Top 10 Microcomputer Harmonic Elimination Device Brand & Manufacturers

What is a Microcomputer Harmonic Elimination Device?

A microcomputer harmonic elimination device is an advanced electronic equipment designed to mitigate or eliminate harmonics in an electrical power system. Harmonics are distorted frequencies that are integer multiples of the fundamental frequency (usually 50Hz or 60Hz in power systems). These devices use microprocessor - based control systems to analyze the electrical waveform and generate counter - voltages or currents that can cancel out or reduce the unwanted harmonic components, thus improving the power quality.

History of Microcomputer Harmonic Elimination Device

• Early Awareness of Harmonics: The problem of harmonics in electrical systems has been recognized since the early days of power generation and distribution. However, early attempts to deal with harmonics were mainly based on passive filters, such as LC filters. These were relatively simple but had limitations in terms of flexibility and effectiveness.
• Advancements with Microcomputer Technology: With the development of microcomputer technology in the late 20th century, the concept of more intelligent and adaptive harmonic elimination devices emerged. The ability to process and analyze electrical signals in real - time using microprocessors allowed for more precise identification and mitigation of harmonics. The first microcomputer - based harmonic elimination devices were developed and began to be used in industrial and commercial power systems.
• Modern Developments: In modern times, these devices have seen significant improvements. They now have more advanced algorithms for harmonic detection and elimination, can handle a wide range of harmonic frequencies and amplitudes, and are often integrated with power - management systems. The development of high - speed digital signal processing (DSP) chips has further enhanced their performance, enabling faster and more accurate control of harmonic - elimination processes.

Purpose of Microcomputer Harmonic Elimination Device

• Harmonic Mitigation: The primary purpose is to reduce the level of harmonics in the power system. Harmonics can cause a variety of problems, such as overheating of electrical equipment (motors, transformers, etc.), reduced efficiency of power - consuming devices, and interference with communication systems. By eliminating or minimizing harmonics, the device helps to protect the electrical equipment and improve the overall performance of the power system.
• Power Quality Improvement: It plays a crucial role in enhancing the power quality. A clean power supply with low harmonic content means a more stable voltage and current waveform, which is beneficial for the proper operation of sensitive electronic equipment. This is especially important in industries such as data centers, hospitals, and semiconductor manufacturing, where high - quality power is essential.
• Compliance with Standards: Many power - quality standards and regulations require the limitation of harmonic emissions. Microcomputer harmonic elimination devices help electrical systems to comply with these standards, such as IEEE 519 and other international and national regulations. This is important for avoiding penalties and ensuring the safety and reliability of the power grid.

Principle of Microcomputer Harmonic Elimination Device

• Harmonic Detection: The device first measures the electrical waveform of the power system using sensors such as current transformers and voltage transformers. The sampled signals are then processed by the microcomputer's analog - to - digital converter (ADC). Advanced algorithms, such as fast Fourier transform (FFT) or other time - frequency analysis methods, are used to identify the harmonic components in the signal. The device determines the amplitude, frequency, and phase of each harmonic.
• Harmonic Generation and Injection: Based on the detected harmonic information, the microcomputer calculates the appropriate counter - voltages or currents that need to be generated to cancel out the harmonics. This is usually achieved through power - electronic components such as insulated - gate bipolar transistors (IGBTs) or thyristors. The generated harmonic - cancelling signals are then injected back into the power system in a way that they interact with the existing harmonics and reduce their overall effect.
• Feedback and Control: The device continuously monitors the power system's waveform after injecting the counter - signals. The feedback loop allows the microcomputer to adjust the generated signals in real - time based on the actual effect of the harmonic elimination. This adaptive control ensures that the device can effectively handle changes in the harmonic content due to variations in the load or the power - source characteristics.[!--empirenews.page--]

Features of Microcomputer Harmonic Elimination Device

• High Precision Harmonic Detection: Thanks to advanced microprocessor - based detection algorithms, these devices can accurately identify and analyze a wide range of harmonic frequencies and amplitudes. They can detect even small - amplitude harmonics that might have a cumulative negative impact on the power system over time.
• Adaptive and Dynamic Control: The ability to adapt to changes in the power system is a key feature. As the load and the harmonic - generating sources change, the device can quickly adjust its harmonic - elimination strategy. This dynamic control ensures continuous and effective mitigation of harmonics, regardless of the operating conditions of the power system.
• Multiple Harmonic Compensation: It can handle multiple harmonic orders simultaneously. This is important because power systems often have harmonics of different frequencies due to various non - linear loads. The device can generate appropriate counter - signals for each harmonic order to achieve comprehensive harmonic elimination.
• Protection and Monitoring Functions: Many microcomputer harmonic elimination devices come with built - in protection features such as over - current protection, over - voltage protection, and over - temperature protection. They also provide monitoring functions, allowing users to track the harmonic levels, device status, and other relevant parameters in real - time through communication interfaces such as Modbus or Ethernet.
• Compact and Modular Design: These devices are often designed in a compact and modular form. The modular design allows for easy installation, expansion, and maintenance. They can be integrated into existing power - distribution cabinets or power - management systems without taking up a large amount of space.

