THM filtering and

the management of
harmonics
upstream of UPS

MERLIN GERIN KNOW HOW

THM filtering and the control of harmonics
upstream of UPSs

Authors : S. BERNARD - J.N. FIORINA - B GROS - G. TROCHAIN

Contents

abstract..............................................................................................................2

1. Introduction. UPS and harmonics ............................................................3

n background information on UPS ........................................................................3

2. Harmonics upstream of UPS .....................................................................4

n origin of harmonics and theoretical analysis .......................................................4
n actual observations ...........................................................................................6
n conclusions .......................................................................................................7

3. Controlling harmonics upstream of UPS ................................................8

n preventing the effects of harmonics....................................................................8
n meeting user needs and compliance with standards ...........................................8

4. Solutions for controlling upstream harmonics ....................................10

n possible solutions ............................................................................................10
n choke in the rectifier input circuit ......................................................................10
n LC passive filters.............................................................................................11
n 12-pulse..........................................................................................................13
n THM active filtering..........................................................................................14

5. Comparison and conclusions .................................................................16

n THM approach ................................................................................................16
n comparison of solutions ...................................................................................16
n conclusions .....................................................................................................17

MGE UPS SYSTEMS MGE0246UKI – 02/2000 1

1. Abstract

Authors: S. BERNARD – J.N FIORINA – B. GROS – G. TROCHAIN

THM filtering and the control of harmonics upstream of

UPS
UPS (Uninterruptible Power Supplies) produce harmonic currents on the upstream
power system. The reason for this is that they draw their input power from the
upstream source via a rectifier-charger. These harmonic currents distort the current
(THDI) and voltage (THDU), increase the rms value of the current and reduce the
power factor.
Harmonic currents must therefore be controlled to avoid the negative effects of
distortion, such as the malfunctioning of sensitive electronic devices, premature
aging of equipment, flicker and the derating of sources. Users must also control
harmonics to obtain "clean" electrical installations complying with the IEC 61000-3-
4/EN 61000-3-4 guide for devices with input currents exceeding 16 A/ph.
Four filtering solutions used with UPSs are presented and the advantages and
drawbacks of each discussed. The solutions fall into two categories: low-cost
solutions based on standard passive filters and high-performance solutions based
on a THM active filter.
The THM active filter from MGE UPS SYSTEMS proves to offer the highest
performance and is the only solution to comply with the IEC 61000-3-4/EN 61000-3-
4 guide. This type of filter is in fact a simplified version of the SineWave active
harmonic conditioner, optimized for use with a UPS. A comparison of the different
solutions reveals that the 12-pulse filter is today obsolete.

MGE UPS SYSTEMS MGE0246UKI – 02/2000 2

1. Introduction. UPSs and harmonics

background information UPS systems (uninterruptible power supplies) are power electronics interfaces
installed between incoming utility power and loads that are highly sensitive to the
on UPSs
quality and continuity of the supply of electrical power.
UPSs supply dependable power, i.e. without interruptions and with a consistently
high level of quality, compatible with the operation of sensitive loads.
Double-conversion UPS (also known as on-line systems) are used extensively for
medium to high-power applications (≥10 kVA). They are made up of (see figure 1):
n rectifier/charger at the input that draws power from the utility and rectifies it to
charge or float charge a battery and support the inverter;
n battery that provides backup power in the event of a power failure;
n inverter that supplies power with a consistently high level of quality (frequency,
voltage, etc., within tight tolerances), to the load
n static switch used, when necessary, to transfer the load without interruption to the
utility via a bypass (thus enabling downgraded supply;
n manual bypass used for maintenance operations.
This type of UPS can operate in the following modes:
n normal mode: inverter supplied via the rectifier charger;
n backup mode: inverter supplied by the battery;
n bypass mode: load supplied directly by the utility, via the bypass.

