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In this note, we are going to learn about a topic called “What is Active Harmonic Filter?“, also about its working, benefits, and applications. Welcome to Poly Notes Hub, a leading destination for engineering notes for diploma and degree engineering students.

Author Name: Arun Paul.

Table of Contents

What is Active Harmonic Filter?

An Active Harmonic Filter (AHF) is a device in electrical power systems that reduces harmonic distortions generated by non-linear loads like variable frequency drives, computers, and other electronic equipment. These distortions can cause a range of problems, including equipment failure, overheating, and decreased efficiency.

Active Harmonic Filter Working

Here is an overview of an active harmonic filter and how its works –

Detection: The AHF continuously monitors the electrical system to detect harmonics.
Analysis: It analyzes the harmonic content and determines the magnitude and phase of the harmonic currents.

Generation: The AHF generates compensating currents that are equal in magnitude but opposite in phase to the detected harmonics.
Injection: These compensating currents are injected back into the electrical system to cancel out the harmonics.

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Benefits of Active Harmonic Filter

Below we listed some advantages of active harmonic filter –

Improved Power Quality: By eliminating harmonics, AHFs improve the overall power quality of the system, leading to more reliable operation of electrical equipment.

Increased Efficiency: Reducing harmonics decreases losses in electrical systems, leading to improved energy efficiency.
Extended Equipment Life: Less harmonic distortion reduces stress on electrical components, thus extending their operational life.
Compliance with Standards: AHFs help meet regulatory standards for power quality, which is increasingly required in many industries.

Flexible and Adaptive: Unlike passive filters, AHFs can adapt to changing load conditions and provide targeted harmonic mitigation.

Applications of Active Harmonic Filter

Here are some uses of Active Harmonic Filter –

Industrial plants with heavy use of variable frequency drives and other non-linear loads.
Commercial buildings with significant electronic equipment.

Data centers and telecommunications facilities.
Renewable energy installations where power electronics are prevalent.