Learn about passive vs active harmonic filters with Westek Electronics — helping Australian engineers enhance power quality, efficiency, and compliance.
Harmonic distortion has become a growing concern in today’s electrical networks, affecting efficiency and equipment performance. It’s caused by non-linear loads like variable speed drives, inverters, and UPS systems that distort current waveforms. For Australian power engineers, understanding and selecting between passive vs active harmonic filters is crucial for achieving reliable, compliant, and energy-efficient operations.
What Are Passive Harmonic Filters?
Passive harmonic filters use inductors, capacitors, and resistors to reduce harmonic currents at specific frequencies. They provide a cost-effective solution for stable loads, making them ideal for facilities like manufacturing plants, mining sites, and process industries.
• TE Schaffner Passive Harmonic Filters – TE Schaffner Passive Harmonic Filters offer a compact and reliable way to reduce harmonic distortion while improving power factor. They help Australian facilities meet key standards like AS/NZS 61000 and IEEE 519. Known for their easy integration and durability, these filters support efficient, long-lasting performance in both industrial and commercial applications.
• MATRIX AP Passive Harmonic Filters – MATRIX AP Passive Harmonic Filters deliver advanced harmonic mitigation for variable speed drives and other non-linear loads. Engineered for precision, they maintain consistent performance even under changing load conditions to keep voltage distortion within limits. Their flexible design ensures long-term compliance and stability, offering excellent value for industrial and commercial facilities.
• MATRIX E-Series Passive Harmonic Filter – The MATRIX E-Series Passive Harmonic Filter offers an efficient and compact solution for reducing harmonics in electrical systems. It minimises total harmonic distortion (THD) while maintaining a high-power factor, helping to cut energy losses and prevent overheating. Designed for easy installation, the E-Series provides a cost-effective way for industrial operations to achieve reliable, long-term compliance.
What Are Active Harmonic Filters?
Active harmonic filters use power electronics to dynamically measure and cancel harmonic currents in real time. Unlike passive filters, they can adapt to changing load conditions, providing a versatile and precise approach to harmonic mitigation. These systems are particularly effective in environments with varying or unpredictable loads, such as data centres, commercial buildings, and mixed industrial operations.
At Westek Electronics, the active harmonic filters available offer cutting-edge digital technology, delivering rapid response and high accuracy in harmonic compensation. They can correct multiple harmonic orders simultaneously and provide additional features such as reactive power compensation and load balancing. This makes active filters a powerful solution for engineers aiming to future-proof their power systems against growing harmonic challenges.
Future Trends & What Engineers Should Watch
Australian power engineers face an evolving landscape where technology, regulation, and energy systems continue to advance. Future developments are expected to reshape how harmonics are managed in power networks.
• Growth of renewable energy, battery storage, EV charging loads & their harmonic implications
• Advances in active filter technology (modularity, higher voltage, digital monitoring)
• Regulation shifts in Australia: upcoming changes in harmonic standards, grid codes
• Convergence of power-quality solutions and IoT/monitoring (smart filters)
Passive vs Active Harmonic Filters: Power Quality Expertise by Westek Electronics
Deciding on the right passive vs active harmonic filters starts with understanding your system needs, compliance standards, and performance goals. Westek Electronics offers a comprehensive range of harmonic filtering solutions designed for Australian conditions. With deep expertise in power quality, we help businesses maintain clean, stable, and compliant electrical systems.
Contact us and explore our full range of harmonic filtering products and enhance your facility’s power quality today.
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