Based on over 15 years of 18-pulse drive experience and the highly successful 9000X Series of adjustable frequency drives, the Eaton CPX9000 drives use advanced clean power technology to significantly reduce line harmonics at the drive input terminals, resulting in one of the purest sinusoidal waveforms available. The Eaton CPX9000 drives deliver true power factor, so in addition to reducing harmonic distortion, it prevents overheating of upstream transformers and the overloading of breakers and feeders. It allows adjustable frequency drives to be applied to generators and other high impedance power systems. Designed to exceed the IEEE 519-1992 requirements for harmonic distortion, the Eaton CPX9000 drives are the clear choice for applications in the water/wastewater, HVAC, industrial and process industries where harmonics are a concern.

While utilities may deliver relatively clean power (pure sinusoidal waveforms), nonlinear loads such as computers,
drives, and electronic ballasts can introduce undesirable harmonic currents into the power system. Many facilities demand the IEEE 519-1992 standard for minimizing harmonic distortion be met to eliminate the potential for equipment failures that can lead to increased downtime and costs. The first step in developing an appropriate clean power solution is a facility analysis. Eaton performs facility simulations for existing facilities and during the design and construction phase of new facilities. In addition to offering the CPX9000 solution, Eaton’s Electrical Systems and Services organization is equipped to measure, analyze, and correct harmonic and other power quality issues. After the simulation is complete, a number of steps can be taken to ensure IEEE 519-1992 compliance. Major technologies include passive filters, active filters, additional inductive reactance, phase-shifted sources, 12-pulse rectifiers and the Eaton CPX9000 clean power drives. While all of technologies are viable, the Eaton CPX9000 is selected most often because unlike the other technologies, it meets IEEE 529-1992 at the drive input connection even if power system conditions change. This means no re-tuning, no adjustments and no new system analysis.

Harmonic Solutions

Harmonics are distorted electrical waveforms that introduce inefficiencies into your electrical system. They produce
wasteful heat and can cause plant issues and fees from your local power company. Harmonics flow into the
electrical system as a result of nonlinear electronic switching devices, such as adjustable frequency drives (AFDs),
computer power supplies and energy-efficient lighting. Similarly, companies with heavy motor, AFD and lighting
loads need to be aware of the problems that harmonics can cause. These problems include:

Increased electrical usage
Increased wear and tear on motors
Higher maintenance costs
Power quality problems upstream and downstream
Utility penalties for introducing problems to the power grid

The Eaton CPX9000 drives‘ 18-pulse clean power will consistently meet IEEE-519 standards by reducing current distortion to 5% or less. The 18-pulse drive offers 50% better harmonic ratings (10% for 12-pulse vs. 5% for 18-pulse) at only a slightly higher cost. The efficiency of this new drive has helped to take harmonic reduction to a new level for manufacturing facilities across the globe. It meets IEEE standards in every case, attenuates all harmonics up to the 35th, stops harmonics at the source, is insensitive to future system changes, and increases the life of the drive through incredibly stable DC bus voltage (18 small inputs instead of six large ones). The 18-pulse converter is the most cost-effective solution at 50 hp or higher.