Fig. 1. Simplified diagram of a high-power double-conversion (on-line) UPS (bridge

rectifier on the input).
Given its role as an interface between the utility and sensitive loads, and its
component parts, the UPS may be considered as:
n a non-linear load, i.e. a source of current harmonics for the upstream distribution
system, because it is connected to the upstream system via the input
rectifier/charger;
n a power source for the downstream loads that are, generally speaking, also non-
linear loads that cause harmonics.
These two conditions make it necessary to take the following into account in UPS
operation, particularly for compliance with standards:
n control of harmonics reinjected upstream;
n immunity from downstream harmonics.
In this document, we will examine UPS operation mainly concerning the upstream
side, with respect to the problems caused by harmonics and we will look at the
solutions proposed by manufacturers to control upstream harmonic pollution
and ensure "clean" UPS operation.
MGE UPS SYSTEMS MGE0246UKI – 02/2000 3
2. Harmonics upstream of UPS

origin of harmonics and the Graëtz bridge rectifier

theoretical analysis The presence of harmonics upstream of a UPS is due to its basic design, i.e. the fact
that it draws power from the upstream AC system via a rectifier/charger. The
function of the rectifier/charger is to charge or float charge the battery at a constant
voltage and to supply the power demanded by the inverter.
The most common type of rectifier/charger is based on a Graëtz bridge with SCRs
(see figure 2), combined with a very high-impedance smoothing inductor (or choke)
such that the output current Id is perfectly smooth, DC.

waveform of the input current

The input currents of each phase, supplied by the source, are made up of
rectangular waveforms (I1, I2, I3) in figure 3, containing harmonics.
Each SCR conducts the current for one third of a cycle. The line currents I1, I2 and
I3 each stay on, in turn and for one third of the cycle, the value and waveform of the
rectified current Id, which is a direct current if the smoothing impedance is
considered infinite.
If, at the same time, the source impedance Zs is assumed to be equal to zero, the
current immediately reaches the value Id when an SCR starts to conduct.

Fig. 2. Diagram of the rectifier/charger. Fig. 3. Theoretical currents upstream of

the rectifier/charger with infinite
downstream smoothing impedance and
zero source impedance.

theoretical spectrum of harmonic currents

These square-wave currents are the sum of the harmonic currents according to the
Fourier series expansion. This type of bridge, referred to as a six-pulse bridge
(because the rectifier has six legs), in fact generates harmonics of the following
orders only: n = 6 k ± 1, where k has the values 1, 2, 3, etc. (whole numbers).
The rms value of each harmonic current depends on that of the fundamental H1
(for which the value is approximately 0.78 Id), i.e.:
H1
Hn = .
n
The amplitude of the harmonics decreases as their harmonic order n increases.
The spectrum of the harmonic currents is shown in the following table T1 and figure
4.

MGE UPS SYSTEMS MGE0246UKI – 02/2000 4

2. Harmonics upstream of UPS (cont.)

Table T1. Theoretical spectrum of harmonic currents.

Harmonic % of H1
H5 20% (1/5)
H7 14% (1/7)
H11 9% (1/11)
H13 8% (1/13)
H17 6% (1/17)
H19 5% (1/19)

Fig. 4. Theoretical harmonic spectrum.

rms value of the current

Irms= (I1)2 + (I5)2 + (I7)2 + (I11)2 +...
i.e. I rms = 1.05 I1.

power factor
Because the rectifier/charger at the UPS input is a non-linear load, the power factor
λ is defined by the general relation:
P
λ=
S
P (kW) is the active power of the UPS.
S (kVA) is the apparent power of the UPS.
Because of the harmonics:
S = P 2 + Q 2 + D2
Q (kvar) is the reactive power.
D (kVA) is the value of the distorting power caused by the harmonics.

Consequently, the harmonics represent a loss equal to the distorting power they
consume, which reduces the input power factor.

current and voltage distortion

The total harmonic distortion of the current (abbreviated to THDI), measures the
relative value of the harmonics with respect to the fundamental.
The spectrum presented above corresponds to a level of distortion equal to:
(I5 )2 + (I7 )2 + (I11)2 + ...
THDI = 100
I1
i.e. approximately 30%.

In this theoretical case under consideration, the voltage distortion (THDU) is equal to
zero because the source is assumed to have zero impedance (infinite power).

MGE UPS SYSTEMS MGE0246UKI – 02/2000 5

2. Harmonics upstream of UPS (cont.)

actual observations influence of the source impedance and switching

In fact, a number of factors modify these theoretical values and result in voltage
distortion.
n Current variations are not instantaneous and an overlap (two SCRs conducting
simultaneously) occurs during switching. The line current does not have a perfectly
rectangular waveform and its harmonic content is slightly modified.
n The smoothing impedance is not infinite and so current Id does not have
negligible ripple content.
n The true waveform of the input and output currents is shown in figure 5.

