If I need to achieve a 5% THID result in a drive environment, is my only option an Active Filter?
Till recently, the answer was ‘yes’. However MTE have recently released a new passive harmonic filter, the Matrix AP. The MTE Matrix AP offers equal to or better than 5% THID performance at full load current and starts to achieve that 5% performance from loads as low as 40% of full load current.
Are there other brands that can promise this level of performance?
We are not aware of any other brands that can promise 5% THID. Certainly in the Australian market there are no other options. The Matrix AP is a revolutionary step forward in passive filter design & performance.
Does Fuseco carry stock of the MTE Matrix AP?
Yes, we have a selection of sizes in stock for our customers. Please contact Fuseco to discuss your requirement.
Can I be confident that it will achieve 5% THID consistently?
Absolutely! In addition to offering you an industry leading 3 year product warranty, MTE are unique in publishing a Performance Guarantee:
‘Select and install the appropriate MTE Matrix AP harmonic filter in a variable torque AC variable speed drive application within MTE's published system limits and we guarantee that the input current distortion will be less than or equal to 5% THD at full load and less than 8% at 30% load. If a properly sized and installed filter fails to meet its specified THID level, MTE will provide the necessary modifications or replacement filter at no charge.’
How does it achieve this performance?
It features MTE's patented Adaptive Passive Technology for superior harmonic mitigation and better THID performance over a wider load range, hence allowing you to meet power quality standards such as IEEE 519, IEC 519 and AS/NZS61000.3.6.
Does it reduce energy costs?
Yes, that’s one of the most important benefits of using the MTE Matrix AP. It reduces energy costs by improving system efficiency and reliability and it extends the service life of electrical equipment, especially transformers and motors.
Are they complicated to install & commission?
No, they are virtually 'Plug and Play'. The unique design of the MTE Matrix AP filter incorporates only one reactor which has the input and the shunt coil on the same core. This requires less cabling and connections by the installer, therefore less cost to install.
Are they compatible with generators?
Leading power factor is detrimental for generator applications. The Matrix AP filter has a low kVAr content, hence making it suitable for use with most generators. This is another unique feature of the MTE Matrix AP.
Contact Fuseco, your trusted partner in Power Quality Solutions for further information or to discuss your requirements.
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In simple terms, harmonics are extra frequencies that when present in an electrical circuit, distort the AC sine wave. A harmonic of a wave is a component frequency of the signal that is an integer multiple of the fundamental frequency. For example, if the fundamental frequency is f, the harmonics have frequencies 2f, 3f, 4f... etc.
Harmonic frequencies are equally spaced by the width of the fundamental frequency and can be found by repeatedly adding that frequency. In the case of the Australian electricity supply, the fundamental frequency is 50Hz. The frequencies of the harmonics are 100Hz, 150Hz, 200Hz, 250Hz, 300Hz, 350Hz and so on.
For electrical systems to function in their intended manner without significant loss of performance or life, they require a supply of electricity that is of good quality. Good quality electrical power has the following characteristics:
- It must have a continuity of service (not be interrupted).
- It must have a very low Harmonic content.
- It must have a very low variation in the voltage magnitude.
- It must have very low transient voltages and currents.
The term 'clean power' is used to describe electricity that is considered to be of good quality (see above) with particular reference to a very low harmonic content. Therefore, the term 'dirty power' is used to describe electricity that is considered to be of low quality (opposite to the above) with particular reference to a very high harmonic content.
In Australia, our electricity is supplied in alternating current at a frequency of 50Hz. In alternating current (AC) the movement of electric charge periodically reverses direction. In direct current (DC), the flow of electric charge is only in one direction. 50Hz means that the AC has a frequency of 50 cycles per second. This is also known as the 'fundamental' frequency. AC is the form in which electricity is delivered to businesses and residences. Most electrical devices (such as motors) need clean electricity to function properly. This means that the electrical supply needs to be a clear sinusoidal wave.
If you occasionally experience some unexplained occurrences such as flickering lights, alarms going off, or MCB's, MCCB's, RCD's and Earth Leakage devices tripping for no apparent reason, you are most likely experiencing harmonics in your electrical environment. Other signs are cables running hot, hot switchboards or overheating motors. If you are replacing your motor's bearings & insulation often, that's a strong indication of the presence of harmonics.
Learn more
Harmonics are very harmful within an electrical system and can have serious consequences. For example, the presence of harmonics reduces the life of equipment. It is possible that the investment that you made in your motors & drives will not be realised if they are damaged and need replacing before their expected life span. This can be very expensive. Harmonics cause things to run hot, which cause stress on the cables and equipment.
In the long term, this degrades an electrical system. The presence of harmonics will also mean that although you will get billed for the power that you are supplied, a large percentage of that power may be unusable. Harmonic mitigation is taking action to minimise the presence of harmonics in your electrical system and can achieve great cost savings.
Variable Speed Drives (also known as Variable Frequency Drives) are prolific creators of harmonics in electrical systems and as a result, most of the harmonic mitigation effort focuses on the input side and output side of a VFD.
Depending on the specific situation, there are a variety of products that are used to mitigate harmonics. Fuseco's Power Quality Consultants can assist by conducting a site analysis or simply providing advice based on the details of the particular electrical system. Here is a brief summary of the product groups:
Line (input) side of the VSD
Device Features:
- Line Reactors Simple & cost-effective method to reduce harmonics. Available in 3% & 5% versions.
- Passive Harmonic Filters Significantly reduces harmonics from the VSD back out to the system and also improves true power factor.
- Meets the IEEE519 Standard.
- Active Harmonic Filters Active filters inject a 180 degree inverse current to nullify the harmonic content going back out to the system. They mitigate harmonics, compensate for voltage dips & can handle multiple VSD's relative to the reactive power required. Meets the IEEE519 Standard.
Load (output) side of the VSD
Device Features:
- Load Reactors Simple & cost-effective method to reduce harmonics. Available in 3% & 5% versions.
- dV/dT Filters dV/dT filters have been designed to limit peak voltage and increase voltage rise time. In addition to mitigating harmonics, the dV/dT filter also clips voltage spikes.
- Sinewave Filters The ultimate load side harmonic mitigation product. Filters all harmonics, including reflective currents, eddy currents, common mode currents. Can be used for long cable runs (many kms). Stops the heating of cables. Great for the longevity of motors.
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It’s been a pleasure working with Fuseco on this project. Initially, we thought that the power quality issues on this job were insurmountable. Fuseco conducted a power quality site audit and consulted with us to find a suitable solution that would work reliably in this challenging environment. The reactors and harmonic filters specified & supplied by Fuseco have been the perfect solution.
Peter Carney
ELECTRICAL ENGINEER AT SIEMENS
Just wanted to say thank you again to the Fuseco team. When presented with an electrical harmonics problem of this nature, I wasn’t sure how to approach it. You guys explained it in logical, scientific terms and expertly demonstrated the capability of your technology. It is now one month post-installation and I can say that the Active Filter is working well and the harmonics levels on this site are now negligible.
John Ulverstone
ELECTRICAL ENGINEERING AT BHP
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