Difference Between Active Harmonic Filters And Static VAR Generators

Power quality solutions play a key role in ensuring clean and stable power across industrial sectors. Some popular options include active harmonic filters and static VAR generators. While they are both excellent options, there are some differences between the two power quality solutions. This blog explores the main differences between the two.

Comparing Active Harmonic Filters And VAR Generators

Active Harmonic Filters

Active harmonic filters are a comprehensive solution designed to tackle dynamic harmonic distortion in real-time. It analyses the harmonics entering the system and sends a signal that is equal in magnitude by opposite in phase, thereby neutralizing the effects of distortion.

Features:

- Mitigating Harmonics: Active harmonic filters are excellent at mitigating harmonics and reducing the overall total harmonic distortion (THDi). 

- Excellent Filtering Capacity: This harmonic filter is known for its excellent filtering capacity. It can handle non-linear loads with ease and improve the overall power quality.

- Load Balancing: Apart from mitigation of harmonics, active harmonic filters can also help balance three-phase load currents.

Static VAR Generator

A static VAR generator is also a dynamic form of reactive power compensation device. The main purpose of this power quality solution is to fix any voltage fluctuations and improve the overall power factor of the system. It operates by either injecting reactive power or absorbing it based on the conditions.

Features:

- Compensating Reactive Power: To keep power factor within acceptable limits, a static VAR generator can both inject and absorb reactive power depending on the situation. 

- Voltage Stabilization: To maintain the stability of the power grid, VAR generators prevent voltage from fluctuating too much.

- Limited Harmonic Mitigation: Some VAR generators can also compensate for harmonic distortion to a limited degree.

Therefore, the roles of active harmonic filters and static VAR generators can overlap a little bit, but ultimately, their core purpose is quite different from one another. However, both aid in improving the power quality of a given system.

ADM Engineering is a leading distributor of power quality solutions. Be it offering a harmonic filter for VFD operations or filters to tackle excess harmonic distortion, we offer nothing but the best. This is why numerous industries and OEM manufacturers rely on our passive, hybrid and active harmonic filters. To know which harmonic filter is right for you, contact us at 877-236-8337 today.