Active Harmonic Filters


FIRST TO IMPLEMENT SIC TECHNOLOGY

Sinexcel are the first AHF manufacturer to implement Silicon Carbide Mosfet (SiC) technology. Sinexcel Active Harmonic Filters (P5 series) operate at 40kHz and have the ability to operate up to 90kHz when required (current standard is 20kHz). Much less heat is produced which has a dramatic impact on ventilation requirements and the sizing of supporting components. This in turn has resulted in extremely compact and light weight physical unit sizing which is unprecedented. 150A wall-mounted units weigh only 25kg and up to 1,350A capacity is possible from a single cabinet! This is the latest in a long history of innovation which places Sinexcel as the undisputed global leader in AHF power electronics.

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Why Sinexcel?

Sinexcel SiC Technology

99% EFFICIENCY TO HELP YOU MEET YOUR NET CARBON GOALS

Considered to be the greatest ever breakthrough in AHF design, Sinexcel have launched the new P5 series which delivers an unprecedented peak efficiency of 99%. This has been achieved by the first-ever implementation of Silicon Carbide Mosfet (SiC) technology, which allows the switching frequency to be increased up to 4.5 times the present standard of 20kHz. This has a dramatic impact on ventilation requirements and sizing of supporting components, resulting in the highest possible performance while reducing the size and weight of the unit. This is a game-changer for AHF applications.

  • Ultra-low heat loss
  • High Switching Frequency
  • High withstand voltage
  • High Power Density
  • High Heat Conduction Rate
Sinexcel AHF P5 100A & 150A Wall Graphic

THE SINEXCEL ACTIVE HARMONIC FILTER (AHF)

Sinexcel have applied new generation thinking and innovative design principles to create a new range of Active Harmonic Filters that have redefined what is possible from a cost vs performance vs space perspective. Their performance and ease of use is unsurpassed, able to compensate the 2nd to the 50th harmonic order or the simultaneous compensation of all 50 harmonic orders in real time!

Operating with up to 99% efficiency, the Sinexcel AHF offers instantaneous, dynamic harmonic compensation, ideal for the challenging demands of modern electrical environments. The Sinexcel AHF are a compact, light weight and modular design, available in wall mounting and rack/cabinet configurations.

Features

  • SiC Technology

Sinexcel are the first AHF manufacturer to implement Silicon Carbide Mosfet (SiC) technology, allowing the switching frequency to be increased up to 4.5 times the present standard of 20kHz. This has a dramatic impact on ventilation and sizing of supporting components.


  • 99% Efficiency

Achieve your Net Carbon goals.


  • Advanced Performance

Harmonics filtering performance THDi < 5%. Select every harmonic to the 50th order & filter up to 50 harmonics simultaneously. Harmonic filtering levels [%] can be pre-configured. Resonance protection by means of pre-configuring harmonic filtering levels for the potential resonance zones. Unique 3-level topology based on zero voltage transformation design. Capable of suppressing ripple currents effectively and promoting high compensation precision for the output with respect to the sinusoidal waveform.


  • Compact Size and Light Weight

Can be wall mounted and installed in small spaces. Wall mounted units can be parallel connected for unlimited capacity.


  • Load Balancing and Reactive Power 

Capable of measuring each phase and then redirecting the existing load current to balance the phases. Capable of using their remaining capacity to dynamically inject reactive power to correct the power factor. It is possible for the user to program the unit to prioritise load balancing or reactive power, depending on the application.


  • Available in Various Configurations

3-Wire and 4-Wire versions available. Also available in 690V and in IP20, IP31 and IP54.

Benefits

  • Compliance to the Standards

Comply with AS/NZS 61000.3.6 (relevant standard for harmonic voltage distortion in Australia) & is compatible with the IEEE 519 recommendations.


  • User-friendly Interface

Very easy to operate. Backlit HMI graphical user interface. High readability, easy menu navigation. Password protected for critical settings.


  • Monitoring

Offers direct control, complete configuration, monitoring and harmonic analysis of the AHF without the need for a PC. Online monitoring and programming available. Provides comprehensive data for analysis, like network RMS voltages/currents, network voltage/current distortions (THDu & THDi) in data and graphical representations. Provides data such as system frequency, load factor, compensated RMS currents, comparison of PF (before & after). Provides graphical representation of the harmonic spectrum and load currents from the 2nd to the 50th harmonic order.


  • Flexibility and Ease of Commissioning

Designed to be a ‘Plug and Play’ experience for the user. Unlimited parallel operation of modular AHF units in combination as per system requirements. Installation and commissioning process is the industry benchmark for simplicity and ease of use.


