Schaffner EMC introduces ECOsine® 60 Hz Active and Passive Harmonic Filters which remove harmful harmonics and increase the reliability of supplied power, thus extending the service life of downstream data center components. With plug-and-play convenience and more compact dimensions than comparable products, they are easily installed and commissioned. Proven in industrial settings, Schaffner passive and active harmonic filters are ideal for use with non-linear loads such as chillers, VFDs, UPS, standby generators, flywheel UPS, equipment with front-end 6-pulse rectifiers, fans, pumps, HVAC equipment, DC fast chargers, and more, which are commonly used in data center and heavy computing environments. Active and Passive harmonic filters can improve productivity by eliminating harmonic-related downtime in varied data center applications.
Passive Filters for Defined Harmonic Ranges
Designed to operate at 99% efficiency and installed at the typical three phase voltage of 480 VAC (+/- 10%), at 60 Hz (+/- 1 Hz), these proven products reduce harmonics, to meet IEEE-519 (2014). Filters are available in two model types (FN3412) <5% THDi and (FN3418) 7-10% THDi. Standard products are panel mounted (to 250 HP) and open type (to 500 HP), which are ideal for OEM and system integrators. Various NEMA rated enclosed filters are also available for facility installation. Lightweight and quiet operating, proven ECOsine® Passive Harmonic Filters are equally suited for new installations and retrofits.
Active Harmonic Filtering
The ECOsine® Active is a harmonic filter which provides harmonic compensation in real-time. With capacities of 50 and 100A (air cooled), or 200, 250, 300A (water cooled), units operate at 480VAC (+/- 10%).
Additionally, a 200A, 600/690VAC active filter is also available. The 30/50/100A (3-wire) models are the smallest, most compact versions which are easy to install in data centers as well as most industrial and commercial environments. Weighing just 104 pounds, the 50A ECOsine® model has a noise rating of 65 dBA (at 1 meter), making it ideal for new installations or retrofits.
This proven equipment uses digital technology to monitor and dynamically correct harmonics up to the 50th order in less than 300µs eliminating disturbances before they can cause problems. ECOsine® Active Filters compensate for individual disturbance patterns in a targeted manner and automatically adapts to changing network loads.
Open type or cabinet options are offered in NEMA 1, NEMA 3R and other protection ratings. Up to 5 units can be installed in parallel to attain optimal results to meet high harmonic current loading.
Harmonics – A Silent But Deadly Problem
Harmonics are generated by nonlinear components in electrical systems, which distort the sine wave. Increasing usage of power electronics causes a corresponding increase in voltage distortion, or harmonics. Common electrical components like motors, pumps, fans, automation equipment, DC fast chargers, equipment with front-end six-pulse rectifiers, and more, all introduce harmonics into the electrical system. When harmonics are present they can manifest themselves with short-term and long-term consequences.
High harmonic distortion can cause failures or malfunctions of electrical devices. Harmonics also cause a temperature rise in the electrical network and in equipment, resulting in losses and shorter service life. Passive harmonic filter, like the ECOsine® Passive, when tuned to the offending harmonic order, corrects the sine wave, before the harmonics can cause any damage to the electrical system or equipment.