Types of Microcomputer Harmonic Elimination Device

• Active Power Filter (APF): This is the most common type of microcomputer harmonic elimination device. APFs work by generating equal - and - opposite harmonic currents to cancel out the harmonic currents in the power system. They can be installed in parallel with the load or at the point of common coupling (PCC) to filter out harmonics and improve the power factor.
• Hybrid Power Filter: A hybrid power filter combines the advantages of active and passive filters. It typically consists of an active filter section and a passive LC filter section. The passive filter helps to handle the lower - frequency and higher - amplitude harmonics, while the active filter deals with the more complex and variable harmonic components. This combination provides a more cost - effective and efficient solution for harmonic elimination.
• Series - Connected Harmonic Eliminator: These devices are connected in series with the power line. They work by injecting a voltage signal that cancels out the harmonic voltages in the line. Series - connected harmonic eliminators are less common than parallel - connected APFs but can be useful in specific applications where voltage - based harmonic mitigation is more effective.

Precautions for using Microcomputer Harmonic Elimination Device

• Proper Installation and Connection: The device should be installed according to the manufacturer's instructions. Ensure correct wiring connections, including the connection of current and voltage sensors to the power system. Incorrect installation can lead to inaccurate harmonic detection and ineffective elimination, or even damage to the device.
• Parameter Setting: The device's parameters, such as the harmonic - detection thresholds, compensation levels, and control algorithms, need to be properly configured. This requires an understanding of the power - system characteristics and the specific harmonic - elimination requirements. Improper parameter settings can result in over - compensation or under - compensation of harmonics.
• Compatibility with Power System: Consider the compatibility of the microcomputer harmonic elimination device with the existing power system. Check the voltage and current ratings, frequency range, and the type of non - linear loads in the system. The device should be able to handle the power - system conditions and effectively interact with other electrical equipment.
• Regular Maintenance and Calibration: Regular maintenance is essential to ensure the device's proper functioning. This includes checking the sensors for accuracy, cleaning the internal components, and updating the firmware if necessary. Calibration of the harmonic - detection and compensation functions should be carried out periodically to maintain the device's performance.
• Electromagnetic Compatibility (EMC): These devices can generate or be affected by electromagnetic interference due to their high - speed electronic components and power - electronic switching operations. Ensure that the device meets the relevant EMC standards and use appropriate shielding and grounding techniques to minimize interference with other equipment and the power system.[!--empirenews.page--]

Things to consider when purchasing Microcomputer Harmonic Elimination Device

• Harmonic - Mitigation Requirements: Analyze the harmonic content of your power system. Determine the dominant harmonic orders, their amplitudes, and the overall harmonic distortion level. Based on this analysis, choose a device with the appropriate harmonic - mitigation capabilities, such as the ability to handle specific harmonic frequencies and amplitudes.
• Type of Device: Decide whether an active power filter, hybrid power filter, or a series - connected harmonic eliminator is more suitable for your application. Consider factors such as the power - system configuration, the type of non - linear loads, and the cost - effectiveness of each type.
• Power - Rating and Capacity: Consider the power - handling capacity of the device. Ensure that it can handle the maximum current and voltage levels of your power system. The device's power - rating should be sufficient to effectively mitigate the harmonics without overloading or overheating.
• Control and Monitoring Features: Look for a device with advanced control and monitoring features. The ability to adjust the harmonic - elimination parameters in real - time, along with comprehensive monitoring functions such as real - time harmonic - level display and fault - detection capabilities, can greatly enhance the device's usability and effectiveness.
• Compatibility and Integration: Ensure that the device can be easily integrated into your existing power - management system. Check for compatibility with communication protocols such as Modbus, Ethernet, or other industry - standard interfaces. The device should also be compatible with the electrical equipment and power - system architecture in your facility.
• Cost and Return on Investment: Establish a budget for the device purchase. Consider not only the initial cost but also the long - term savings and benefits. A more expensive device with better performance and a longer lifespan may provide a higher return on investment by reducing energy losses, protecting equipment, and ensuring compliance with power - quality standards.
• Brand and Reputation: Choose a reputable brand with a good track record in manufacturing microcomputer harmonic elimination devices. Read customer reviews and ask for recommendations from other users or industry experts to assess the quality, reliability, and performance of different models. A well - known brand is more likely to provide reliable customer service and technical support.

Terms of Microcomputer Harmonic Elimination Device

• Harmonic Order: The number that represents the multiple of the fundamental frequency of a harmonic. For example, the 3rd harmonic has a frequency three times that of the fundamental frequency. The device is designed to target specific harmonic orders for elimination.
• Total Harmonic Distortion (THD): A measure of the distortion in a waveform due to harmonics. It is calculated as the ratio of the root - mean - square (RMS) value of the harmonic components to the RMS value of the fundamental component. The goal of the device is to reduce the THD to an acceptable level.
• Power - Factor Correction: While the primary function is harmonic elimination, some devices also contribute to power - factor correction. The power factor is the ratio of the real power to the apparent power in a circuit. By reducing harmonics, the device can improve the power factor, leading to more efficient use of electrical power.
• Response Time: The time it takes for the device to detect a change in the harmonic content and adjust its compensation accordingly. A shorter response time is desirable for effectively handling dynamic loads and sudden changes in the power system.
• Filtering Capacity: Refers to the ability of the device to handle and reduce a certain amount of harmonic power. It is usually specified in terms of the maximum harmonic current or voltage that the device can filter out, and it depends on the device's power - rating and design.