Reliable Advanced Power Quality

TCI provides a variety of solutions to improve power quality, reduce energy costs, extend motor life and performance and protect sensitive equipment in HVAC applications. The company specializes in delivering the right product for the right application and offers the following harmonic mitigation solutions.

Variable Frequency Drives (VFDs) have become the standard method of control for heating, ventilating and air conditioning (HVAC) systems due to their precise control and significant energy savings. VFDs are now commonly applied to air handlers, pumps, chillers and tower fans. In most HVAC installations, the VFD shares the AC power supply with sensitive electronic equipment such as computers, telecommunications networks, lighting and clocks.
VFDs are a source of harmonic distortion in HVAC applications and pose a challenge in providing a clean, reliable power. Reducing harmonic levels can prevent potential damage to sensitive equipment residing on the same system.

Building design specifications often require compliance with IEEE 519 standards, which limit the amount of harmonic distortion allowed on the power system. The standard provides guideline limits on the amount of harmonic currents imposed on the utility at the point of common coupling as well as limits on the amount of voltage distortion the harmonic currents can produce. In addition, some utilities now impose penalties for introducing harmonics onto their grid, providing incentives for owners to reduce harmonics.

KDR Line Reactors

Due to degrading power quality over time from increase non-linear loads, drives and other sensitive devices are vulnerable to electrical distortion on the line. The KDR line reactor provides a cost effective solution to this issue. The KDR line reactor can help limit expensive downtime by preventing nuisance tripping. It also reduces harmonic current which can increase the life of the drive and protect sensitive equipment.

Harmonics and Power Quality

Variable frequency drives are beneficial to a wide range of applications, but contain a power conversion process that creates current and voltage distortion which can cause system-wide problems, including: