Exploring Harmonic Amplification And Its Probable Causes

Harmonic distortion is a common and well-documented problem plaguing electrical systems. The adverse effects of harmonic distortion are well known, including overheating, loss of efficiency, and damage to sensitive equipment, requiring adequate harmonic mitigation such as active harmonic filters. However, electrical systems have another issue to contend with, namely, harmonic amplification. This blog explores the phenomenon of harmonic amplification and some probable causes.

What Is Harmonic Amplification?

Harmonic amplification can be defined as the multiplication or increase of harmonic distortion beyond the initial levels. This means that harmonic current and voltage increase exponentially over permissible limits. As is evident, this is a highly unfavorable outcome for an electrical system, and can lead to overheating, malfunctioning of equipment, and even overall system failure.

Causes Of Harmonic Amplification

Non-Linear Loads

Although not a direct cause of harmonic amplification, non-linear loads are a prominent cause of harmonics in the first place. Some common types of equipment that come under this category include:

- Variable Speed Drives: While their primary function is to control speed and torque, these devices end up generating a lot of harmonics.

- Power Converters: These are a staple in electronic devices, and also contribute towards harmonics.

- Arc Furnaces: The fluctuating loads of arc furnaces lead to the generation of harmonic distortion.

Resonance

Resonance is a phenomenon where the frequency of the electrical systems becomes the same as that of the harmonic distortion. This leads to a significant increase in harmonic distortion. Resonance is mainly determined by the inductance and capacitance of the electrical system.

Impedance

Electrical impedance is another determining factor in the amplification of harmonics. Impedances of the overall electrical system, including both transformers and cables, also contribute significantly towards increasing harmonic distortion.
This is why appropriate harmonic mitigation solutions, such as active harmonic filters, are key in managing harmonics and keeping their amplification at bay.

To learn which type of harmonic filter is right for you, contact us at ADM Engineering Inc. today. As a leading distributor of harmonic filters and power factor correction solutions in Miami, we offer active harmonic filters for dynamic loads, passive harmonic filters for static loads, and hybrid harmonic filters for applications where both are required. Call us at 877-236-8337 for more details.