Active Harmonic Conditioners And Unity Power Factor Rectifiers

Abstract

Electric loads are becoming increasingly non-linear in the industrial, tertiary and even household sectors. These loads absorb non-sinusoidal currents which, under the effect of circuit impedance, distort the purely sinusoidal voltage waveform. This is what is known as harmonic disturbance of power networks, currently a cause for concern as it gives rise to serious problems.

Not only the characteristic quantities, but also the non linear equipment, influence of the sources and disturbing effects of harmonics need to be known.

Last but not least, standards lay down levels of compatibility, i.e. the maximum permissible levels. The purpose of this “Cahier Technique” is to describe the active harmonic conditioners. This attractive, flexible and self-adaptive solution can be used in a wide variety of cases to complete or replace other solutions.

However chapter 1 of this “Cahier Technique” will review other “traditional” solutions which should also be taken into consideration.

AUTHOR: Schneider Electric experts| Eric BETTEGA, Jean Noël FIORINA