Schaffner's FN3420 active harmonic filter safeguards sensitive systems

Schaffner EMC introduced the ECOsine Active 3420 - a harmonic filter which provides harmonic compensation in real-time for demanding industrial and commercial environments. With a capacity of 30 to 300A, operating at 200-480VAC (+/- 10%), the connection-ready 3420 (3-wire) cabinet models include forced air cooling and internal liquid cooling (200-300A), for the power electronics. They are capable of supporting large production facilities. Panel mount (30, 50, 100A) and freestanding enclosure design and IP54 (NEMA 12 indoor) protection ensure fast and easy servicing, and a designed service life of up to 100,000 hours ensures long service intervals. They are ideal for food and beverage processing and other manufacturing environments with nonlinear loads, such as variable frequency-motor drives, AC motors, DC drives, Uninterruptible Power Supplies (UPS), chillers and other HVAC equipment, data centers and banking/heavy computing, and more.

This proven equipment uses digital technology to monitor and dynamically correct harmonics up to the 50th order in less than 300µs eliminating disturbances before they can cause problems. ECOsine Active Filters compensate for individual disturbance patterns in a targeted manner and automatically adapts to changing network loads.

Up to 5 units can be installed in parallel to attain optimal results, for a maximum of 1500A harmonic compensation. Filters also provide reactive current support and load balancing. Proven ECOsine Active 3420 Filters are equally suited for new installations and retrofits. Other configurations are offered in NEMA 1 and NEMA 3R packages, up to 400A, as well as 600/690vac.

Harmonics – A Silent But Deadly Problem

Harmonics are generated by nonlinear components in electrical systems, which distort the sine wave. Increasing usage of power electronics causes a corresponding increase in voltage distortion, or harmonics. Electrical components like, variable frequency drives, Uninterruptible Power Supplies, and inverters, all introduce harmonics of differing orders into the electrical system. When harmonics are present they can manifest themselves with short-term and long-term consequences.

High harmonic distortion can cause failures or malfunctions of electrical devices. Harmonics also cause a temperature rise in the electrical network and in equipment, resulting in losses and shorter service life. An active harmonic filter, like the ECOsine Active 200/250/300A, cancels and injects current to correct the sine wave, before the harmonics can cause any damage to the electrical system or equipment.

Schaffner EMC