Hello!
It is pretty clear when a symphony or musical group is not working in harmony - rather than complementing each other, their melodies are fighting, and they sound terrible! But when electrical equipment or components "fight each other" the results are far less noticeable - but can be disastrous.
Welcome to the world of harmonic interference.
Today's newsletter talks about the symptoms, the problem, and yes - the solutions.
Thank you for your continued interest!
Staco Energy Products Company
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Is the Electrical Equipment in Your Plant Working in Harmony?
The Cause of the Problem May Surprise You
How Do You Know If You Have a Problem?
Unlike a seized bearing or a fried motor, the effects of harmonics are often masked, because they don't necessarily occur with the equipment causing the problem. Some common effects of harmonics problems are:
- Tripping of circuit breakers
- Controls, relays and other devices not functioning properly
- Overheating of bus bars, conductors and switchgear
- Breakdown of insulation which leads to shortened equipment life, and more.
What Is the Cause of the Problem?
Technically - harmonics. But in layman's terms, it's really your electrical equipment that you use on a daily basis and can't live without - like your computers.
Yes, harmonics are created by such commonly used
devices as transformers, computers, variable speed drives and
UPS's, and arcing devices like fluorescent and vapor lighting, arc
welders and arc furnaces.
Clearly, harmonic distortions are widespread -
creating havoc in diverse businesses like small accounting firms to
large manufacturing facilities.
What are Harmonics?
Simply put - harmonics are voltages or
currents that
have multiplied within an electrical system. Commonplace linear loads
continue to become more non-linear due to electronic and digital
devices. These multiplied voltages or currents distort the shape of the
traditional sine wave.
OK. What Can I Do About It?
The main solutions to harmonic distortion are:
- StacoVAR® passive tuned filters - application designed
- StacoSine® Active Harmonic Filters - which clean the sine wave for all types of harmonic orders - from the 3rd to the 51st
Where both power factor correction and harmonics are a concern, StacoVAR fixed or switched capacitor banks can be provided with filter reactors.
Staco works with professionals across the country to help you identify which solution is best for you.
Cleaning up your harmonic problems will have your facility singing a new tune. Who knows, maybe your productivity will finally hit that high note? |
