Harmonics and VFDs in Electrical Systems

  • Overview
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) { 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) { Vertical Bypass Panel Assemblies; } else if (isBigColumns) { Vertical Bypass Panel Assemblies } else { Vertical Bypass Panel Assemblies }
    Vertical Bypass Panel Assemblies

    Same VLT® power with a smaller footprint

  • 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) { 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 PHD HVAC FC 102 Panel; } else if (isBigColumns) { VLT PHD HVAC FC 102 Panel } else { VLT PHD HVAC FC 102 Panel }
    VLT® PHD-102 Preferred Harmonic Design

    The VLT® PHD-102 Preferred Harmonic Design (PHD) is a full-featured, HVAC dedicated drive solution when conformance to IEEE-519 is required, even at the drive terminals.