Feature

How to balance harmonic reduction and regeneration

Energy efficiency is a concern for industrial facilities, with around 66 percent of manufacturers taking steps to improve energy efficiency at their sites – that is, according to a recent survey by the UK Government. However, another concern is power quality and the need to reduce harmonics. So, how can operators balance the two? John Mitchell, Global Sales & Marketing Director at CP Automation, explores.

04/11/2024 16:54:10

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According to the survey, manufacturers are making various improvements to boost energy efficiency. These include investing in building improvements, encouraging cultural and behavioural changes, and replacing industrial equipment. Many operators have tried to optimise energy efficiency and power quality by installing variable speed drives (VSDs). These sit in front of motors, controlling their speed and torque while providing good power factor.

Though effective, standard 6-pulse VSDs distort the sine wave, which creates harmonic distortion – another headache for operators. A standard pulse drive with no in-built harmonic mitigation can easily impact neighbouring equipment, reducing equipment life and causing unexpected downtime. There is also no regen function, and operators will typically divert the energy from the drive and dump it into a resistor – wasting it as heat.

This is the worst of both worlds.

Read the full article in DPA's November 2024 issue

Written By Sophia Bell

Sophia Bell is the Group Editor of DPA, Connectivity, and PBSI. She joined the team in 2020 as Assistant Editor after achieving a First-Class Honours BA in English Literature and Film Studies from the University of East Anglia. In her current role, she leads the editorial strategy, driving digital growth and ensuring each title continues to deliver trusted, relevant insight for engineering and manufacturing professionals.