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Active Harmonic Filter Vs Reliable Passive Installation

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Kanai Banerjee
Active Harmonic Filter Vs Reliable Passive Installation

Active Harmonic Filter

Read this case study of the advantages and disadvantages of the active harmonic filter and how passive filter installation removes harmonics, voltage surges and improves PF. Besides, the active harmonic filter needs the support of a stable external power source for injecting phase opposite current harmonics to downstream loads. Its efficacy depends upon the stability of the connected external power source.

AHF design needs passive components like a capacitor and a resistor, but it can either do harmonic control or power factor correction to its 100% rating. In the case of both PF improvement and harmonic reduction, its capacity needs a derating to 50%. The active harmonic filter is a load in an electrical power system that generates anti harmonics at 180degree phase opposite. AHF has energy losses. Most OEM pdf catalogues declare the kWh losses at 3% under laboratory measurement.

Automobile Industry AHF with high THDv - a Case Study

Active Harmonic Filter- problem with high intensity variable load

Active Harmonic Filter
Fig.1. Plant harmonics without active or Passive Filter

While the active harmonic filter can regulate variable harmonic currents from the downstream non-linear load, it can't control reactive power on its own unless it works in conjunction with STATCOM.  It inherits the fixed design capacitors which restrict it from scaling up for higher loads that including applying it at the transformer or DG PCC for the full utility load which may include hundreds of VFD drives and other non-linear loads. Instead, active harmonic filter manufacturers install it in numbers across several and smaller non-linear loads within the same transformer. Back up diesel generator (DG) requires a closer power factor (PF) management. It's a known issue for applying it at the generator terminal.   

Passive filter though needs custom engineering effort is custom built for any variable load. It's applied conveniently at transformer's main income or DG terminal for the entire supply load which may comprise hundreds of variable speed drive (VSD), DC drive, converter, inverter, computer server and other non-linear loads. It is custom built to regulate any variable reactive power demand from the downstream load. Be it the most challenging fourth quadrant regeneration drive which operates at a power factor of about 0.06 lag, and generates in between 80% to 120% current harmonic with a corresponding voltage harmonic generation. We have applied passive filters across thousand of diesel generators (DG) and also at Turbo generators (TG) since our inception in 1995. With the elimination of both voltage and current harmonics, it debottlenecks DG/TG's capacity limitation which allows extra load on the DG to the extent of 30%, solves its hunting, AVR voltage fluctuation problem and saves good energy and fuel.

Active Harmonic Filter- failure issue with power surge and voltage fluctuation

Active Harmonic Filter - with passive
Fig.2. Plant harmonics with Passive Harmonic Filter

Unlike the passive filter, an active harmonic filter is not an energy storage device. One of the advantages of the passive filter it's an energy storage device which acts as an electrical flywheel and eliminates equipment tripping due to momentary voltage fluctuation which originates either from factory's internal power system or external from the utility's grid supply. The consequences of poor power quality vis-a-vis voltage sag tripping are high. Industries worldwide lose billions of dollars every year on account of equipment nuisance tripping due to voltage fluctuation.

Whereas active harmonic filter being dependent on an external power source is susceptible to failure on voltage fluctuations. Several active filter manufacturers void their warranty if failure happens on account of a voltage fluctuation which can be a subjective clause. Besides, it needs air-conditioned room for its installation. Passive filter, on the other hand, is rough and tough and is installed within the ordinary electrical panel room. Several of our clients are in the path of monsoon wind and have had a history of equipment tripping with its sensitive process drives and server networks. Since our inception in 1995, we have been supplying hundreds of passive filters for eliminating nuisance tripping with VFD drive, DC drive, computer, server network and electrical equipment due to grid power surge and voltage fluctuation.

Active Harmonic Filter- stability issue

The passive filter provides guaranteed stability and its sustainable through the test of time. It can be scaled up practically for any voltage, current and reactive power compensation need. We have supplied it for all industrial voltage rating up to 36kV and current rating up to 5,000 amps in a single filter.  Whereas, the active harmonic filter is susceptible to maloperation if installed in a harmonic-rich power system. While cancelling harmonics across large frequency ranges, it ends up in generating another range harmonic frequency.  As shown in the top harmonic bar-chart, it faulted and generated a 2nd harmonics. It's failure rates are high. The disposal for failed electronic components is always environmentally challenging. Whereas, passive filter even though requires a custom design, is for a lifetime.

Active Harmonic Filter and arc flash and short circuit compatibility

Active filters don't comply with arc flash and short circuit compatibility norms. It has high failure rates and has a shorter lifespan. Its operation and maintenance are a challenge that needs highly experienced personnel.  Whereas, passive filters comply with arc flash and short circuit norms and can handle the entire transformer or DG loads. Its designed for full load variation with automatic operation including changeover from utility power to back up DG and vice versa. It's fit and forget type and does not require any special maintenance except regular maintenance as like with any electrical equipment.

Read More: Active Harmonic Filter

 

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Kanai Banerjee
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