What are Harmonics?

Harmonics are like pesky little electrical gremlins that can mess with the smooth flow of power in electrical systems.  Picture this: you have your standard electrical current flowing at a certain frequency, let’s say 50 times per second (that’s 50 Hertz).  Now, imagine there are other currents tagging along, like one at 250 Hertz, which is 5 times the frequency of the main one.  These extra currents, called harmonics, don’t really do anything useful; instead, they just create heat when they try to move through devices, kind of like when you’re stuck in traffic on a hot day.

Effects of Harmonics

So, why should we care about these harmonics?  Well, imagine your electrical cables overheating because they’re dealing with more current than they’re designed for.  That’s one problem caused by harmonics.  Motors in machines can get noisy or overheated, leading to mechanical issues or machinery having a shorter lifespan.  In the worst cases, things like capacitors can even explode.  Plus, you might notice flickering lights, tripping circuit breakers, or malfunctioning electronics like computers.

What Causes Harmonics?

Harmonics are created when you mix in devices that don’t play nice with the standard electrical flow.  Think of things like computers, variable speed drives, or even fancy lighting systems.  These devices inject their own currents into the system, creating a mess of frequencies that cause havoc.

Reducing the Effects of Variable Speed Drives

Variable speed drives (VSDs) are often culprits causing harmonics, but there are ways to tame them.  One approach is by tweaking the drives themselves.  For example, you can modify them to produce fewer harmonics.  Another method is by using external filtering systems.  These filters act like guardians, cleaning up the electrical flow before it wreaks havoc in your system.

Quantum Controls to the Rescue

At Quantum Controls, we’re all about making your electrical systems run smoothly.  We offer harmonic surveys, where we analyse your system to find out where these pesky harmonics are coming from.  Then, we provide solutions to clean up the mess, like installing filters or tweaking devices to produce fewer harmonics.  There is rarely a one size fits all approach to dealing with harmonics, so it’s important you work out specifically what will work for you.  With our help, you can say goodbye to flickering lights and overheating cables, and hello to a harmonious electrical system.

Call us on 01661 835 566 for assistance with your harmonics.