New Industry Products

Schaffner Releases ECOsineT Power Quality Passive Harmonic Filters

May 12, 2008 by Jeff Shepard

Schaffner has released its ECOsineT – a new load-applied passive harmonic filter that is said to be a suitable solution for three-phase power electronics with 6-pulse rectifier front ends, such as ac and dc motor drives.

As a result of the significant reduction in total harmonic current distortion (THID) to <5%, the company claims that the ECOsineT filters can uniquely guarantee compliance with the toughest requirements of IEEE 519 and other stringent international power quality standards. Rectifier peak and RMS input current are reduced and a pure sine wave is drawn from the grid. It is claimed that the reduction in current consumption for the same power level saves precious energy and helps to make better use of existing electric system capacity. For new installations, the use of ECOsineT filters even allows electric conductors, fuses and breakers to be downsized, or enables a greater number of drives to be powered by a given size of distribution transformer.

ECOsineT harmonic filters are available in two ranges: one for 50 Hz grids (FN 3410 series) and the other for 60 Hz systems (FN 3412 series). They can easily be selected on the basis of the actual input power demand of an individual load or a group of loads. Because of their compact package, they can be installed right inside the electrical cabinet next to the drive. A simple plug-and-play concept allows for quick installation, wiring and commissioning, without the need for system analysis or the involvement of highly trained specialists.

A standard safety feature continuously monitors filter temperature, controls the internal fans and provides an NC/C contact for seamless integration into a machine or system control unit.

ECOsineT FN 3410 filters are designed for 380 to 500V, 50 Hz grids and are available for power ratings from 4 to 160kW. FN 3412 filters are suitable for 440 to 480V, 60 Hz grids with standard ratings ranging from 5 to 250 HP. All filters are UL-approved, CE-marked and RoHS-compliant.

Pricing for OEM quantities of the ECOsineT filter start at $650 each. Delivery after July 2008 is 4-6 weeks ARO.