Harmonics and VFDs in Electrical Systems

Harmonics: tame the wave

Tame the wave

Problem with harmonics? Danfoss has the solution

It is important to understand harmonics in order to select the proper solution to mitigate.  Harmonics can have detrimental effects on system performance including:

  • Distorted current flows through transmission devices. 
  • Extra heating of power transformers and cables that supply current to the nonlinear load.
  • Decreased capacity in local generators
  • Nuisance tripping of protection relays and circuit breakers. 
  • Increased utility costs 
  • Voltage distortion 


View the presentation below to understand harmonics, then choose between several Danfoss solutions which can optimize your system performance to meet the guidelines set forth in IEEE 519-2014.

  • if (isSmallPicture) { VLT® PHD-202 Preferred Harmonic Design; } else if (isBigColumns) { VLT® PHD-202 Preferred Harmonic Design } else { VLT® PHD-202 Preferred Harmonic Design }
    VLT® PHD-202 Preferred Harmonic Design

    The VLT® PHD-202 Preferred Harmonic Design (PHD) is a full-featured, AQUA dedicated drive solution when conformance to IEEE-519 is required, even at the drive terminals. The PHD-202 has a number of features developed specifically to meet the diverse needs of water and wastewater applications and is the most practical solution to address growing harmonic concerns within the industry.

  • if (isSmallPicture) { VLT® Advanced Active Filter AAF 006; } else if (isBigColumns) { VLT® Advanced Active Filter AAF 006 } else { VLT® Advanced Active Filter AAF 006 }
    VLT® Advanced Active Filter AAF 006

    The VLT® Advanced Active Filter AAF 006 has reached the Limited phase of its lifecycle and is no longer in active production. Danfoss will help you select the optimal replacement for your application.

  • if (isSmallPicture) { Traditional Bypass Panel; } else if (isBigColumns) { Traditional Bypass Panel } else { Traditional Bypass Panel }
    Traditional Bypass Panel

    Danfoss Standard 2- or 3-Contactor Bypass Panels are known for their product quality and premium design standards. With this quality comes a wide array of choices among our standard base products. Multiple enclosure ratings, bypass control styles, and physical arrangements insure you can have your Danfoss drive panel your way.

  • if (isSmallPicture) { MCC 102 dV/dt filter; } else if (isBigColumns) { MCC 102 dV/dt filter } else { MCC 102 dV/dt filter }
    VLT® dV/dt Filter MCC 102

    VLT® dV/dt Filter MCC 102 are differential-mode low-pass filters which reduce motor terminal phase-to-phase peak voltages spikes and reduce the rise time to a level that lowers the stress on the insulation of motor windings. Reduce the dV/dt values on the motor terminal phase-to-phase voltage – an issue that is important for short motor cables.

  • if (isSmallPicture) { AAF 006; } else if (isBigColumns) { AAF 006 } else { AAF 006 }
    VLT® Advanced Harmonic Filter AHF 005 / AHF 010

    Advanced Harmonic Filter AHF 005/010 is a cost-effective total solution, Danfoss Advanced Harmonic Solutions packages which combines the reliability and performance of VLT® Series drives with the innovative technology of AHF Series Filters.