Analyzing 6-Pulse Drive Harmonic Mitigation Techniques for Industrial Automation

Contemporary industrial automation control systems are employing variable frequency drives (VFDs) in ever-increasing numbers. VFDs give control engineers flexibility to precisely regulate the speed and torque of motors in a wide array of applications. The proliferation of these VFDs has brought increased attention to harmonic distortion created by these drives and their effects on the power system. A standard-pulse drive with no built-in harmonic mitigation controls may interfere with neighboring equipment, reduce equipment life, and create a serious negative impact on the quality of utility power. Looking at the theory of operation for the following harmonic mitigation techniques and their typical performance levels may help take the guesswork out of harmonic reduction for these power systems.