Home

F & Q

Q1: What are Harmonics and why are they a problem?

Harmonics are electrical distortions that occur when the current or voltage waveform deviates from the perfect sine wave.
Simple explanation: Your electrical system should run on a smooth 50Hz sine wave, but non-linear equipment like computers, drives, and LED lights create additional frequencies (multiples of 50Hz like 150Hz, 250Hz, etc.).

Problems caused by harmonics:
- Equipment overheating and premature failure
- Increased electricity bills
- Nuisance tripping of breakers
- Motor vibrations and noise
- Transformer and cable heating
- Interference with sensitive electronics

Q2: What is Reactive Power and why does it matter?

Reactive Power is the power needed to create magnetic fields (like in motors, transformers) but doesn't actually do useful work.

Active Power = Does useful work
Reactive Power = Creates magnetic fields
Power Factor = Ratio of useful power to total power

Why it's important:
- Poor power factor means you pay for power you can't use
- Utilities penalize low power factor (below 0.9 or 0.95)
- Causes higher current draw and losses
- Reduces system capacity and efficiency

Q3: What's the difference between Harmonic Filter and SVG (Static VAR Generator)?

- SVG: Corrects power factor by providing reactive power (leading/lagging).
- Harmonic Filter: Removes electrical noise (harmonics) caused by non-linear loads.

Key difference: SVG fixes power factor, Harmonic Filter cleans up electrical noise.

Q4: What is Active Compensation vs APFC (Automatic Power Factor Correction)?

APFC (Traditional): Uses capacitors/reactors, step-wise correction, slower response, only PF correction.

Active Compensation (Modern): Uses IGBT technology, real-time exact compensation, instant response, handles both PF & harmonics.

Q5: Do I need both Power Factor Correction and Harmonic Filtering?

- Only PF issues → Choose SVG
- Only Harmonic issues → Choose AHF+
- Both issues → Choose SVG+ or AHF
- Severe harmonic problems → Choose AHF/AHF+

Q6: How do I know if I have harmonic problems?

Signs:
- Frequent LED failures
- Cable/transformer heating
- Breaker tripping
- Motor breakdowns
- High bills despite good PF
- Malfunctioning equipment

Q7: What causes harmonics in my electrical system?

Common sources:
- VFDs
- UPS systems
- Computers/servers
- LED lighting
- SMPS
- Welding equipment
- Any rectifier/inverter device

Q8: Which product should I choose for my application?

- SVG → Only PF correction
- SVG+ → PF + basic harmonic filtering (up to 13th order)
- AHF → Comprehensive quality management
- AHF+ → Advanced harmonic filtering (up to 50th order)

Q9: What's the difference between SVG and AHF products?

- SVG/SVG+: Focus on PF correction, optional basic harmonic filtering
- AHF/AHF+: Designed for comprehensive harmonic filtering with optional PF correction

Q10: What capacity ranges are available?

- SVG & SVG+: 25kVAR to 150kVAR
- AHF & AHF+: 30A to 210A

Q11: What harmonic orders can these products handle?

- SVG: No filtering
- SVG+: Up to 13th order
- AHF: Up to 25th order
- AHF+: Up to 50th order

Q12: Can I connect multiple units together?

Yes, up to 32 units can be connected in parallel for any capacity combination.

Q13: What operating modes are available?

- SVG: PF correction (100%) + Current balancing (30%)
- SVG+: PF mode or Hybrid mode (PF + harmonics)
- AHF: Pure harmonic / Pure PF / Hybrid
- AHF+: Harmonic filtering only

Q14: What are the installation requirements?

Indoor only, proper ventilation, dust-free, 0°C to 40°C, regular cleaning with air pressure.

Q15: What maintenance is required?

Minimal: Clean heat sinks/fans, ensure ventilation, keep dust-free.

Q16: How long do these products last?

Guaranteed 10-year parts availability, long-term support, high-quality film capacitors for extended life.

Q17: What's the difference between ASTRA and MicroBheem products?

- ASTRA: Custom-built for specific problems
- MicroBheem: Standard modular plug-and-play products

Q18: Do you provide technical support?

Yes: real-time support, training, solution design, long-term after-sales service.

Q19: Can these work with my existing APFC panel?

Yes, SVG and SVG+ support hybrid operation with existing APFC panels.

Q20: Why choose InPhase over imported alternatives?

Local support, proven reliability, long-term service, designed for Indian conditions, no import risks.

Q21: Which industries use these products?

- Manufacturing: Automotive, textiles, steel, cement
- Infrastructure: Data centers, hospitals, metro stations
- Process: Chemical, pharma, water treatment

Q22: When do I need harmonic filtering?

If you have VFDs, UPS, LEDs, SMPS, servers, or non-linear loads causing failures, heating, or malfunctions.

Author Info

InPhase

Find Me On

Home