ABB ACH580 VFD Demystifying Ultra Low Harmonic Drive Operation

A brief overview of harmonics and a look at how a standard VFD (Variable Frequency Drive) creates harmonics on the power line. Using the ABB ACH580-01 standard 6-pulse VFD as a starting point and leading into the ACH580-31 Ultra-Low Harmonic Drive (ULH) with its Active Front End (AFE), the theory of operation is explained. Finally, a simplified explanation as to how the AFE can transfer power from the line or regen power to the line with the ability to boost the internal voltage, maintain a power factor of unity, and produce only 3% total harmonic current distortion. This presentation will provide the information needed to help understand why a statement like "ULH drive cancels harmonics like noise-cancelling headphones" is incorrect. Created by Thomas Shircel, Senior Regional Application Engineer, ABB Inc.
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[@garyconway439]

Great review! Even though I did not follow every step on a first watch it was great to have the concepts spelled out in simple terms I could at least grasp the idea of. I've never heard of a 6-pulse drive gulping current, but I see that is exactly what it does. The take-away from this video plus conversation with you today is that the ULH (ACH580-31) IGBT rectifier drive with built in (HGL) low capacitance filter is probably what we should be specifying on future projects. Plus, for a project where we already have the ACH589-01 and need to add a generator, we can add the TCI HGL filter in it's own enclosure prevent the generator from being oversized due to harmonics. And I will have to watch this again so the concepts sink in a little better!