Using drives to tackle the water industry’s 'silent challenge'

Harmonics, which are deviations in voltage and current sine waves caused by introducing non-linear loads to the grid, can be a big problem in the water industry.
Often the presence of harmonics is only apparent when electrical systems start to malfunction. You can’t see or hear them, but their effects can quickly become difficult to ignore when equipment starts to behave erratically or overheat.

Harmonics can negatively affect system efficiency, and cause increased losses. In extreme cases they can even cause critical equipment like generators to fail, potentially putting operations at risk.

Devices such as solar inverters and electric car chargers are big generators of harmonics, and with more of these coming online every day, the issue of harmonics is likely to become more widespread in the near future unless steps are taken to mitigate harmonics already on the grid, and reduce harmonic content in new devices.

By reducing the harmonic content produced by the drive, losses in other components and equipment can be reduced, improving overall system efficiency. It also eliminates the need for additional equipment and cooling provision, reducing the cost and complexity of drive installations.

For more information about harmonic mitigation in the water industry, download ABB’s Application Guide: https://campaign.abb.com/GB_SilentWater