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Power Quality Enhancement Techniques

Power quality is a critical concern in modern power systems, where the reliability and efficiency of electrical equipment depend on a stable and clean power supply. Poor power quality can lead to equipment failure, downtime, and increased energy costs. Power quality enhancement techniques are employed to mitigate these issues by filtering out unwanted voltage fluctuations, harmonics, and other disturbances that can affect system performance.

Active Power Filters​

Active power filters (APFs) are an effective solution for improving power quality in industrial applications. APFs work by injecting a current that is opposite to the harmonic distortion present on the supply lines, thereby canceling it out. They can be used to correct a wide range of harmonic problems, from single-phase to three-phase systems.

Advantages and Disadvantages​

Advantages:

  • Highly effective in correcting harmonics up to very high frequencies.
  • Can handle complex harmonic distortion scenarios.
  • Suitable for a variety of applications, including industrial and commercial sites.

Disadvantages:

  • Relatively expensive compared to passive solutions.
  • Requires specialized expertise for installation and maintenance.
  • May not be as effective in situations where the source of the harmonics is unknown or unpredictable.