Industry: Particle accelerator
Project Partner: Scandinova
Customer: Max Lab IV
Timeline: First contact in 2011, commissioning took place in 2013
Challenge
To ensure compliance with the grid code and to mitigate harmonics and prevent power quality problems, Max Lab needed a harmonic compensation solution.
The Max Lab site includes multiple transformer stations, each with several modulators. To support the process of particle acceleration, the 18 on-site modulators are installed phase-locked and synchronous. This contributes to situation where the harmonics stack up perfectly and create increased distortion. Additionally, given that the harmonic load of each modulator is very high, combined they have an exacerbated load on the grid.
While the Max Lab IV modulators would be unaffected without compensation, neighboring industries and residences and the Max Lab IV facility itself would be impacted with electrical disturbances, machine tripping, and equipment breakdown due to the unstable power supply. Therefore, the customer actively sought a precautionary and preventative approach to avoid any potential problems.
Solution
Before applying a solution directly on-site, the function of the active filters were verified with a test in Scandinova’s research center in Uppsala. The purpose of which was to help them get an understanding of the harmonics in their machines and determine how ADF could be applied in the best way.
Once a solution was selected and commissioned, Max Lab experienced mitigated harmonics from the second order up until the 37th harmonic.
Products in this installation:
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One ADF P300 per transformer (seven systems total)
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One PPM 300 per modulator (18 modulators)
By putting one ADF module on every transformer and compensating the harmonics locally (as opposed to central compensation), we mostly eliminated harmonic loading on the medium voltage level—which is where Max Lab faced regulatory requirements.
Result
After commissioning, we conducted a verification measurement to ensure the active filters were compensating the site as designed. The performance has been verified* by third party consultants, which ensured that the whole project complied with the grid code.
Since then, important research with implications for renewable energy, disease control, and more has continued at Max Lab. See what they’ve been up to here.
*This test was requested by the grid owner, and the measurement was made by engineering consultants.