Fig. 5. Real rectifier input and output currents.

n With this current waveform, the true spectrum, for example for a Galaxy PW UPS
at full load with a power factor of 0.8, is:
Table T2. Example of the true spectrum of harmonic currents.
Harmonic % of H1
H3 1%
H5 32%
H7 5%
H9 1%
H11 8%
H13 4%
H15 1%
H17 3%
Note the increase in harmonic order H5 and the decrease in H7, H13 and H17 with
respect to the theoretical values. Note also the low levels of H3, H9 and H15.
The corresponding THDI is 33%, which is close to the theoretical value of 30%.

n The THDU at the rectifier input depends on the total source impedance and the
SCR firing angle delay. The THDU rises rapidly to significant levels, even for low
source-impedance values (see figure 6).

Fig. 6. Voltage distortion as a function of the source impedance (expressed as the

short-circuit voltage) for different values of the SCR delay angle α.

MGE UPS SYSTEMS MGE0246UKI – 02/2000 6

2. Harmonics upstream of UPS (cont.)

influence of partial load on THDI

The results presented assume a 100% load on the UPS. In fact, the THDI increases
with decreasing load.
This phenomenon is due to the fact that the harmonic content of the current
decreases less quickly than the fundamental. As switching is faster for lower
currents, the resulting waveform is squarer and the currents have a higher harmonic
content.

conclusions F UPSs cause harmonic currents due to the Graëtz bridge of the rectifier at the
input, notably harmonic current H5 and to a lesser degree H7 and H11.

F In particular, these harmonics produce:

n current distortion (THDI approximately 30%) and voltage distortion (THDU). The
higher the source impedance, the higher the THDU;
n an increase in the rms value of the current;
n a reduction in the power factor.

F What is more, the THDI increases as the UPS load drops, i.e. as the UPS is
supporting lower than rated output.

MGE UPS SYSTEMS MGE0246UKI – 02/2000 7

3. Controlling harmonics upstream of UPS

preventing the effects of Upstream harmonics must be controlled to avoid the following negative effects on
the power-distribution network:
harmonics
increase in the rms current
Harmonics increase the rms current (calculated as 5% above, see the I rms
calculation), which results in:
n increased losses;
n reduced efficiency;
n overloads and temperature rise;
n risk of damage to other loads.

increase in current and voltage distortion

current distortion (THDI)
Total harmonic distortion, or THDI, of the input current typically around 30%. This
value demonstrates the significant level of distortion in the current (see figure 5)
must be considerably reduced to limit the effects of the harmonic currents.
voltage distortion (THDU)
The flow of harmonic currents in the source impedance results in distortion of the
input voltage as well.
Total harmonic distortion, or THDU, of the input voltage must remain within limits
(generally 5%) to avoid excessive disturbances to other loads connected to the
same set of busbars.
As the THDU depends on the source impedance (see figure 6), it is necessary,
when a diesel generator set is installed, to respect this limit both for sources with
high impedance (generator) and with a lower impedance (transformer).
It follows that to reduce the THDU, it is necessary to reduce the harmonic currents, if
possible with a solution that is independent of the source.
effect of distortion
The increase in distortion (current and voltage) can cause the following:
n damage to or malfunctioning of sensitive electronic equipment;
n premature aging;
n flicker (lighting systems, screens);
n source derating.
To avoid these problems, it is necessary to limit the harmonic content and
consequently the THDU and THDI.

decrease in the power factor

Harmonics decrease the power factor. This may result in:
n drawing an excessive level of apparent power.
A reduction in harmonics is the means to achieve savings on the corresponding
costs.
Note also that an excessively low value of cos ϕ1(where ϕ1 is the phase
displacement between the fundamental current and voltage) can also lead to the
billing of penalties the utility. It is therefore important to raise both the power factor λ
and at the same time, wherever possible, the displacement power factor cos ϕ1

compliance with UPSs have become indispensable.

However, if the user is to benefit fully from the advantages offered by a UPS, it is
standards to meet
necessary to effectively deal with the problems related to upstream harmonics.
customer needs Clearly, users cannot accept that the solution for electrical-power problems for
critical loads result in further problems on their electrical-distribution network.

