Active Harmonic Filter (AHF)
Overview
Active Harmonic Filters (AHFs) are advanced power quality
devices designed to eliminate harmonics from electrical systems,
improve power factor, and stabilize voltage levels. With the rising use
of non-linear loads like variable frequency drives (VFDs), computers,
and LED lighting, harmonic distortion in power systems has become
a common challenge. AHFs play a crucial role in mitigating these
distortions and ensuring the efficiency, safety, and longevity of
the electrical infrastructure.
What is Harmonic Distortion?
Harmonic distortion occurs when non-linear loads draw current in
abrupt pulses rather than smooth sine waves. This leads to the
generation of voltage and current harmonic distortion that can:
Overheat transformers and motors
Trip circuit breakers unnecessarily
Increase energy losses
Shorten equipment lifespan
How Does an Active Harmonic Filter Work?
An AHF monitors the load current in real-time and injects equal in
amplitude and opposite in direction harmonic currents to cancel out
the distortion. Unlike passive filters, which are tuned to specific
frequencies, AHFs use advanced power electronics and digital signal
processing to adapt dynamically to changing load conditions.
Types of Active Harmonic Filters
Active Harmonic Filters are categorized based on their topology,
application, and connection method:
1. Shunt Active Harmonic Filters
These are the most common type of AHF. They are connected in
parallel (shunt) with the load and primarily target current harmonics.
They detect harmonic components in the load current and inject
compensating currents to neutralize them.
Applications:
Industrial plants with variable speed drives
Commercial buildings with significant non-linear loads
Data centres.
2. Series Active Harmonic Filters
Connected in series with the load, these filters address voltage
harmonics. They inject compensating voltages to maintain the
sinusoidal nature of supply voltage.
Applications:
Critical equipment protection
Systems with significant voltage distortion
3. Hybrid Harmonic Filters
These filters combine the benefits of both active and passive filters.
The passive part handles fixed-frequency harmonics, while the active
part addresses dynamic or wide-range harmonic components.
Applications:
Large-scale industrial systems
Cost-sensitive projects needing broad harmonic mitigation.
Working Principle in Steps :
1. Sensing:
The AHF continuously monitors the load current using
current transformers (CTs).
2. Signal Processing (Harmonic Detection):
Using techniques like Fast Fourier Transform (FFT) or
Instantaneous Reactive Power Theory, it separates the
harmonic components from the fundamental frequency.
3. Reference Generation:
A reference signal is created that is equal in magnitude but
opposite in phase to the unwanted harmonic components.
4. Current Injection:
A Voltage Source Inverter (VSI) generates and injects the
compensating current into the power line via a filter inductor,
cancelling the harmonics in the load current.
5. Feedback Control:
A closed-loop controller (typically a PI or predictive
controller) ensures real-time and accurate tracking of
harmonics, maintaining system stability and performance
Key Features
Dynamic response: Can react in real-time to changing
harmonic conditions.
Selective compensation: Targets specific harmonics (like the
3rd, 5th, 7th, etc.).
Improves power factor: Often also used for reactive power
compensation.
Reduces heating and losses: Prevents overheating of
transformers, cables, and motors.
Compact design: Modern AHFs are modular and can be
integrated easily into existing systems.
Benefits of Active Harmonic Filters
Improved Power Quality: Clean power for sensitive and
critical equipment.
Enhanced Energy Efficiency:Enhanced power factor,
reduced losses and better system performance.
Extended Equipment Life: Lower thermal and electrical
stress on components.
Regulatory Compliance: Meets IEEE-519 and other
harmonic standards.
Dynamic Compensation: Real-time adaptation to load
changes.
Conclusion
Investing in an Active Harmonic Filter is a smart move for businesses
aiming to optimise power quality, ensure equipment reliability, and
comply with energy standards. Whether you're operating a factory,
commercial complex, or data centre, AHFs provide scalable and
effective solutions to modern power challenges.
Ratings & specs
The ratings of an Active Harmonic Filter (AHF) can vary
depending on the application, system voltage, load characteristics,
and the amount of harmonic mitigation required. However, standard
specifications and typical rating parameters include the following:
1. Voltage Rating:
Common voltage levels:
Low Voltage (LV): 220V, 400V, 480V, 600V
Medium Voltage (MV): 3.3kV, 6.6kV, 11kV (less
common for AHFs, but available)
Must match or be compatible with the system voltage.
2. Current Rating (Compensation Capacity):
Usually rated in amperes (A).
Typical ranges:
25A to 600A per unit (LV systems)
Modular units can be paralleled to increase capacity.
The current rating indicates how much harmonic current the
filter can compensate for.
3. Frequency:
Typically:
50 Hz or 60 Hz, depending on region.
4. Harmonic Compensation Range:
Most AHFs can compensate for:
3rd to 50th harmonic order.
Some advanced units go up to the 63rd harmonic.
5. Response Time:
Fast dynamic response:
Typically <1 ms to 5 ms.
Important for handling transient harmonics.