  • On-going Costs are Negligible

The AHF does not require a maintenance contract because of innovative design and no capacitor banks to maintain.


  • Reduced Burden on Infrastructure

The AHF reduces heat on the electrical system, resulting in greater longevity and lower maintenance costs.

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SIC Technology

The first AHF in the world with Silicon Carbide Mosfet (SiC) technology, operating at 40kHz with the ability to operate at 90kHz when required (standard is 20kHz).

Checkmark within a circle drawn in thick orange line.

Unprecidented Performance

0-110% compensation of each harmonic from the 2nd to the 50th harmonic!

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3 & 4 Wire Options in Each Unit

Both 3 and 4 wire usability within the same package offers multiple application options.

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Wall Mounting Solutions

Wall-mounting & Rack-mounting options. Super compact and light weight. Flush to wall cabinets in every IP and capacity rating, including IP54.


AHF PRODUCT RANGE


Wall-Mount Solutions


  • 25A & 35A 

440W x 150D x 485H (mm)

Weight: 18kg


  • 50A & 60A

500W x 180D x 540H (mm)

Weight: 23kg


  • 75A

500W x 190D x 586H (mm)

Weight: 28kg


  • 100A (P5 Series)

500W x 88D x 520H (mm)

Weight: 18kg


  • 150A (P5 Series)

500W x 100D x 520H (mm)

Weight: 25kg














Rack & Cabinet Solutions


  • 25A & 35A

440 x 490D x 150H (mm)

Weight: 18kg


  • 50A & 60A

500W x 515D x 180H (mm)

Weight: 23kg


  • 75A

500W x 586D x 190H (mm)

Weight: 28kg


  • 100A (P5 Series)

500W x 520D x 88H (mm)

Weight: 18kg


  • 150A (P5 Series)

500W x 520D x 100H (mm)

Weight: 25kg


Flexi-Cabinet Series


  • Up to 1,350A (9x 150A)

800W x 800D x 2200H (mm)

800W x 1000D x 2200H (mm)

600W x 1000D x 2200H (mm)


Top Vent Series


  • Up to 600A (4 x 150A)

800W x 600D x 2200H (mm)


  • Up to 750A (5 x 150A)

1000W x 600D x 2200H (mm)


  • Up to 900A (6 x 150A)

1200W x 600D x 2200H (mm)


IP54 Series


  • Up to 450A (3 x 150A)

800W x 600D x 2000H (mm)


  • Up to 900A (6 x 150A)

700W x 900D x 1800H (mm)


  • Up to 1200A (8 x 150A)

1000W x 1000D x 2200H (mm)

Featured Case Study

Wallumbilla Gas Hub

Located in remote central Queensland, the Wallumbilla Gas Hub is a major part of the Australian natural gas infrastructure network. The function of this facility is to compress the natural gas that is extracted from the ground in that area and pipe it to Brisbane and Rockhampton.

REQUEST A SITE APPRAISAL

Power quality audits can be carried out on your site to assess your Power Factor and Harmonic Mitigation needs. If you are not sure if your site will benefit from this technology, get in touch with one of our Power Quality experts.

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THE AHF IN ACTION

The Load Current THDI, which is the Total Harmonic Distortion Current across the 3 phases at the site. It is between 74.8% and 77.5% which is very high.

The Grid Current THDI, which is the Total Harmonic Distortion Current across the 3 phases after the Sinexcel Active Harmonic Filter has compensated the current. It is between 3.3% and 3.4% which is a significant reduction in harmonics - this is an exceptional result.

The second benefit is the reduction in the RMS current as shown by the Load and Grid RMS figures in the display. This is achieved by the injection of the compensating current from the Sinexcel Active Harmonic Filter to reduce the damaging effects of the load harmonics and the natural by-product of this is the correcting of the distortion power factor.

The AHF in action

Why Sinexcel?

Prior to Sinexcel entering the market in 2009, Active Harmonic Filters were physically large, limited in their performance and very expensive. Sinexcel introduced a range of ultra-compact units and were the first company to produce wall-mounted versions. Their 3-level topology design re-defined performance levels and their pricing was so competitive that Active Harmonic Filters immediately became a cost-effective option for most mainstream solutions. Considered to be the global reference for harmonic mitigation, Sinexcel continues to revolutionise the performance, accessibility and application of AHF technology. With literally thousands of Sinexcel Active Harmonic Filters in service all over Australia, the brand has proven to be very reliable and has become the first choice for power engineers nationwide.

