TechShare
ISSUE
02
MAY
2020
ABOUT
HARMONICS
Harmonics is an electrical
effect when Alternating
Current (AC) converts to
Direct Current (DC).
It creates additional current
into the connected electrical
power supply circuit resulting
in a form of distortion to
power supply.
Harmonics is different from
electrical noise. The latter is
commonly on signal lines,
usually higher frequencies
and without orders.
Computers, computer-
controlled machine tools,
and various types of digital
controllers are especially
susceptible to harmonics, as
well as to other types of
interference.
VRV uses DC for multiple
components (fan motor,
compressor, control
electronics), so harmonics
can also be found in it.
Therefore, proper
understanding of harmonics
is useful for Daikin
engineers.
SHARING OF
TECHNICAL &
ENGINEERING
INFORMATION
this issue
About Harmonics
 Harmonics Standard and
Recommendation
 Effects of Harmonics
 VRV and Harmonics
 Reduce Harmonics
UNDERSTANDING HARMONICS IN DAIKIN VRV SYSTEM
 Harmonics Standard and Recommendation
IEC 61000-3-2 and IEC61000-3-12 Standard define limits for levels of harmonic current in
residential and commercial equipment respectively. Both allow a certain distortion of the
waveform due to harmonics for each equipment. This is assuming the equipment is in high
harmonics load. For equipment with low harmonics, excess capacity can be shared by other
equipment in the circuit.
IEEE 519 is a recommended practice and requirement for harmonic control in electric power
systems. It focuses on measurement between sources and loads, known as point of common
coupling (PCC) or power supply. The harmonic values of concern are taken to be the long
term averaged maximum.
The limits in these standards represent a shared responsibility for harmonic control as the
transformer is connected to many buildings. Individual building should control at the building
level to effectively ensure the harmonics up to transformer is within limits.
In addition, manufacturers should consider the maximum harmonic distortion in the voltage
which equipment be subjected. Currently, there is no guideline on this.
 Effects of Harmonics
High harmonic currents in circuits may lead to following damages or effects:
Engineering Perspective
• Capacitors bursting/bloating
• Wires burning from high heat
• Copper losses in transformer, leading to poor efficiency
• Circuit breakers tripping constantly
• Reduced life of components due to extra heat
• Excessive leakage of flux from transformers can cause metal enclosures heating
Business Perspective
• Increased maintenance and replacement cost
• Interruptions and downtimes cost
If equipment is not designed with enough safety factor, it might lead to equipment complete
failure. Such effects cost time and money to repair and poses a safety hazard.
 TechShare ISSUE 02, MAY 2020

 VRV and Harmonics

Harmonics is made up of multiple small components called orders of harmonics. Each order
of harmonics is a multiple of the source power supply frequency. Example: 3rd order
harmonic of 50Hz supply is 150Hz (3 x 50Hz). Common orders of harmonics of interest are
in odd orders as even orders usually cancel off or disrupt each other to be of lower effect.
Harmonic effects usually reduce to very low levels at around the 50th order. Different type
of AC to DC inverting loads will cause different harmonic distortions to the power supply
circuit. It is based on the design and operations of the equipment.
VRV harmonics are evaluated upon completion of design. Deviation from standards are
applied for VRV units. Generally, VRV A series has higher 5th order harmonics that cause
overall to be higher. No alarm needed as it is controlled and not causing damage to
equipment.
If further control is required by local law, mitigation at the site level is recommended.
Building consultants should provide special solution advise based on the whole building.
 Reduce Harmonics
Harmonics can be reduced by using passive filters, active filters or higher pulse count
convertors. Higher load requires larger filters and higher pulse counter requires more pulse
count converter.
 Passive filters can act like sponges to absorb harmonics as they provide a lower
impedance path to let harmonic currents flow towards them.
 Active filters sample the waveform and compensate the waveform quickly to reduce the
distortion.
 Higher pulse count convertors improve AC to DC inverting with more components to If you require more
smooth out the result. However, as the pulse count increases, they can become bulky information on harmonics,
and expensive. please contact Engineering
Filters can be installed at equipment or building level, while pulse converter is a solution Development Department
targeting at equipment level. (EDD).

Summary edd.regional@daikin.com.sg
Harmonics is natural occurrence in AC to DC inverting. Equipment have their own in-built
threshold. Main power supply acts as a large sink for absorbing harmonics due to its low
impedance. It is recommended to mitigate at building level as that is more efficient for all users
and equipment.
VRV does not put in excessive harmonics to the whole circuit. Special solutions should be
considered if local law implements strict measures on management of harmonics, or frequent
use of backup generator.

Issued by Daikin Holdings Singapore Pte Ltd, Engineering Development Department