Harmonics from VFD’s and Other Sources
Hartland Southwest has been helping customers resolve harmonics issues for many years. Normal 3-phase electrical power is comprised of three sine waves that are 120 degrees phase angle apart from each other. This is the voltage that every motor, pump and VFD expects to see; in addition, other major electrical components are designed with a normal 3-phase signal as the expected source. Harmonics are a disruption to that normal 3-phase AC sine wave(s) and are created by non-linear loads in or near the system. When harmonics enter the sine wave, it becomes disrupted and no longer has peaks on each phase as expected. If you have even a single VFD in your system, you definitely have harmonics; the only remaining question is whether it is negatively impacting your system.
Listed below are documents that help to explain harmonics and how to resolve harmonic issues. Many of these are from our vendor, MTE Corporation, a leader in harmonic mitigation. MTE offers a patented technology called adaptive passive in their Matrix AP filter which guarantees IEEE-519 compliance. The “Demonstration Video” below is highly recommended because it shows the effects of harmonics and harmonics reduction on the sine wave.
Videos
Basics of Harmonics (03:14)
MTE Product Demonstration Video (10:53)
Meeting IEEE-519 with a Matrix AP filter (42:48)
Case Studies
Mitigating Harmonics – Data Center
Mitigating Harmonics – LCD Manufacturer
Mitigating Harmonics – Progressive Cavity Pumps
Mitigating Harmonics – Induction Heaters
Mitigating Harmonics – Reciprocating Pumps
Mitigating Harmonics – Textile Machinery Manufacturer
App Notes
Solutions Guide – Reducing Utility Costs through Harmonics Reduction
App Note – 3-phase Reactor in a Single Phase Application
App Note – Understanding the Derivation of Calculated Impedance in a Reactor
White Papers
Matrix AP with 6-Pulse Drive Compared to 18-Pulse Drive
Matrix AP with 6-Pulse Drive Compared to Active Front End Drive
Optimized Filter Solutions for Permanent Magnet Motor Operation
Technical Documents – Matrix AP Filters
Matrix AP Filter Guide Specification
Technical Documents – Reactors
RL Reactor Installation and Technical Reference Manual
RL Reactor Guide Specification
