"Achieving Significant Energy Savings and Efficiency Boost with Harmonic Filtering and Power Factor Improvement in a Data Centre Setup!"
1.?Mitigation of a wide spectrum Harmonics :
Transformation of Power quality, electrical efficiency and reliability of data centres, and optimizing Power usage effectiveness (PUE) of data centres by employing Harmonic mitigation transformer (HMT).and Advanced type Passive Harmonic filter ( harmonic Terminator) large numbers of servers, computers, and equipment utilizing Switch Mode Power Supplies (SMPS), which inherently generate triplen (3rd, 9th, 15th, etc.) harmonics. These harmonics accumulate in the neutral conductor, leading to potential overheating and inefficiencies. A HMT effectively mitigates these triplen harmonics by providing a low-impedance path for zero-sequence currents, ensuring cleaner power delivery and reducing overall harmonic distortion.
2. Improved Load Balancing: WAVEFORMS HARMONIC MITIGATION TRANSFORMER (HMT) facilitate better load distribution across all phases. This is particularly beneficial in environments where single-phase loads dominate, leading to imbalances that can stress electrical systems. By balancing these loads, the WAVEFORMS HARMONIC MITIGATION TRANSFORMER (HMT) contributes to smoother operation, enhanced equipment life, and minimized disruptions.
3. Reduced Heat and Air Conditioning Costs: Harmonic currents generate excess heat in electrical conductors and equipment. By significantly reducing triplen harmonics and balancing loads, a WAVEFORMS HARMONIC MITIGATION TRANSFORMER (HMT) helps lower the amount of waste heat produced. This reduction translates directly to savings on air conditioning and cooling systems, which can be substantial in data centre environments.
4. Reduction of Neutral Currents and Common Mode Noise (EMI): In typical three-phase systems without harmonic mitigation, neutral conductors can carry substantial currents due to the summation of triplen harmonics. Installing a WAVEFORMS HARMONIC MITIGATION TRANSFORMER (HMT) minimizes these neutral currents, preventing overheating and potential damage to wiring and distribution panels. Additionally, the WAVEFORMS HARMONIC MITIGATION TRANSFORMER (HMT) helps reduce common mode noise (Electromagnetic Interference, EMI), improving overall power quality and protecting sensitive equipment from potential disruptions. It also ensures that the earth-neutral voltage is maintained at zero, enhancing system stability and reducing the risk of unwanted electrical noise.
5. Energy Savings and Enhanced Efficiency: With harmonics reduced and load balance improved, the overall power factor of the system sees significant enhancement. For a 400 V system with a load of 100A, where 3rd harmonics can reach 40% due to SMPS use, the reduction in harmonic-related losses leads to lower energy consumption. This not only translates to cost savings on electricity bills but also contributes to sustainable and environmentally friendly data centre operations. Additionally, the performance of the UPS system is significantly enhanced, with reduced internal heat generation leading to improved efficiency, reliability, and longevity. The decrease in heat stress ensures that the UPS operates within optimal temperature ranges, minimizing wear and tear on components and enhancing the overall lifecycle of the system.
6. Improved performance and increase in life span of UPS , computers and Air-conditioning Equipments due to reduction of heat as a consequence of Harmonic mitigation.
Conclusion: Integrating a HARMONIC MITIGATION TRANSFORMER (HMT) at the output of a UPS system is a strategic decision for data centre designers seeking to optimize performance, reduce operational costs, and enhance system reliability. The comprehensive benefits include reduced triplen harmonics, balanced loads, minimized heat generation, lower neutral currents, and energy savings—making it an essential component for modern data centre infrastructure.
Example Problem: Power Factor and Harmonic Reduction Impact on Energy Savings
Problem Statement:
You have installed a HARMONIC MITIGATION TRANSFORMER (HMT) at the output of a 100 kVA UPS powering a load of 100 A. Initially, the neutral current was 40 A, which dropped to 5A after installing the WAVEFORMS HARMONIC MITIGATION TRANSFORMER (HMT). This installation improved the power factor from 0.6 to 0.96.
In addition, you installed a Advanced type Passive Harmonic Filter on a 100 A chiller plant load driven by a Variable Frequency Drive (VFD), which reduced harmonics from 40% to 8%. This installation also improved the power factor from 0.9 to 0.98.
The power loss for both the HARMONIC MITIGATION TRANSFORMER (HMT)and the Waveforms Advanced Passive Harmonic Filter is 5%.