MGE UPS SYSTEMS MGE0246UKI – 02/2000 8

3. Controlling harmonics upstream of UPS (cont.)

Control of upstream harmonics is indispensable to ensure that users:

n have a "clean" electrical-distribution by reducing THDI through limiting or
elimination of harmonics;
n obtain THDU values compatible with all their loads, by respecting the 5% limit;
n obtain acceptable power-factor and phase-displacement values (≥ 0,94);
n have an installation that complies with current and future standards on harmonic
disturbances:
o standards on harmonic emissions:
- IEC 61000-3-2 / EN 61000-3-2 for devices with an input current ≤ 16 A/ph;
- IEC 61000-3-4 / EN 61000-3-4 for devices with an input current > 16 A/ph;
(see table T3);
o standards and recommendations on the quality of distribution systems, which are
coming into force in a number of countries, notably:
- IEC 61000-3-5 / EN 61000-3-5;
- EN 50160 (Europe);
- IEEE 519-2 (United States);
- ASE 3600 (Switzerland);
- G5/4 (UK), etc.;
n can easily combine a UPS and a diesel generator set, without risking an increase
in harmonics when the load is transferred to the diesel generator set;
n obtain a reduction in demand for kVA and avoid to oversize the power sources.

Table T3. Example of limited harmonic currents in compliance with

IEC 61000-3-4 / EN 61000-3-4 guide for devices with an input current > 16 A/ph
(stage 1, connection without restrictions).
Harmonic % of H1
H3 21.6%
H5 10.7%
H7 7.2%
H9 3.8%
H11 3.1%
H13 2.0%
H15 0.7%
H17 1.2%
H19 1.1%
H21 ≤ 0.6%
H23 0.9%
H25 0.8%
H27 ≤ 0.6%
H29 0.7%
H31 0.7%
≥ H33 ≤ 0.6%
H even orders ≤ 0.6% or ≤ 8/n (n even order)

MGE UPS SYSTEMS MGE0246UKI – 02/2000 9

4. Solutions for controlling upstream harmonics

possible solutions Reductions in THDI and THDU are linked and depend on the reduction of the most
dominant harmonic currents.

To that end, MGE UPS SYSTEMS, in the framework of THM (Total Harmonic
Management), proposes a number of solutions that may be integrated in the UPS:
n installation of a choke in the rectifier input to attenuate the amplitude of the
harmonics (in particular high-order harmonics);
n installation of an LC passive harmonic filter in the input of the rectifier bridge,
tuned to the harmonic order to be eliminated;
n use of a number of rectifiers supplied with voltages that are slightly shifted in
phase to eliminate the most disturbing harmonics, through current recombination.
This solution, known as double-bridge or 12-pulse filtering, is in fact a form of
harmonic recombination;
n use a THM active filter, derived from active harmonic conditioners such as
SineWave, that compensates for harmonics in real time to eliminate distortion.

We are going to study the characteristics as well as the advantages and

disadvantages of each of the above solutions :

rectifier with inline choke operating principle

This is simply a palliative solution that attenuates all harmonic orders.
It consists in installing an LF smoothing choke upstream of the UPS rectifier, thus
adding to the total inductance LS of the source (generator and cables) (see figure 7).
This is a means to reduce distortion by a factor of:
Ls
, thus:
Ls + LF
Ls
THDU(A) = THDU(B) x
Ls + LF
The THDU at point A is commonly only half that at point B.

F This choke is fitted as standard in all MGE UPS SYSTEMS units.

Fig. 7. Installation of an additional LF inductor upstream of the UPS attenuates the

effects of harmonics.

MGE UPS SYSTEMS MGE0246UKI – 02/2000 10

4. Solutions for controlling upstream harmonics (cont.)

advantages
n simple solution, reliable and relatively inexpensive.
n the choke can be used with all types of sources.

disadvantages
n limited effectiveness.
n large dimensions.
n line drop.

