Alpha Power Solutions to Unveil Advanced Harmonic Power Analyser at Electra Mining Africa 2024

Johannesburg, 16 July 2024 – Alpha Power Solutions, a leader in power factor correction and harmonic filtration, is excited to unveil its latest innovation at Electra Mining Africa 2024.

Attendees are invited to visit us in Hall 7, Stand E18, from 2–6 September at the Expo Centre, Nasrec in Johannesburg, to learn how our solutions can significantly reduce electricity costs and improve power quality.

Industries with high motor usage, such as milling, bottling plants, plastic manufacturing, and refrigeration, often struggle with electrical inefficiencies that lead to increased costs and potential equipment damage. Many of these businesses are unaware of the impact of electrical harmonics – additional, unwanted frequencies created by nonlinear loads like computers, variable speed drives, and LED lighting. These harmonics cause overheating, equipment malfunctions, and overall poor power quality, leading to higher operational costs and reduced equipment lifespan.

At Alpha Power Solutions, we address these challenges with our advanced harmonic power analyser. This state-of-the-art equipment offers precise harmonic analysis, allowing us to design and implement effective harmonic filtration strategies. By reducing harmonic distortion, we help businesses optimise their electrical systems, ensuring smoother operations and substantial cost savings.

Understanding Electrical Harmonics

Electrical harmonics are additional frequencies that occur alongside the fundamental frequency (50 Hz in RSA) in power systems. These harmonics are produced by nonlinear loads, such as computers, variable speed drives, inverters, UPS systems, and LED & UV lighting, which draw current in abrupt pulses rather than smooth sine waves.

In an ideal power system, alternating current (AC) flows in a sinusoidal waveform with a single frequency, known as the fundamental frequency. However, nonlinear loads distort this ideal waveform by drawing current in short bursts that create additional frequencies. These additional frequencies, known as harmonics, are multiples of the fundamental frequency (2nd harmonic, 3rd harmonic, etc.).

Impact of Harmonics:

  • Overheating: Harmonics increase the current flow through electrical components beyond the expected levels, leading to overheating of transformers, cables, and other equipment. This reduces their lifespan and can cause failures.
  • Equipment Malfunction: Sensitive electronic equipment, including control systems, communication devices, and measurement instruments, can malfunction or operate erratically in the presence of harmonics, as they interfere with the normal operation of these devices.
  • Power Quality Issues: Harmonics cause voltage distortion, altering the sinusoidal waveform of the voltage supplied to This can lead to voltage fluctuations and instability, impacting the performance and efficiency of electrical systems.

Mitigation Strategies:

  • Passive Filters: These include reactors and capacitors that absorb or block harmonics from entering the electrical system, effectively reducing harmonic distortion and improving power quality.
  • Active Filters: Advanced devices that actively monitor the electrical system and inject corrective currents to cancel out harmonic currents in real-time. They are highly effective but more complex and expensive than passive filters.
  • Isolation Transformers: These isolate sensitive equipment from harmonic-producing loads, protecting them from potential damage and ensuring a cleaner power supply.
  • Load Management: Managing and scheduling loads to avoid simultaneous switching of high-power equipment can help reduce harmonic distortion in the electrical system.
  • Compliance and Standards: Adhering to standards such as IEEE 519 ensures that harmonic distortion levels in electrical systems are within acceptable limits, minimising potential issues with equipment and power quality.

For more information, please visit our website.

Meet Us at Electra Mining Africa 2024

Alpha Power Solutions invites you to visit our stand for an in-depth look at our latest products and technologies. Don’t miss this opportunity to learn how our advanced harmonic analysis and filtration solutions can help you achieve significant energy savings and improve the efficiency of your electrical systems.

Why Visit Alpha Power Solutions?

  • New Harmonic Power Analyser: Our new power analyser offers precise and detailed harmonic analysis, essential for effective power quality mitigation.
  • Expert Consultations: Discuss your power quality issues with our team of experts and learn how our solutions can optimise your electrical systems and reduce costs.
  • Comprehensive Solutions: Explore our range of products, including power factor correction capacitors, controllers, and both passive and active harmonic filters.
  • Free Assessments: We’re offering free onsite energy audits to all Electra Mining Africa 2024 attendees, so you can detect and resolve potential issues in your electrical

Event Details:

  • Date: 2–6 September 2024
  • Location: Expo Centre, Nasrec, Johannesburg
  • Stand: Hall 7, Stand E18

For more information, visit our website or contact us directly. We look forward to meeting you and discussing how Alpha Power Solutions can support your business in reducing costs and enhancing electrical efficiency.

Contact Information:

About Alpha Power Solutions: Alpha Power Solutions, established in 2007, is a leading provider of power factor correction and harmonic filtration equipment. We combine innovation, technology, and superior quality to deliver tailor-made solutions that reduce electricity costs and improve power quality. Our dedication to customer service and technical excellence has made us the preferred choice for businesses across various industries.