You want to calculate:
1.??? The energy savings due to power factor improvement from 0.6 to 0.96 for the UPS and from 0.9 to 0.98 for the chiller plant.
2.??? The reduction of heat by 20% due to the mitigation of third harmonics in the UPS and its impact on air conditioning costs.
3.??? The overall savings in energy charges considering a 30% penalty on total energy charges for a power factor of 0.6.
4.??? The power usage effectiveness (PUE) for the total data center.
Assumptions:
1. kVA Reduction Calculation and Monthly Demand Charge Savings:
(a) UPS System (PF improved from 0.6 to 0.96)
??Initial Apparent Power (kVA) at PF = 0.6:
Apparent Power = 100KW/0.6 = 166.67KVA
?Improved Apparent Power (kVA) at PF = 0.96:
?Apparent Power = 100KW/0.96 = 104.17KVA
kVA Reduction = 166.67 kVA ? 104.17 kVA = 62.5KVA
Annual Demand Charge Savings for UPS:
Savings = 62.5 kVA × 550 Rs/kVA/month × 12 months = Rs 412,500/- approximately.
?b) Chiller Plant System (PF improved from 0.9 to 0.98)
Initial Apparent Power (kVA) at PF = 0.9:
?Apparent Power = 100KW/0.9 = 111.11KVA
?Improved Apparent Power (kVA) at PF = 0.98:
Apparent Power = 100KW/0.98 = 102.04KVA
kVA Reduction:
kVA Reduction = 111.11 kVA ? 102.04 kVA
kVA Reduction ?= 9.07 kVA
Annual Demand Charge Savings for Chiller Plant:
Savings = 9.07 kVA × 550 Rs/kVA/month × 12 months = Rs 59,062/- approximately
Total kVA Demand Charge Savings
Total kVA Demand Charge Savings = 412, 500 + 59, 062 = Rs 471,562/- approximately.
2. Power Loss Savings Due to Power Factor Improvement:
Improving the power factor reduces line losses. We assume a 2% reduction in losses for the UPS and 1% for the Chiller Plant due to improved power factor.
?(a)? UPS System Power Loss Reduction (2% assumption)
Loss Reduction:
Power Loss Savings = 100 kW × 0.02 = 2 kW
Annual Energy Savings:
Energy Savings = 2 kW × 8760 hours = 17, 520 kWh
Cost Savings = 17, 520 kWh × 9 = Rs 157,680/- approximately
(b) Chiller Plant System Power Loss Reduction (1% assumption)
Loss Reduction:
Power Loss Savings = 100 kW × 0.01 = 1 Kw
Annual Energy Savings:
Energy Savings = 1 kW × 8760 hours = 8, 760 kWh
Cost Savings = 8, 760 kWh × 9 = Rs 78,840/- approximately
Total Power Loss Savings = 157, 680 + 78, 840 = Rs 236,520/- approximately
3. Energy Savings from Harmonic Reduction in Chiller Plant
With harmonic reduction from 40% to 8%, the chiller plant experiences reduced heat-related losses.
?Harmonic Loss Reduction Power Savings:
Power Savings = 12.8 kW
Annual Energy Savings:
Energy Savings = 12.8 kW × 8760 hours = 112, 128 kWh
?Cost Savings:
Cost Savings = 112, 128 kWh × 9 = Rs 1,009,152/- approximately.
?Note: The savings can increase/decreases substantially in states with KVA bulling.
?Summary of Savings
·??Total kVA Demand Charge Savings: Rs 471,562/- approximately per annum.
·??Power Loss Savings from PF Improvement: Rs 236,520/- approximately per annum.
·??Energy Savings from Harmonic Reduction: Rs 1,009,152/- approximately per annum.
·??Total Annual Savings: Rs 1,717,234/- approximately per annum.
?
Conclusion : The calculation of savings does not include the other benefits like
Enhancement of Power quality, reliability, Substantial reduction in Maintenance cost, Increase in life of electronic equipment, resilience of electrical system, generator performance and savings in diesel consumption, reduction in pollution and reduction in carbon footprint.
Domain consultant - Power Quality and Industry 4.0
1 周kVA losses needs to checked as it can be improved upstream???? Thanks for the insightful and arithmetic article ????????
Executive Director at DARTER TECHNOLOGIES PRIVATE LIMITED
2 周Sir, Amazing and in this 4th point of "Reduction of Neutral Currents and Common Mode Noise (EMI)" features, how and where the transformer A.B.,C windings have got termintaed. IT hangs only. If it is in ZIG ZAG mode? then how the cancellation effects in all other sequnces of harmonics?