Mitigating Harmonics to Maintain Data Center Reliability

Mitigating Harmonics to Maintain Data Center Reliability

Data center operations depend heavily on reliable electric power, as even minor disruptions in power quality can significantly affect performance and stability.

Industry studies show that approximately 33% of all data center outages result from power quality issues. These problems cause costly downtime. They can also lead to data corruption, hardware failures, and higher maintenance costs.

The Threat of Harmonics in Data Centers

Harmonics are distortions in the electrical waveform caused by equipment that draws non-linear loads. This includes uninterruptible power supplies (UPS), LED lighting, electronically commutated motors, and most notably, variable-frequency drives (VFDs). HVACR (Heating, Ventilation, Air-Conditioning, and Refrigeration) systems extensively use VFDs to regulate data center temperatures. These systems, while crucial for cooling heat-intensive facilities, are a major source of harmful harmonics.

Harmonics increase power losses and heat in electrical systems, leading to equipment malfunctions and system inefficiencies. This creates a cascading effect that requires more power to compensate for losses, driving up operational costs.

Several power quality challenges can disrupt data center operations, including:

• Voltage Fluctuations: Sudden changes in voltage levels can cause equipment to malfunction or shut down.
• Transients: Short spikes or dips in voltage can damage sensitive components.
• Harmonics: Distorted electrical waveforms interfere with the proper operation of equipment.
• Noise: Unwanted electrical signals create disruptions that degrade system performance.

Proactive Harmonic Mitigation

Addressing harmonics at the design stage allows operators to avoid costly system upgrades. YT Electric provides flexible solutions designed for data centers. This helps cut down on the need for oversized parts like cables and transformers.

By calculating Total Harmonic Distortion of Voltage (THDV), operators can find the best way to reduce it. This helps them meet power quality standards and lowers the chance of utility penalties.

Key strategies include:

1. Installing Power Conditioners: These devices filter out noise and harmonics, regulate voltage, and shield equipment from transients.
2. Using Backup Generators: Generators ensure continuous power supply during outages, maintaining operational reliability.
3. Implementing Power Monitoring Systems: Comprehensive monitoring allows early identification and resolution of power quality issues.
4. Regularly Testing Backup Systems: Periodic testing ensures that backup solutions are ready when needed.

YT Electric's Role in Power Quality Solutions

YT Electric is the biggest OEM manufacturer of low-voltage AHF and SVG with more than 15 years' experience. All products hold certifications for ISO9001, CE, and CQC standards, and type test reports support them.

YT Electric AHF (Active Harmonic Filter):

• Eliminates harmonic distortions up to the 50th order.
• Enhances power reliability and efficiency.
• Features advanced adaptive algorithms and dual CTs for precise compensation.

YT Electric ASVG (Advanced Static Var Generator):

• Corrects power factor and balances three-phase systems.
• Supports harmonic filtering up to 60% capacity, or 100% from the 2nd to 25th odd order upon request.
• Ideal for various applications with high efficiency and reliability.

For more information on how our SVGs can help manage harmonics and improve power quality:

contact us at sales@ytelect.com.

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