Harmonics are electrical distortions, generated by modern equipment such as variable frequency drives, that act as silent saboteurs. They compromise the efficiency and lifespan of a power factor correction investment, causing overheating, lowering the power factor and wasting energy. For reliable return, a holistic approach that combines PFC with harmonic mitigation is essential.
Power factor correction is fundamental to reducing demand charges and improving efficiency. But in modern commercial and industrial environments, a hidden threat, harmonics, can undermine those benefits, causing increased losses and potential equipment failure. Harmonics are waveform distortions at multiples of the 50 Hz mains frequency, created by non-linear loads such as variable frequency drives and LED lighting.
Because standard PFC capacitors can make a harmonics problem worse, correction and harmonic mitigation belong together. A combined survey measures the distortion first, then designs correction that accounts for it, using passive or active harmonic filtering where needed.
Left unmanaged, harmonics quietly erode the return on a PFC investment and shorten equipment life. Measuring power quality alongside power factor, and designing for both, is what turns correction into a durable, reliable saving rather than a short-lived one.
Voltage or current waveforms at frequencies that are integer multiples of the mains frequency (50 Hz in South Africa). They are created by non-linear loads such as variable frequency drives and LED lighting.
They lower the overall power factor (through a distortion power factor), overheat transformers, motors and cables, increase system losses, can trigger resonance with PFC capacitors, and reduce usable system capacity.
A metric combining the system's regular power factor with the Total Harmonic Distortion (THD). More harmonics mean a lower distortion power factor and higher bills, even with capacitors installed.
Because harmonics can undermine the entire PFC investment. A holistic approach, combining correction with passive or active harmonic filtering, protects the equipment and the savings.