Environmental Benefits of Active Harmonic Filters
As we shift towards more sustainable energy solutions, some technologies that play a major role in the transition may be overlooked. One such technology is the Active Harmonic Filter (AHF). AHFs not only improve power quality and efficiency in electrical systems and provide substantial enhancements to operation efficiency, but also offer environmental benefits.
Where Active Harmonic Filters Can Work Their Magic
Active Harmonic Filters mitigate risks in various settings, including manufacturing plants, data centres, large office or retail complexes, hospitals, wind or solar farms, wastewater treatment plants, or any business or organisation where power quality is critical. They address the following issues:
- Overheating of electrical distribution equipment, cables, transformers, and standby generators.
- High voltages and circulating currents caused by harmonic resonance.
- Equipment malfunctions due to excessive voltage distortion.
- Increased internal energy losses in connected equipment, leading to component failure and shortened life spans.
- False tripping of circuit breakers.
- Metering errors.
- Fires in wiring and distribution systems.
- Generator failures.
- Low power factor, resulting in kVA penalties on monthly electricity bills.
Active Harmonic Filters continuously monitor and adapt to the electrical system’s changing needs in real-time, reducing a broad spectrum of harmonic frequencies. Another explanation on what they do and how they work is provided here.
Active Harmonic Filters minimise production disruptions and operational costs, increase profitability, and can provide a decrease in carbon dioxide emissions. Read more about this clever power quality solution
here.
What Are Some Environmental Benefits of Active Harmonic Filters?
1. Less Demand on Power Plants
By improving power quality and efficiency, Active Harmonic Filters reduce energy waste and thereby consumption, decreasing operational costs and lessening the demand on power plants, resulting in a reduction of greenhouse gas emissions associated with electricity generation. Moreover, reducing the strain on electrical infrastructure by minimising harmonic distortions decreases the need for expanding or upgrading power distribution systems, conserving materials, and reducing the environmental impact of construction activities.
2. Protecting Equipment to Conserve Resources
AHFs protect equipment from overheating and excessive wear and tear caused by harmonic distortions, which can lead to increased maintenance and early replacement. By extending the lifespan of equipment, AHFs reduce the need for manufacturing new units, conserving resources, and minimising the environmental footprint associated with production and disposal. Longer-lasting equipment means less electronic waste and a smaller environmental impact.
3. Supporting Renewable Energy Integration
Wind and solar energy generation can introduce variability and power quality issues into the grid. AHFs stabilise power quality, facilitating the integration of renewable energy into existing grid infrastructure. This support is vital for the widespread adoption of renewables, ultimately leading to a cleaner energy landscape.
Conclusion
Active Harmonic Filters, while often viewed through the lens of operational power quality and efficiency, also offer environmental benefits. By reducing energy waste, enhancing equipment longevity, lowering carbon footprints, supporting renewable energy integration, and decreasing infrastructure strain, AHFs contribute significantly to a sustainable and eco-friendly future. As industries and businesses strive to become more environmentally responsible, investing in technologies like Active Harmonic Filters is a step in the right direction, aligning economic benefits and operational improvements with ecological stewardship.
Look for the latest in Active Harmonic Filter technology, including premium solutions from local manufacturers that exceed Australian Standards, built as solutions specific to your business needs.
Have we sparked your curiosity? We have more interesting blogs about this magical solution to harmonics here.
Frequently Asked Questions About Active Harmonic Filters
1. What Are Active Harmonic Filters?
Active Harmonic Filters are made from a series of active and programmable devices that neutralise active harmonics and ensure regulated, consistent and safe power. A harmonic is a voltage or current at a multiple of the fundamental frequency of the system. They are a result of non-linear electrical loads and occur within an installation but also reside in the power grid. These additional harmonic frequencies can cause power quality problems because they interfere with electrical equipment, cause overheating and system failures.
2. Do Active Harmonic Filters Improve Power Factor?
Yes. Active Harmonic Filters improve the power factor by reducing the distortion level of the harmonics, balancing the current in each phase of the electric power system and providing reactive power compensation.
3. Do Active Harmonic Filters Neutralise Active Harmonics?
Yes, Active Harmonic Filters eliminate harmonics in power systems. They inject currents that are equal in magnitude but opposite in phase to the harmonic currents present in the system. They switch on and off at high speeds, allowing the filter to respond quickly to changes in the load current and maintain effective harmonic compensation. They eliminate multiple harmonics simultaneously and adapt to changes in the power system frequency and the harmonic spectrum
4. What is the difference between active and passive harmonic filters?
Active Harmonic Filters are made from a series of active and programmable devices that can continuously monitor the system's harmonics and clean the current sinewave through inverse currents, eliminating the majority of undesired harmonic components.
On the other hand, passive filters use reactive power components to create a path for harmonic currents, can create resonance problems in the power system and cannot sense real-time conditions.
5. How does a harmonic filter work?
Harmonic filters work by eliminating harmonic in power systems. They reduce the distortion level of the harmonics, balancing the current in each phase of the electric power system and providing reactive power compensation.
Since 1989, Quality Energy is a power quality and energy efficiency solutions provider and manufacturer. Our mission is to help businesses solve the problem of ever-increasing energy costs and inconsistent, unreliable power supply.
Give us a call on 1800 736 374 or send us an email to discuss your energy efficiency project.
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