Every variable frequency drive panel can introduce harmonic distortion, so Adgo Controls designs mitigation into the build using line reactors, dV/dt filters or harmonic filters sized to the drive and the load. Mitigation protects transformers, motors and nearby electronics from overheating and premature failure.
Harmonic mitigation for VFDs involves a small ecosystem:
- Line reactors add impedance ahead of the drive, smoothing current draw and lowering total harmonic distortion (THD) on the supply.
- dV/dt filters limit voltage spikes on long motor leads, protecting motor windings and extending insulation life.
- Passive or active harmonic filters target specific frequencies when THD must meet IEEE 519, the standard many utilities and specifications reference.
If a drive sits on a generator or a weak service, then added filtering keeps voltage distortion from tripping sensitive PLC and instrumentation circuits. Right-sizing mitigation early avoids unplanned retrofits after a panel is already in the field. Harmonic planning is built into every drive-based system we fabricate, including our Motor Control Panels.
