Invertas, UAB installed the first Danfoss iC7 HVACR Ultra Low Harmonic frequency converter in Lithuania
UAB Invertas has taken another step in implementing new generation electric drive technologies in Lithuania – a new electric drive has been installed in the Zarasai branch of AB Panevėžio Energija. Danfoss iC7-HVACR Ultra Low Harmonic (ULH) 55 kW frequency converter.
This is the first new generation of "Invertas" installed iC7-HVACR ULH frequency converter, characterized by extremely low harmonic distortion and designed for systems where not only efficient electric motor control is important, but also high power grid quality.
In this project, a 55 kW frequency converter controls a Grundfos pump. Although 55 kW is not a large power in the energy sector, this project is important for us in another aspect - it is the first practical application of the new Danfoss iC7 Ultra Low Harmonic Technology an application that paves the way for projects of much greater power.
Danfoss iC7-HVACR ULH and Grundfos pump control
AB "Panevėžio energija" in Zarasai branch Danfoss iC7-HVACR Ultra Low Harmonic 55 kW frequency converter controls Grundfos pump, which is part of the technological system of the heat economy. In such systems, reliable and accurate pump control is of particular importance, since its operating mode directly depends on the changing demand of the system.
Using a frequency converter, the pump's electric motor speed is regulated according to actual demand. This avoids inefficient operation, when the pump constantly operates at maximum speed, and the flow is regulated by mechanical means. By reducing the motor speed, the pump's electrical energy consumption can be significantly reduced, therefore frequency regulation is one of the most effective energy-saving measures in pump systems.
Danfoss iC7-HVACR The platform is specifically designed for HVAC and pump applications. The frequency converter allows precise control of pump speed, maintaining the required pressure or flow, and optimizing system performance under changing load. Smooth motor start and stop also reduces mechanical loads on the pump, motor, and piping, and helps reduce the risk of water hammer.
What are the benefits of Ultra Low Harmonic frequency converters?
The advantages of ULH technology are particularly evident in facilities that have many high-power electric drives installed.
Lower harmonic distortion means less load on the power grid with harmonic currents, lower additional losses in transformers and cables, and better conditions for other equipment connected to the same network.
This is especially relevant in heating, water management, manufacturing companies, data centers, hospitals and other infrastructure facilities, where the reliability of electricity supply is critical.
Danfoss indicates that the iC7-HVACR ULH technology can also reduce the complexity of the overall system design - the harmonic reduction solution is already integrated into the frequency converter itself.
Danfoss iC7-HVACR ULH – less than 3 % THDi
New generations Danfoss iC7-HVACR Ultra Low Harmonic Frequency converters are designed specifically for such systems.
The ULH version uses an integrated active rectifier, allowing for less than 3 % total harmonic distortion of current – THDi.
In comparison, the harmonic distortion of a conventional frequency converter with a traditional 6-pulse rectifier can be significantly higher, which is why in high-power systems it is often necessary to additionally use chokes, passive or active harmonic filters.
In the case of the iC7-HVACR ULH, harmonic reduction technology is integrated into the frequency converter itself. This allows for more compact system designs and reduces the need for additional external harmonic compensation components.
Another important parameter is power factor close to 1.0, so the electricity infrastructure can be used more efficiently.
Why are power grid harmonics becoming increasingly important?
With the increasing number of frequency converters, UPS, electric vehicle charging systems, and other power electronics devices, the quality of the power grid is becoming an increasingly important issue.
Įprasti dažnio keitikliai yra netiesinės apkrovos, todėl jų veikimas gali sukelti srovės harmonikas. Kai objekte naudojama daug didelės galios dažnio keitiklių, harmoninis iškraipymas gali didėti ir papildomai apkrauti bendrą elektros infrastruktūrą.
Possible consequences include additional heating of transformers, cables and other electrical system components, increased losses and interference with sensitive equipment.
Therefore, when designing modern energy, water management, industrial or infrastructure systems, it is no longer enough to evaluate only the power and energy efficiency of the frequency converter. The question is becoming increasingly important - What impact does a frequency converter have on the power grid?
New generation frequency converters for Lithuanian energy and industry
„Invertas sees this project as the beginning of a new phase.
With the increasing electrification and power electronics in industry, energy saving alone is no longer enough. Future electric drive systems will need to be efficient, smart, and have as little impact on the overall power grid quality as possible.
Danfoss iC7-HVACR Ultra Low Harmonic technology allows these requirements to be combined in one device.
The 55 kW frequency converter in Zarasai is the first step. We continue to see great potential for this technology in the heating industry, water management, and Lithuanian industry, where pumps, fans, and other electric drives with hundreds of kilowatts of power are used.
„Invertas is a Danfoss Drives solutions partner in Lithuania.
We consult, select and install frequency converters from standard electric drives to complex ones. Ultra Low Harmonic, Low Harmonic and High Power Drive Systems.
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