Active front end drive technology is recognized by many in the industry as the best technology for overcoming harmonic challenges. This paper details two hardware solutions used for active front end drives.
Harmonic mitigation and variable frequency drives (VFDs) are two topics often tied to each other. Non-linear loads, such as VFDs, generate harmonics. Electrical systems with high levels of harmonics may encounter issues, such as unstable operation of stand-by generators. Reference ABB document Harmonics in HVAC applications (1 for more information on harmonics, problems caused by harmonics, and the many solutions available for cleaning up harmonics. Of all the solutions recognized, active front end (AFE) drive technology is widely considered the best overall harmonic mitigation technology.
