Energy controllers & Harmonics

Hi,

I have had some feedback that suggests that the energy controller (although lowers voltage and saves energy) creates some serious harmonics and has a negative effect on the THD.

Has anyone else had these problems?

 

Our company has quite extensive experience with the Energy Controllers and have not had any particular problem with THD etc on sites.

I have a copy of an independant test on a similar product that uses the same "insides" as the Clipsal units. Note this info is only for a 2400VA model loaded with about 50 x 36W fluorescent tubes...

The tested THD from the Energy Controller was 14.2%, which is higher than when it's not in circuit (10.5%) but not that much worse than a cheaper model Philips electronic ballast with 12.6% THD.

I cannot advise whether these results are typical of all models of Energy Controller, so I just provide them for background info about these kinds of (Autotransformer) devices.

It must be said that such devices are not a "perfect solution", and for optimum energy efficiency and reliability it is far better to replace all ballasts or luminaires with more energy-efficient technology. But where ever this is not economically viable, the Autotransformer devices can provide reasonable (25-30%) power savings - but the limitations of such units must also be understood and considered accordingly.

I hope that helps a little, John