Harmonic mitigation is the process of reducing or eliminating unwanted harmonic distortions in an electrical system to improve power quality, equipment reliability, and compliance with standards.
Harmonics Mitigations
Harmonics Mitigations
At PurityElec, we provide advanced solutions to reduce and eliminate harmonic distortions in electrical systems. Harmonics can silently degrade power quality, increase operational costs, and shorten equipment lifespan. Our Harmonics Mitigation services ensure your power network runs smoothly, efficiently, and in compliance with global standards.
What is Harmonics Mitigation?
Harmonics mitigation is the process of controlling and minimizing unwanted harmonic frequencies in an electrical system. These distortions, caused mainly by non-linear loads, affect the sinusoidal waveform of your electrical supply, leading to:
- • Overheating of equipment
- • Increased energy losses
- • Frequent equipment failures
- • Voltage instability
Our Harmonics Mitigation Solutions
1. Active Harmonic Filters (AHF)
- o Real-time harmonic detection and cancellation
- o Improves overall power factor and system stability.
2. Passive Harmonic Filters (PHF)
- o Tuned to specific harmonic orders for targeted mitigation.
- o Cost-effective for fixed load conditions.
3. Multi-Pulse Converters
- o Reduce harmonic distortion from large motor drives.
4. Load Balancing & System Optimization
- o Redistributes load to minimize harmonic generation.
5. Equipment Upgrades
- o Using harmonic-compliant transformers, drives, and capacitors.
Benefits of Harmonics Mitigation
• Extended Equipment Life – Minimize overheating and insulation damage.
• Reduced Maintenance Costs – Lower failure rates and downtime.
• Energy Savings – Reduce losses caused by distorted currents.
• Regulatory Compliance – Meet IEEE 519, IEC, and other standards.
• Improved Process Reliability – Maintain consistent and stable operations.
Our Process
1. Harmonic Assessment – Detailed measurement and analysis of harmonic levels.
2. Customized Mitigation Plan – Solutions tailored to your specific load profile.
3. Implementation – Installation of harmonic filters and optimization systems.
4. Post-Installation Testing – Verifying improvement in power quality.
5. Ongoing Monitoring – Ensuring long-term effectiveness.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Q1. What is harmonic mitigation?
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Q2. Why is harmonic mitigation important?Because harmonics cause:
- • Overheating of transformers, motors, and cables
- • Nuisance tripping of breakers and relays
- • Malfunction of sensitive electronics (PLC, UPS, IT equipment)
- • Increased energy losses and poor power factor
- • Penalties from utilities for exceeding harmonic limits
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Q3. Who requires harmonic mitigation solutions?Industries and facilities with non-linear loads such as:
- • Variable Frequency Drives (VFDs)
- • UPS systems & data centers
- • Arc furnaces & welding machines
- • Large office complexes with computers and IT load
- • Solar/Wind renewable energy systems with inverters
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Q4. What standards govern harmonic levels?
- • IEEE 519: Limits for Total Harmonic Distortion (THD)
- • IEC 61000 series (Electromagnetic Compatibility)
- • Local grid/utility codes for power quality compliance
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Q5. What is the acceptable level of harmonics?
- • Current THD: Usually < 5% for most facilities
- • Voltage THD: Typically < 3–5% depending on standards and utility requirements
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Q6. What are the common methods of harmonic mitigation?
- • Active Harmonic Filters (AHF): Dynamic, multi-order harmonic cancellation
- • Passive Harmonic Filters: Tuned L-C filters for specific harmonic orders
- • Detuned Capacitors: For safe power factor correction without resonance
- • 12-pulse/18-pulse rectifiers: Reduce input current distortion
- • Load balancing and transformer K-rating
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Q7. How does an Active Harmonic Filter (AHF) work?It measures real-time harmonics in the network and injects equal but opposite harmonic currents to cancel them dynamically.
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Q8. Can Power Factor Correction (PFC) capacitors alone mitigate harmonics?No. Standard capacitors may worsen harmonics due to resonance. Detuned or harmonic-rated capacitors must be used.
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Q9. How do I know if my facility needs harmonic mitigation?If you notice:
- • Frequent equipment failures or overheating
- • Nuisance tripping of breakers
- • Higher-than-expected electricity bills
- • Power factor penalties despite PFC equipment
- • THD levels above IEEE/IEC limits in a Harmonics Audit
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Q10. What is the difference between passive and active harmonic filters?
- • Passive Filters: Fixed, cost-effective, target specific harmonic orders, limited flexibility.
- • Active Filters: Dynamic, eliminate multiple harmonics at once, more effective but costlier.
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Q11. Can harmonics mitigation also save energy?Yes. By reducing losses in transformers, cables, and motors, overall system efficiency improves, and downtime reduces.
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Q12. What are the key benefits of harmonics mitigation?
- • Improved equipment lifespan & reliability
- • Reduced downtime and maintenance costs
- • Compliance with utility & international standards
- • Optimized energy consumption and lower losses
- • Safer and more stable electrical network