by Donald J. Moore
High energy costs can quickly land colleges and educational institutions with a failing grade. In these facilities, energy waste hurts. Hot transformers disrupt power to critical equipment, and cooling systems work overtime to dissipate the heat. What suffers most? System reliability and the bottom line.
From computers and lab equipment to LCD projectors and electronic whiteboards, facilities must deliver technology dependably and on-demand. That’s why dangerous third-harmonic currents can’t go unchecked. Left alone, these currents — caused by the electronic loads on which students and educators rely — cause hot transformers, reduced efficiency, and shortened life cycles.
Computers and other electronic devices use switched mode power supplies (SMPS) to convert the AC current to the DC current they need to operate. These power supplies, due to their design, draw current in spikes, and that generates harmonic currents. Harmonic currents are generated by the load, take up space in the electrical distribution, and do no useful work. They reduce the capacity of the system and generate heat, thereby wasting energy. When the third-harmonic current returns to the transformer, it circulates in the primary winding and is dissipated as heat. This can lead to failure of some parts of the distribution system and waste heat energy loss in the transformer that can increase electrical costs by as much as 8%.
Harmonics Limited’s patented Harmonic Suppression Systems (HSS) helps schools nationwide eradicate third-harmonic currents from their electrical distribution systems. By preventing the loads from ever generating third-harmonic currents, an HSS from Harmonics Limited completely protects transformers, conduits, and switchgear from excess heat. Power reliability is restored, life-safety risks are reduced, efficiency is gained, and sustainable energy savings are achieved.
Unlike harmonic-mitigating transformers or solutions that accommodate the third harmonic by over-sizing transformers, conduits, and switch gear, HSS does more. It entirely eliminates third-harmonic currents from existing everywhere within the system, at the source. The system has less current, less heat, less waste, lower electric bills, and a real solution that pays for itself even as energy costs rise. The energy savings are sustained for the life of the transformer, yield an attractive ROI typically within 18 months, and may help new construction qualify for LEED points.
Planning a facility expansion? Need to replace a transformer? For maximum energy savings, consider Harmonic Suppression technology as a retrofit to an existing transformer or as an integrated component of the transformer in the design of new construction.
For over 20 years, Harmonics Limited has been increasing energy efficiency with its proprietary leading-edge Harmonic Suppression Systems. The company has helped hundreds of educational institutions save money, boost reliability, and earn credit for their improved energy performance.
Donald J. Moore is CEO at Harmonics Limited.
