Because of the ever increasing use of non-linear loads deviations becomes increasingly serious. Irregular power supply reduce the lifetime of motors and other equipment, and cables and transformers must be oversized to maintain proper operation.
The compatibility levels of the standards EN50160/EN61000 and, for industrial environments, EN 61000, apply within the scope of the EMC directives.
It is assumed in principle that when these levels are observed, all devices and systems fulfil their set functions without disruption in electrical supply networks.
The distortion of the sinusoidal curve shape of the supply network as a result of the intermittent use of electricity by the consumers connected to it is called 'network feedback'.
Experts refer to the relative harmonic content of a network on the basis of Fourier analysis and calculate it to 0.5 kHz, corresponding to the 50th harmonic oscillation. The commonly used B6 bridge of an input rectifier generates a typical harmonic load of this type on the mains network, as does the use of energy-saving bulbs, TV sets, computers, phase-control systems and many other devices and systems.
Excessive distortion causes malfunctions and even the destruction of electronic control systems, computers and control devices.
High harmonic contents cause an overall lower network efficiency, load idle compensating systems and may even cause their destruction.
Reducing feedback
Feedback from electronic power control systems can be reduced. In Danfoss frequency converters (except VLT Micro Drive), it is as standard limited by built in filter elements. If it is necessary to reduce the harmonic content in the mains network further, for example in case of weak networks or emergency power operation, a network analysis can indicate appropriate measures.
Active filters and active front ends are very effective in reducing harmonic oscillations up to 2kHz, and are used in addition to passive harmonic filters.
For active filtering considerations must be given to the effects above 2kHz, generated by these filters themselves. They make further measures necessary to keep the mains supply clean. Standard limits in this higher frequency range are still at the planning stage.
The switching frequencies of active filters will cause a peak at the switching frequency of the filter itself. This is above the range of current norms, but higher orders disturbance is of equal importance. Users should ask manufacturers about emission values and counter-measures to secure the operational safety of their plant.
To avoid overloading and secure mains voltage quality, a number of reductions, avoidance or compensation methods can be used with systems and devices producing harmonic currents. You can use the VLT Harmonic Calculation Tool to include specific counter-measures in the planning stage and therefore ensure the quality of your system. The network feedback of electronic devices can be calculated to within 0.5kHz, depending on the system configuration and standard limits.
The operation of a plant supplied with a generator can also be reliably simulated. Conversion of the network to generator operation is possible and takes the emergency power supply situation in account. Current standards (EN50160) are included in the analysis.
At www.hcs-software.danfoss.de you can get quick and easy access to the most up-to-date version of the calculation software.
The Windows like interface guarantees intuitive operation of the powerful software. There are five processing levels and alternative generator operation available, depending on the plant configuation and complexity. This minimises the data that must be entered depending on your plant configuration. The Danfoss VLT 5000, 6000, 8000 frequency converter and VLT Automation Drive devices are already embedded and make entry even quicker.
Low harmonic drives
Where the performance of other low harmonic technologies depends of stability and load or effect the controlled motor, the new Danfoss Low Harmonic drives continuously regulate the network and load conditions without affecting the connected motor.
The VLT Low harmonic drive has the same modular build-up as our normal high power drives and share features like high energy efficiency, backchannel cooling and user-friendly operation. The drive meets the toughest harmonic recommendations and gives the user full readout of the unit performance towards the grid including graphical overview of grid behaviour.
Enter 69 or XX at www.engineerlive.com/ede
Gregers Geilager is with Danfoss Drives A/S, Gråsten, Denmark. www.danfoss.com
