), which have non-linear and non-stationary characteristics, which cause many power quality problems.

Power quality can impact overall company performance but is easily overlooked. Power system is gradually developed into a power electronic based power system and exists various power quality problems, which promotes the development of Active Harmonic Filter (AHF). AHF has developed into a comprehensive power quality solution.

YTPQC-AHF Active Harmonic Filter

YTPQC-AHF Active harmonic filters respond quickly and effectively to balance out power system variations. This enables higher process reliability, longer equipment life, reduced energy losses and improves productivity. 

1. Harmonic Distortion Detection: The AHF monitors the electrical system for harmonic distortion, which occurs when non-linear loads (such as variable speed drives, arc furnaces, or rectifiers) introduce harmonics into the electrical supply. Harmonics are frequencies that are multiples of the fundamental frequency (typically 50 Hz or 60 Hz), and they can cause voltage and current distortions.

2. Reactive Current Compensation: When the AHF detects harmonics, it generates compensating currents that are equal in magnitude but opposite in phase to the harmonic currents. These compensating currents are injected into the electrical system and help cancel out the harmonics, effectively reducing their impact.

3. Harmonic Filtering: The generated compensating currents are injected into the electrical system in such a way that they create a path of least impedance for the harmonic currents. By providing a low-impedance path, the AHF diverts the harmonic currents away from the main power distribution network, preventing them from contaminating the supply voltage.

4. 3 phase load balancing: In addition to harmonic mitigation, an AHF can also help to compensate the 3 phase load unbalance.This improves the load unbalance within acceptable limits.

YTPQC- AHF design is based on a modern 3-level IGBT-Inverter topology with a 7” Human Machine Interface and modular technical design. This combination results in a fast, reliable and compact device that is easy to operate and complies with all standard communication protocols.The benefits of using YTPQC-AHF Active Harmonic Filter include:

1. Harmonic Mitigation: By effectively reducing harmonic distortion in the electrical system, an AHF helps prevent damage to sensitive equipment, such as computers, controllers, and communication devices. It also minimizes losses in transformers, motors, and other electrical components.

2. Improved Power Factor: The AHF helps in maintaining a near unity power factor by injecting reactive power into the system. This reduces the overall system current, leading to lower losses and improved energy efficiency.

3. 3 Phase load load balancing: The 3 phase load balancing capability of the AHF ensures a stable and reliable supply voltage, even under varying load conditions.

4. Compliance with Standards: Active Harmonic Filters help ensure compliance with power quality standards set by regulatory bodies. By mitigating harmonics and maintaining stable voltage levels, AHFs help companies meet the requirements of standards like IEEE 519 and IEC 61000-3-4.

Overall, YTPQC-AHF Active Harmonic Filters improve power quality by mitigating harmonic distortion, regulating voltage levels, and improving power factor, leading to increased operational reliability, reduced equipment failures, and enhanced energy efficiency in electrical systems.