Power quality surrounding Variable Speed Drives

Variable Speed Drives (VSDs) cause power quality problems, one of the major generators of harmonics within power systems. The growing popularity of VSDs as a key driver of energy efficiency, requires more effective means to mitigate harmonics. This paper presents research surrounding harmonics and various ways to mitigate harmonics. Particular attention given to Reduced Harmonics Technology (RHT). It offers an excellent performance in terms of harmonics without any additional form of harmonics mitigation. The RHT solution produced a Total Harmonic Distortion of the line current (THDi) of 33% as compared to a standard VSD with no harmonic mitigation which produced a THDi of 80%.