Although we generally expect uninterrupted and stable electricity access, this is not always the case. For the efficient distribution of electricity to consumers, the power quality of the network is a crucial factor in guaranteeing a reliable power supply.
PQactiF is a low voltage active harmonic filter that uses algorithms to analyse and eliminate electrical disturbances.
Low voltage harmonic filters address power quality issues by mitigating harmonic distortions, compensating for reactive power, and stabilising voltage levels. They are key in improving reliability, efficiency, and productivity as well as reducing downtime and costs in industrial, commercial, or residential applications.
The impact of poor power quality
Power quality issues often arise from compatibility problems between the electrical grid and a constantly changing array of electronic devices and equipment. The increasing prevalence of electronic devices, from LED lamps and personal computers to sophisticated equipment and industrial machinery, has heightened susceptibility to power disruptions.
Poor power quality can have many consequences, impacting businesses and individuals. They may include damage to electrical installations, unexpected production downtime, inefficient production processes, and high energy consumption due to system losses. Moreover, organisations may face penalties imposed by grid operators due to reactive power in their installations. The financial implications are significant, hindering peak performance and restricting assets from achieving their full potential.
Calculating the economic effects of poor power quality can be challenging, but the consequences are clear. For instance, a power quality disruption during production in the food and beverage industry could result in thousands of spoiled products. In other cases, the malfunctioning of electrical or electronic equipment due to power quality problems can pose significant health and safety risks. Recognising these consequences underscores the need for specific action to improve and safeguard power quality.
An innovative filtering solution
For decades, passive filter technology has been the preferred solution to address power quality issues. This technology employs capacitors and inductors to filter out unwanted harmonics and electrical noise at a pre-defined frequency, providing an effective and cost-efficient solution. However, passive filtering has limitations in cancelling varying harmonics over the load range and may be less suitable for changing operating conditions. In contrast, active filter technology, pioneered by Hitachi Energy (formerly the Power Grids division at ABB) in the 1990s, actively eliminates harmonics and electrical noise in real time at nearly any frequency using electronic components, resulting in a cleaner, more stable, and safer power supply.
PQactiF is the latest technological development from Hitachi Energy. It is a low voltage active harmonic filter solution that raises the bar for power quality. Building on the best digital technology available, PQactiF uses sophisticated algorithms to analyse and eliminate electrical disturbances, leading to greater accuracy and efficiency in power quality management. In a single device it offers harmonic filtering and compensates for low power factor and load imbalance. This innovative solution, providing compactness, modularity, flexibility, and scalability, is suitable for residential, commercial, and critical industrial applications.
Beyond its advanced filtering capabilities, PQactiF incorporates enhanced communication and configuration functions. Users benefit from an intuitive interface and an open platform for configuration, equipped with monitoring and control access-based Wi-Fi connectivity. Additionally, PQactiF is designed to support energy efficiency, featuring construction elements that minimise losses.
For sustainable and efficient energy
As the world becomes more technologically advanced, with automated factories, smart appliances, and digital infrastructure, the demand for reliable power grows. Advanced systems and devices require precise and stable electrical power to operate at peak efficiency. Any fluctuations or interruptions in power quality can lead to malfunctions, downtime, data loss, or damage to equipment. Ensuring power quality keeps pace with technological advances is therefore essential.
PQactiF represents a significant step towards ensuring sustainable and efficient energy, enabling advances in various industries and applications. Hitachi Energy’s power quality solutions, as seen in PQactiF, support the development of other groundbreaking technologies that are changing the way we live and work. Prioritising excellent power quality can unlock the potential for enhanced efficiency and productivity.
For more information visit: https://www.hitachienergy.com
