Energy savings in Danish trade and industry by active harmonic filtering

This project quantified losses in the distribution grid and in directly connected motors due to harmonics. The extent of harmonic distortion was measured in 10 companies, and it was determined that voltage distortion must be at least 5-6% to make installation of active filters profitable. General electricity savings are estimated at a few percent, equal to 30-60 GWh/year, but in addition, active filters lead to more stable production, longer motor lifetimes etc. The results are used in ELFORSK project 342-030, which is to result in guidelines for electrical engineers in the corporate sector.