LC passive filter operating principle

This solution (see figure 8) consists in installing, in addition to an LF smoothing
choke, an LC filter in parallel with the rectifier/charger input.
The LP inductor and the CP capacitor are selected such that the filter impedance is
zero for the fifth harmonic current (the most significant) and low for the seventh
harmonic current.
To that end, values are selected such that Lp.Cp.ω2 = 1 for H5, i.e. f = 5 x 50 Hz =
250 Hz.
Thus for:
n the fifth harmonic order (250 Hz), the parallel impedance is equal to zero. The
entire fifth harmonic current flows through the parallel circuit and no longer affects
the other loads;
n the seventh harmonic order (350 Hz), given the slight shift in tuning, the parallel
impedance is still low and a part of the H7 current is also eliminated;
n the harmonics with higher orders, the parallel impedance of the filter is very close
to that of its LP inductor and it operates as a voltage divider.

Fig. 8. A tuned LC filter.

MGE UPS SYSTEMS MGE0246UKI – 02/2000 11

4. Solutions for controlling upstream harmonics (cont.)

different versions
MGE UPS SYSTEMS offers the following three types of LC filters:
n non-compensated harmonic filter
This is the filter described above (see figure 8).
n compensated harmonic filter
This filter (see figure 9) is ideal for installations with a diesel generator set. The
inductive load (additional compared to the above filter) enables a reduction in the
capacitive energy that must be supplied by the diesel generator set at start-up and
under steady-state conditions.
n non-compensated harmonic filter with contactor
This filter (see figure 10) is ideal for installations with a diesel generator set, where
the margin is small between the power rating of the engine generator set and the
power it must supply. The LC circuit starts operating only when the contactor closes.
Closing is automatic and depends on a pre-set value that corresponds to a UPS
percent load that is acceptable for the engine generator set.

Fig. 9. Compensated harmonic filter. Fig. 10. Non-compensated harmonic filter

with contactor.

advantages
n simple solution and reliable.
n the choke can be added to the installation at any time.
n satisfactory performance, notably for the tuned frequency: THDI ≤ 5%.
n increase in the input power factor. The presence of the parallel filter circuit tuned
to the fifth harmonic causes a capacitive current to appear at the fundamental
frequency. This capacitive current may, to some extent, compensate the lag of the
rectifier current and thus improve the power factor of the rectifier.

disadvantages
n limited spectrum. This solution is effective only for frequencies close to the tuned
frequency. It eliminates the fifth harmonic current, a part of H7, but very little of H11
or H13.
n poorly suited for partial loads. Effectiveness is cut in half when the UPS operates
at 50% load (the THDI rises from 5% to 10%).
n poorly suited to parallel UPS systems, because a filter is required for each
rectifier/charger.
n dependence on the source. If the installation includes a diesel generator set, the
basic filter (non compensated) may not be used if the diesel generator set cannot
accept a capacitive current equal to 30% of the rectifier current.
In this case, a compensated filter is required, or a more expensive filter with a
contactor.

MGE UPS SYSTEMS MGE0246UKI – 02/2000 12

4. Solutions for controlling upstream harmonics (cont.)

12-pulse filter operating principle

This solution, for which MGE UPS SYSTEMS was one of the precursors back in
1975, may be used for both single and parallel UPS systems.
It uses (see figure 11) a transformer with two secondary windings to supply voltages
with a 30% phase shift, each of the secondaries supplying a Graëtz-bridge rectifier.
The result is 12-pulse rectification because the double bridge has twelve legs.
The rectifiers must supply identical DC currents to ensure that the AC currents
drawn on the transformer secondaries have the same values.
In this manner, the harmonic currents generated by each of the rectifiers on the
primary of the transformer are recombined.
The selected phase shift eliminates harmonic orders 6 k ± 1 (where k is a whole
number) and only orders 12 k ± 1 remain.
Harmonic orders H5, H7, H17 and H19 are thus eliminated. Harmonic orders H11,
H13, H23 and H25 remain.
The resulting current has a waveform that better resembles a sinusoidal current (see
figure 12) than that obtained by a single rectifier.

