Compact active filter minimises harmonics

With space at a premium in industrial settings, there is a need for smaller power quality systems. The updated, compact ADF P300 units can eliminate harmonics and reactive displacement, with a minimal footprint.

Harmonics and reactive displacement are challenging for industrial sites. They can result in losses in distribution networks and reduce the life expectancy of transformers, motors and other electrical equipment.

The new ADF P300 units from Comsys are designed for small and medium-sized loads, to eliminate harmonics and reactive displacement in industrial settings. The units can be equipped with different power modules, holding one, two or even three at a time. The P300 is available with a cabinet width of 400 to 800mm and with compensation currents ranging from 100A to more than 400A per enclosure. They can also be connected in series to meet more extensive requirements and are easier to install and retrofit than previous models.

They work by analysing the power flows of electrical currents between the load and the network to determine the presence of any disturbances. If reactive displacement and/or harmonics are found, the ADF units inject opposing phase currents to cancel out adverse load behaviours.

“Harmonic distortion and adverse load behaviour are extremely damaging and, unless treated, can cause systems to overheat and result in costly equipment damage,” explained John Mitchell, Global Business Development Manager at CP Automation. “The ADF units can help to detect and rectify any abnormalities or distortions before they cause issues.”

“Space is often at a premium in industrial settings, but the new additions to our ADF P300 range can help accommodate all different sizes of compensation equipment.”

The ADF P300 is compatible with all three-phase low voltage applications. The unit can automatically eliminate harmonics and reactive displacement in a wide range of settings and is suitable for small- and medium-sized manufacturing companies. Typical applications include supporting industrial loads, uninterrupted power supplies (UPS), medical equipment and drive systems.

The new, more compact 150A and 300A cabinets come equipped with an SCC2 control computer, a stand-alone digital processing system containing all the functions for controlling the power process modules. The SCC2 also facilitates active filtering when combined with Comsys’s ADF PPM300 line of inverter modules, which can be mounted in motor control centres, switchgear rooms and in dedicated standalone cabinets. All of these advantages are achieved within a smaller unit and footprint.

The new product is more service-friendly. With previous versions, operators needed to remove the control computer to service the modules. However, with the new update, the control unit is placed in the bottom of the cabinet, which makes it easier to access.

“Minimising footprint delivers several benefits besides power quality, including freeing-up physical space and financial resources,” continued Mitchell. “Many of our power quality products are designed to be retrofitted into existing installations but, even then, it’s not always easy to allocate space for this technology. The more upgraded ADF P300 module provides greater flexibility and is easier to install than its predecessor.”