Harmonic Mitigating Transformers

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Harmonic mitigating transformers use phase-shifting, electromagnetic

flux cancellation, and source impedance to reduce harmonic currents in
electrical distribution systems. By reducing the amount of heat that
harmonics generate, these devices enable transformers to operate at lower
temperatures. The result is lower cooling costs as well as longer device life
and reduced maintenance. Harmonic mitigating transformers also enable
the use of a transformer’s full capacity and ensure compliance with
harmonic limits defined by the Institute of Electric and Electronic Engineers
and other organizations. 

There are several types of harmonic mitigating transformers. Single phase

devices are designed to operate with single phase voltage. With three
phase transformers, the three primary windings are connected together.
The three secondary windings are connected together, too. With step-up
transformers, the secondary voltage is larger than the primary voltage. With
step-down transformers, the secondary voltage is smaller than the primary
voltage. Variable harmonic mitigating transformers have a setting for
changing the turn ratio as needed. One-to-one devices have a transformer
or turn ratio of 1:1, or near 1:1. 

Performance specifications for harmonic mitigating transformers include

operating frequency range, maximum primary voltage rating, maximum
secondary voltage rating, maximum secondary current rating, power rating,
and operating temperature. Because transformers with several nominal
voltages need more than one primary winding, the maximum voltage
should be specified for the application. Power rating, the rated power of the
device, is expressed in VA (volts x amps) for all of the secondary windings.
The range of operating temperatures is also important to consider when
selecting harmonic mitigating transformers.    

Harmonic mitigating transformers differ in terms of mounting style or

form factor. Chassis-mount devices have tabs so that the device can be
screwed into place. Chip transformers have an integrated circuit (IC) form
factor. Dish or disk mounted devices are attached with a rubber washer
and metal disk. H-frame mounting is used in applications where high
vibration is present. The modular jack form factor (RJ-45) incorporates
magnetics to insure high common noise immunity while maintaining signal
integrity. Harmonic mitigating transformers may also be mounted on
concrete pads, telephone poles, or printed circuit boards (PCBs).  

Some harmonic mitigating transformers are seismic-qualified or rated

for outdoor use. Others are waterproof or feature current limiting protection.
Harmonic mitigating transformers that meet enclosure or acoustic
requirements from the National Electrical Manufacturers Association
(NEMA) are also available. Specialty products include medical-grade
transformers.

Product Overview & Application

Harmonic Mitigating Transformers (HMT's) are specially designed for
non-linear loads which draw significant amounts of harmonic current. While
K-factor rated transformers are simply designed to handle the additional
losses of supplying non-linear loads, HMT's actually minimize the voltage
distortion and power losses that result from harmonic load currents.

General purpose and K-Factor rated transformers have a high impedance

to the flow of harmonic currents, and therefore, when harmonic currents are
drawn by the load, significant voltage distortion can be measured on the
transformer secondary. This voltage distortion leads to higher losses on
nearly all devices supplied by these transformer, and depending on the
amount of non-linear loading, can exceed the maximum 5% THD (IEEE
519).

Harmonic Mitigating Transformers provide a low impedance path to

these harmonic currents by a combination of phase shifting and zero
sequence flux cancelation:

 Zero Sequence Flux Cancelation: The secondary windings of

HMTs are specially designed such that zero sequence fluxes (3rd,
9th, 15th current harmonics) cancel out without being drawn from the
primary and circulating in the primary delta winding. The flux
cancelation provides a low impedance path for the zero sequence
harmonic currents, which reduces the voltage distortion significantly.
Furthermore, with no zero sequence circulating in the primary delta
winding, the losses within the transformer are reduced significantly. 
 Phase Shifting: The non triplean harmonics (5th, 7th, 11th, 13th,
17th & 19th) are mitigated by introducing of phase shifts on the
secondary side of the HMT. Depending on the arrangement selected
single, dual or triple output), specific harmonic currents can be
mitigated without coupling them to the primary windings.

The distorted current waveform created by non-linear loads can cause

many problems in an electrical distribution system. Eaton's Harmonic
Mitigating “phase-shifting” Transformers are cost-effective, energy efficient,
highly reliable passive devices that are always on the job, treating
harmonics regardless of the level of load they are serving at a given point
in time. They are designed to treat a wide variety of harmonics, including
harmful triplen harmonic currents.