Saving Energy Costs Through Harmonic Filtering

Today more than ever, it is important to take control over the energy used in manufacturing plants and factories. The public is keenly aware of the environmental impact that large industries can have on the local community and the carbon footprint of that community. Looking for green solutions can be difficult when you have a large business to run and quotas to meet. Energy-saving solutions, however, can be an effective way to cut costs and increase profit margins and also help you become a local hero. One way to do this is with power conditioners that filter harmonics. Harmonics tend to cause all kinds of problems, from wearing out equipment to increasing energy usage. Being considered an Energy hog is a label know business owner wants. With the right harmonic filter reactors within your power flow, harmonics can be reduced, saving industries much more than just energy costs.

The Problem With Harmonics

Electrical distribution systems inevitably run into some form of varied electrical voltages that could lead to bigger problems. These days, end-users have many different electronic devices that cause frequent variations in loads throughout a single day. These variations may cause equipment using electrical motors to operate less efficiently. Signs of harmonic issues include overheated cables, motors, transformers, and other equipment that may rely on electrical signals. If left unchecked, these harmonic variations could reduce the life span of industrial equipment costs a company millions in capital dollars to purchase and maintain.

How Filters Work

To solve the problems with harmonics, your need power conditioners that filter harmonics, such as a single phase trap reactor. Harmonic filter reactors are added between the load bearing equipment and the power source in order to lower the harmonic current. There are a few different ways to mitigate harmonics, including using line reactors, tuned harmonic filters, broadband filters, multi-pulse converters, and active harmonic filters. The filter may be placed between the load and the source and even contain and inductor and capacitor if it is designed to be passive. The filter impedes the harmonics to assist in dropping the voltage and smoothing out the noise of energy variations.

The type of power conditioner depends on the current waveform being produced and the equipment involved. A broadband filter is less suitable for equipment exceeding a certain voltage, for example. Some filters are better suited to handle multiple waves while others are suited to handle fewer. The energy output and size of the equipment may dictate which reactor works best.

Benefits to Harmonic Filter Reactors

There are many benefits to power conditioners that filter harmonics for any industry. By offloading transformers and distribution networks, more equipment can be used without purchasing new distribution equipment and transformers. Less power is usually required, saving on overall power costs. The overall distribution network also becomes more reliable, and there is less of a chance of transformers, cables, and motors overheating. By reducing the energy required to operate industrial machinery, manufacturers are also able to reduce their carbon footprint.

Saving Costs

Harmonics are an inevitable result of high energy output. Power conditioners that filter harmonics can save manufacturers on energy costs by lowering voltage. Harmonic filter reactors also help to keep equipment from overheating, cutting back on replacement and repair costs. If the energy output for your manufacturing plant is constantly leading to overheated devices, worn out equipment, and outrageous energy costs, it’s time to look into reducing harmonics.