Fig. 11. 12-pulse filter. Fig. 12. Resulting current waveform

(input current of the 12-pulse filter)..

different versions
n double bridge and transformer with two secondaries.
n double bridge and autotransformer.
n series or parallel connection of the rectifiers.

advantages
n acceptable performance, but less than that of passive filters: THDI ≤ 10%.
n complete galvanic isolation at the UPS input for versions with transformers such
as those proposed by MGE UPS SYSYTEMS.

disadvantages
n must be planned at the installation design stage.
n complex (balanced voltages, short-circuit currents, rectifier currents).
n expensive (double rectifier, transformer with double secondary or
autotransformer).
n poorly suited to changes in the load level. Effectiveness drops with the percent
load (the THDI rises from 10% at full load to 15% at 50% load).
n not compliant with guide IEC 61000-3-4 (see example in Table T5, page 15, for
harmonics H11 and H13).

MGE UPS SYSTEMS MGE0246UKI – 02/2000 13

4. Solutions for controlling upstream harmonics (cont.)

THM active filter operating principle

MGE UPS SYSTEMS offers the only UPS on the market equipped upstream with
built-in THM (Total Harmonic Management) filters.
The operating principle of this type of filter is based on that of the SineWave active
harmonic conditioner. The filter is a simplified version that has been optimized for
the Galaxy family of UPSs.
THM filters react in real time to the harmonics detected and eliminate them using the
method shown in figure 13.
n the current transformers measure the rectifier input current harmonics.
n the electronic circuitry of the THM filter continuously analyzes the harmonic
spectrum up to harmonic order 25 and determines the instantaneous value of H5,
H7, H11, H13, H17, H19, H23 and H25 harmonics.
n based on the values determined, the filter continuously injects the required
harmonic currents upstream that are then combined with the fundamental current
provided by the source to supply the rectifier with the input current waveform it
needs to operate.
To sum up, the THM filter continuously supplies the harmonics required by the
rectifier/charger and consequently the source needs only to supply a sinusoidal
fundamental current.

Fig. 13. Simplified diagram of the THM active filter.

In addition, the standard THM active filter offers the possibility of improving the
displacement power factor (cos ϕ1) at the same time as the power factor (λ), the
latter reaching a value of up to 0.98.

MGE UPS SYSTEMS MGE0246UKI – 02/2000 14

4. Solutions for controlling upstream harmonics (cont.)

advantages
n the most effective filter. It can totally eliminate all harmonics up to order 25, as a
result a reduction in the THDI by a factor of almost ten: THDI ≤ 4%.
n constant performance at all load levels. THDI ≤ 4 % even at half-load.
n flexibility. This type of filter can be easily installed as a retrofit, even for old
UPSs.
n adapts to the load. Filter adapts in real time to the harmonics measured results
in a virtually constant level of performance that does not depend on the load
percentage of the UPS. This is an important advantage given that:
- most single UPSs are oversized with excess load capacity and operate at
approximately 75% of their rated output;
- redundant parallel UPS systems often operate at 50% load.
n not dependent on the source. Operation is identical and performance levels are
maintained, whether the source is a transformer or generator set.
n considerable increase in the power factor λ. By eliminating the harmonics, the
power factor is increased to at least 0.95 and up to 0.98 and, at the same, the
displacement power factor (cos ϕ1) is increased by reactive energy compensation.
n highly cost effective for parallel UPS configurations because a single filter,
connected in parallel, can condition the entire UPS system.
n simple to select. The range of THM filters from MGE UPS SYSTEMS comprises
five filters covering the entire range of power ratings:
o THM-S (small) up to 30 kVA;
o THM-M (medium) up to 60 kVA;
o THM-L (large) up to 200 kVA;
o THM-XL (extra large) up to 300 kVA.
n isolation is possible for maintenance (filter is parallel connected).

disadvantages
The only potential disadvantage of this type of filter is the initial investment, due to
the power electronics.
However, technological progress, the drop in the price of components and the
optimization carried out for Galaxy UPSs have made THM filters, at equal power
ratings, much less expensive than a 12-pulse filter, even though they offer much
higher performance and greater possibilities.
THM filters are nevertheless more expensive than passive filters, but offer much
better and broader performance.

MGE UPS SYSTEMS MGE0246UKI – 02/2000 15

5. Comparison and conclusions

THM approach MGE UPS SYSTEMS proposes an overall approach to controlling harmonics in the
framework of THM (Total Harmonic Management).
This approach starts with an on-site audit of the customer's installation followed by
proposed solutions precisely suited to the customer's operating goals.
For UPSs, this approach makes it possible either to guarantee a desired level of
harmonic limitation or to completely eliminate harmonics.
To that end and depending on the needs of customers, MGE UPS SYSTEMS can
propose the entire range of solutions presented in the preceding pages of this
document.

