Harmonic Mitigation Solutions for Industrial Connections with Variable Frequency Drives

Variable frequency drives are extensively utilized to control the speed of motors supplied with alternating current, enhancing efficiency and productivity. However, their nonlinear nature introduces distortions into the electrical waveforms, leading to the generation of harmonics beyond the fundamental frequency. These harmonics can adversely affect the performance of sensitive equipment and lead to operational inefficiencies. This paper analyses and compares several commercially available solutions for reducing harmonic currents injected by nonlinear loads and minimizing harmonic voltage distortion on a power system. The results demonstrate that the broadband passive filters can help to comply with the requirements of power quality standards and avoid overheating in electrical components, such as cables and transformers.