Enhancing Harmonic Control in Water and Wastewater Systems

    Introduction

    In the water and wastewater industry, Variable Frequency Drives (VFDs) efficiently control motors, pumps, and mechanical systems. However, VFDs can introduce harmful harmonic distortion, causing operational challenges. This study compares MTE’s 6-pulse VFD with Matrix AP harmonic filter to an 18-pulse VFD, demonstrating superior performance.

    Challenges

    Harmonic distortion from VFDs can lead to overheating, equipment malfunction, circuit breaker tripping, and inaccurate sensor measurements. Many water companies use multi-pulse drives to address these issues, but MTE offers an advanced solution meeting IEEE-519 standards, proving more compact, efficient, and cost-effective.

    Solution

    Collaborating with water industry companies, MTE implemented a 6-pulse drive with the Matrix AP passive harmonic filter, effectively controlling harmonics and outperforming the 18-pulse drive.

    Key Findings

    1. Power Loss: The 6-pulse drive with Matrix AP reduced power loss by 40-73%, depending on VFD size and component manufacturer.
    2. Overall Efficiency: The 6-pulse drive achieved 99.0% efficiency, 0.5% higher than the 18-pulse drive (98.5%).
    3. Harmonic Performance: Under balanced conditions, the 6-pulse drive exhibited 1-2% better Total Harmonic Distortion (THID) performance for loads between 25-75%, with equal performance for loads exceeding 75%.
    4. Harmonic Performance under Line Imbalance: Superior performance under line imbalance conditions. At 3% line imbalance, the 6-pulse drive showed a 32.5% improvement (17.5% vs. 50% THID) at 25% load and a 13% improvement (12% vs. 25% THID) at 50% load.
    5. Power Factor: Comparable to better performance for loads between 50-100%.

    Conclusion

    Based on a 100 HP 18-pulse drive versus a standard 100 HP 6-pulse drive with a 128 amp Matrix AP harmonic filter, MTE’s solution emerges as superior. This case study underscores the efficacy of MTE’s 6-pulse VFD with Matrix AP harmonic filter in enhancing harmonic control, ensuring operational efficiency, and meeting the specific needs of the water and wastewater industry.

    Credits to MTE: MTE Corp – Water and Wastewater

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