Sinexcel AHF Room live

WHAT ARE HARMONICS?

Harmonics are extra frequencies that when present in an electrical system, cause the current and voltage to be distorted and deviate from sinusoidal waveforms. Harmonic currents are caused by non-linear loads connected to the distribution system (rectifiers, discharge lighting, or saturated magnetic devices). A load is said to be non-linear when the current it draws does not have the same waveform as the supply voltage. The flow of harmonic currents through system impedances in turn creates voltage harmonics, which distort the supply voltage. Harmonic frequencies in the power grid are a frequent cause of power quality problems.

In Australia, the fundamental frequency is 50Hz. The frequencies of the harmonics are 100Hz, 150Hz, 200Hz, 250Hz, 300Hz, 350Hz and so on. 150Hz is called the 'third' harmonic (3 x 50Hz), 250Hz is called the 'fifth' harmonic (5 x 50Hz) and so on.

Learn more about the effects of Harmonics

The difference between Active Filters and Low Harmonic Drives

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Active Harmonics final

VSD's & HARMONICS

For motors to be used in a practical and useful way, we need to be able to control their speed of operation. A Variable Speed Drive (VSD), also known as a Variable Frequency Drive (VFD) is a programmable device that controls motor speed. Due to the way they function, VSDs are prolific creators of harmonics in electrical systems and as a result, most of the harmonic mitigation effort focuses on the input side and output side of a VSD. For the mitigation of harmonics on the input side (line side) of a VSD we recommend Line Reactors, Passive Harmonic Filters and Active Harmonic Filters. For the mitigation of harmonics on the output side (load side) of a VSD we recommend Load Reactors, dV/dT Filters and Sine Wave Filters.

Learn more about VSD's & Harmonics

Why include Harmonic Mitigation in the early phases of project designs

VSD’S & Harmonic's diagram

COMPLYING WITH THE STANDARDS

The relevant standard for harmonic voltage distortion in Australia is AS/NZS 61000.3.6 and it is compatible with the IEEE 519 recommendations. If the supply authority is dissatisfied with the degree of voltage distortion at the point of common coupling (PCC), harmonic filtering may be specified to comply with the Australian Standards.

The new IEEE 519, published in 1992, sets forth limits for both harmonic voltages on the utility transmission and distribution systems and harmonic currents within the industrial distribution systems. Since harmonic voltages are generated by the passage of harmonic currents through distribution system impedances, by controlling the currents or system impedances within the industrial facility, one can control harmonic voltages on the utility distribution.

Learn more about Power Quality Standards

What is Harmonic Mitigation

Complying with standards - Harmonics

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From the moment the AHF and SVG units were turned on our power factor issues were a thing of the past. At both sites our PF is now 0.99 on all phases all the time, the units react instantaneously to our fluctuating load and power factor and the result has been an excellent return on investment.

Brad Kilner

OPERATIONS MANAGER AT KILNER'S ENGINEERING

Top FAQs

VIC - HEAD OFFICE / WAREHOUSE

27 Viking Court

Cheltenham VIC 3192


NSW - SALES OFFICE / WAREHOUSE

29/8-10 Barry Road

Chipping Norton NSW 2170


QLD - SALES OFFICE

1 / 26 Duke Street

Sunshine Beach QLD 4567


WA - SALES OFFICE

67 Howe Street

Osborne Park WA 6017


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In simple terms, harmonics are extra frequencies that when present in an electrical circuit, distort the AC sine wave. A harmonic of a wave is a component frequency of the signal that is an integer multiple of the fundamental frequency. For example, if the fundamental frequency is f, the harmonics have frequencies 2f, 3f, 4f... etc. 


Harmonic frequencies are equally spaced by the width of the fundamental frequency and can be found by repeatedly adding that frequency. In the case of the Australian electricity supply, the fundamental frequency is 50Hz. The frequencies of the harmonics are 100Hz, 150Hz, 200Hz, 250Hz, 300Hz, 350Hz and so on.


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For electrical systems to function in their intended manner without significant loss of performance or life, they require a supply of electricity that is of good quality. Good quality electrical power has the following characteristics: 

  • It must have a continuity of service (not be interrupted). 
  • It must have a very low Harmonic content. 
  • It must have a very low variation in the voltage magnitude. 
  • It must have very low transient voltages and currents. 