A comparison between all the above solutions is a very helpful means to identify the
comparison of solutions position of the various solutions compared to each other and depending on the
specific application at hand.
Table T4 below is a comparison that sums up the merits and demerits of the various
solutions. Table T5 provides an example of performance in relation to the
recommendations of the IEC 61000-3-4 guide.
See also figure 14 which compares the performance of the different solutions
depending on the percent load of the UPS. The graph makes very clear one of the
major advantages of the built-in THM solution, i.e. constant performance that does
not depend on the load percentage of the UPS.

Table T4. Comparison of solutions with respect to customer’s procurement-decision

criteria.
Criterion choke LC filter 12-pulse filter Built-in THM
Reduction in distortion * ** ** ***
(THDI, THDU)
Harmonics concerned and ** ** * ***
effectiveness of reduction All orders H5, H7 H5, H7, H17, H2 to H25
(attenuation) H19
Adaptability ** * ***
(performance depending on
the load level)
see figure 14
Power factor improvement ** * ** ***
Independent of source *** ** ** ***
impedence effect
Efficiency *** *** * **
Reliability *** *** ** **
Cost *** *** ** **
Maintenance * * * ***
(possible isolation)
Parallel UPS systems * * * ***
one filter/UPS one filter/UPS one filter/UPS only one filter
Compliant with no No No Yes
IEC 61000-3 guide(seeT5) ò ò ò
*** Excellent ** Good * Average
Table T5: Example of typical performance for Galaxy UPSs (at full load) based on
the latest certifications of our most recent products.
Hk % H1
Limits of Without filter LC filter 12 pulse filter Built-in THM
IEC 61000-3-4
H3 21.6 % - - - -
H5 10.7 % 32 % 2.4 % 2.8 % 2.5 %
H7 7.2 % 3.5 % 1.6 % 1.5 % 1.5 %
H9 3.8 % - - - -
H11 3.1 % 7% 3.4 % (1) 9.1 % (1) 2%
H13 2.0 % 2.7 % 1.5 % 4.7 % (1) 0.5 %
H17 1.2 % 2.5 % 1% 1% 1.1 %
H19 1.1 % 2.1 % 0.9 % 0.7 % 0.9 %
THDI 35 % 5% 10 % 4%
(1) Values not respecting the limits of IEC 61000-3-4 guide

MGE UPS SYSTEMS MGE0246UKI – 02/2000 16

5. Comparison and conclusions (cont.)

Figure 14. Comparison of the various upstream filtering solutions depending on the
percent load on the UPS.

conclusions The above comparisons are translated in graphic form in figure 15, according to:
n the overall performance levels of the solutions (on the basis of the advantages
and disadvantages presented above and summed up in table 4);
n their ratio performance/price.

Figure 15. Comparison of the solutions depending on the overall performance level
with respect to the cost.

F Clearly, two types of solutions stand out.

F The low-cost solutions offering average performance.
These solutions implement a standard passive filter. It is possible to reinforce the
solution, depending on the installation (compensated filters or non-compensated
filters with contactor).

F The high-performance solutions, which are also more expensive, compliant

with the recommendations of the IEC 61000-3-4 guide.
These solutions implement a THM active filter.

The many advantages provided by THM solutions at a relatively low cost

make 12-pulse solutions (for which MGE UPS was one of the pioneers back in
1975) virtually obsolete. Moreover these solutions do not meet the
recommendations of the IEC 61000-3-4 guide (see Table T5).

MGE UPS SYSTEMS MGE0246UKI – 08/99 17

MGE UPS SYSTEMS
140, avenue Jean Kuntzmann
Zirst Montbonnot Saint Martin
38334 SAINT ISMIER Cedex
France
Tel : 33 (0) 4 76 18 30 00
www.mgeups.com
MGE0246UKI
As standards, specifications and designs change from time to
time, please ask confirmation of the information given in this
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Product names mentioned herein may be trademarks and/or
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Published by: MGE UPS SYSTEMS - 02/2000
Designed by: P. Andreani - INTERDOC