In modern industrial and commercial environments, maintaining power quality is essential to ensure operational efficiency and equipment longevity. Harmonic filters play a critical role in reducing electrical noise and distortion caused by non-linear loads such as drives, UPS systems, and LED lighting.
At Neutron Energy, we offer both active and passive harmonic filtering solutions tailored to your specific load profile. Understanding the difference between these two types is key to selecting the most effective and cost-efficient option for your facility.
Harmonic filters are used to eliminate unwanted electrical frequencies, known as harmonics,from your power system. Harmonics can cause:
Overheating of transformers and cables
Equipment malfunction or failure
Tripping of circuit breakers
Reduced energy efficiency
To manage these distortions, two main types of filters are used: active and passive.
Passive harmonic filters are tuned electrical circuits made up of resistors, capacitors, and inductors. They are designed to absorb specific harmonic frequencies generated by equipment operating at constant loads.
Cost-effective for stable load conditions
Simple to install and maintain
Fixed frequency tuning
Does not adapt to load variations
Manufacturing facilities with predictable loads
HVAC systems
Fixed-speed motors
Active harmonic filters use advanced electronics to monitor and dynamically cancel out harmonics in real-time. These filters inject opposing currents to neutralise harmonic distortion across a broad frequency range.
Real-time harmonic correction
Works with variable or fluctuating loads
Higher initial cost, lower long-term risk
Can improve both power factor and voltage stability
Data centres and hospitals
Facilities with variable-speed drives
Environments with frequent load changes
| Feature | Passive Filter | Active Filter |
|---|---|---|
| Cost | Lower upfront cost | Higher upfront cost |
| Adaptability | Fixed tuning | Real-time dynamic filtering |
| Installation | Simple | Requires more space and setup |
| Load Type Suitability | Constant loads | Variable and unpredictable loads |
| Power Factor Correction | Limited | Excellent |
The choice between active and passive filtering depends on your facility’s:
Load profile
Power quality goals
Budget and energy usage patterns
Our team at Neutron Energy conducts detailed power quality assessments to determine the ideal solution for your environment.