Eddie Jones, PE; Larry Ray, PE; and Tim Shuter, PE, Schneider Electric

Control Harmonic Distortion

While variable frequency drives (VFDs) offer many advantages for critical motor speed control and optimizing energy consumption, they are known for producing significant levels of harmonic distortion in adjacent power distribution systems. Utility systems can absorb some of that distortion, but when VFDs are on a circuit driven by a generator, the disturbances can threaten reliable operation.