The term 'clean power' is used to describe electricity that is considered to be of good quality (see above) with particular reference to a very low harmonic content. Therefore, the term 'dirty power' is used to describe electricity that is considered to be of low quality (opposite to the above) with particular reference to a very high harmonic content. 


In Australia, our electricity is supplied in alternating current at a frequency of 50Hz. In alternating current (AC) the movement of electric charge periodically reverses direction. In direct current (DC), the flow of electric charge is only in one direction. 50Hz means that the AC has a frequency of 50 cycles per second. This is also known as the 'fundamental' frequency. AC is the form in which electricity is delivered to businesses and residences. Most electrical devices (such as motors) need clean electricity to function properly. This means that the electrical supply needs to be a clear sinusoidal wave.


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If you occasionally experience some unexplained occurrences such as flickering lights, alarms going off, or MCB's, MCCB's, RCD's and Earth Leakage devices tripping for no apparent reason, you are most likely experiencing harmonics in your electrical environment. Other signs are cables running hot, hot switchboards or overheating motors. If you are replacing your motor's bearings & insulation often, that's a strong indication of the presence of harmonics.

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Harmonics are very harmful within an electrical system and can have serious consequences. For example, the presence of harmonics reduces the life of equipment. It is possible that the investment that you made in your motors & drives will not be realised if they are damaged and need replacing before their expected life span. This can be very expensive. Harmonics cause things to run hot, which cause stress on the cables and equipment.


In the long term, this degrades an electrical system. The presence of harmonics will also mean that although you will get billed for the power that you are supplied, a large percentage of that power may be unusable. Harmonic mitigation is taking action to minimise the presence of harmonics in your electrical system and can achieve great cost savings.


Variable Speed Drives (also known as Variable Frequency Drives) are prolific creators of harmonics in electrical systems and as a result, most of the harmonic mitigation effort focuses on the input side and output side of a VFD.


Learn more

Depending on the specific situation, there are a variety of products that are used to mitigate harmonics. Fuseco's Power Quality Consultants can assist by conducting a site analysis or simply providing advice based on the details of the particular electrical system. Here is a brief summary of the product groups:


Line (input) side of the VSD

Device Features:

  • Line Reactors Simple & cost-effective method to reduce harmonics. Available in 3% & 5% versions.
  • Passive Harmonic Filters Significantly reduces harmonics from the VSD back out to the system and also improves true power factor.
  • Meets the IEEE519 Standard.
  • Active Harmonic Filters Active filters inject a 180 degree inverse current to nullify the harmonic content going back out to the system. They mitigate harmonics, compensate for voltage dips & can handle multiple VSD's relative to the reactive power required. Meets the IEEE519 Standard.

Load (output) side of the VSD

Device Features:

  • Load Reactors Simple & cost-effective method to reduce harmonics. Available in 3% & 5% versions.
  • dV/dT Filters dV/dT filters have been designed to limit peak voltage and increase voltage rise time. In addition to mitigating harmonics, the dV/dT filter also clips voltage spikes.
  • Sinewave Filters The ultimate load side harmonic mitigation product. Filters all harmonics, including reflective currents, eddy currents, common mode currents. Can be used for long cable runs (many kms). Stops the heating of cables. Great for the longevity of motors.

Related Resources

Located in remote central Queensland, the Wallumbilla Gas Hub is a major part of the Australian natural gas infrastructure network. The function of this facility is to compress the natural gas that is extracted from the ground in that area and pipe it to Brisbane and Rockhampton. To comply with the requirements, Fuseco supplied a Sinexcel 200A Active Harmonic Filter in an IP54 cabinet due to its exceptional performance, small footprint and flexibility.
Sinexcel takes a monumental stride forward with 40 - 90kHz switching frequencies in their “Ultra” generation of Active Harmonic Filter (AHF) with SiC Mosfet technology – the epitome of groundbreaking advancements in power electronics engineering.
Early focus on the various Power Quality topologies when putting together power engineering designs can have a huge impact on project performance, capital expenses and ongoing operational costs for the end users.
While common mode over voltage cannot be eliminated, it can be reduced.
In recent times, the use of high-power Low Harmonic Drives (LHD’s) has increased. However, do their benefits outweigh their cost and space demands? Or do more cost-effective solutions exist? With our experience in the field, we believe that Active Harmonic Filters are still the preferred choice in many applications.
Exploring truly engineered harmonic mitigation solutions early in the design process, can make a huge positive impact to the overall project capital costs and ongoing operational efficiencies.
We are excited to announce the release of the new Sinexcel 200kVAr Static Var Generator (SVG) module!

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