Development of an active low-power harmonic filter

The goal of the project is to develop and implement a Low-Power Active Harmonic Filter (AFH) for production. Currently in Poland, as well as in Europe, there is no production and sale of Low-Power AFH (up to 20A) acting simultaneously as a reactive power compensator and harmonic filter.

The goal of the project is to develop and implement a Low-Power Active Harmonic Filter (AFH) for production. Currently in Poland, as well as in Europe, there is no production and sale of Low-Power AFH (up to 20A) acting simultaneously as a reactive power compensator and harmonic filter.

Low-Power AFH had two primary functions: to reduce the current harmonics content and/or to reduce reactive power to values desired by the power distributor. Reactive power reduction (compensation) has been known for a long time and widely used. It consists in controlling tg φ =Q/P in such a way that its value is close to zero and is positive, within the range of 0 – 0.4. This value reduces the risk of network surges and failures in switchgear and transformer stations and is not subject to additional charges.

Reactive power and current harmonics in office, lighting installations occur due to the extensive use of electronic devices, computers and LED lighting.

Current harmonics can cause electronic equipment to fail or malfunction and cause additional energy consumption for the customer and transmission losses for the energy distributor. The sum of the impact of multiple customers results in significant transmission losses – economies of scale are at work here.

Active Harmonic Filters found in industrial customers have both functions, but they (the devices) are very expensive and cost-effective only for large customers. The Small Power AFH product will fill a gap in the market, reduce transmission losses and reactive energy charges, and be available to a wide range of small electricity consumers. The applicant’s target customers will be electricity consumers starting from the single kilowatt level, i.e. public administration, health care (hospital facilities and clinics), schools, property managers (offices for rent), municipal offices, public lighting installations in cities and municipalities and all other facilities using electronic devices (LED lighting, computers, etc.).

The Active Harmonic Filter will be used for reactive power compensation and current harmonic reduction to improve energy efficiency of energy consumers, reduce energy transmission losses and CO2 emissions.

Thanks to the conducted research, application of the latest algorithms and DSP technology, it is possible to meet economic viability for small electricity consumers, i.e. return on investment within max.  3 years.

The contractor for the service will be the Electrical Faculty of the Silesian University of Technology in Gliwice.