What is the difference between inverter filters and reactors?

With the development of modern industrial technology, more and more mechanical equipment has begun to use frequency converters to achieve speed regulation. Therefore, in terms of frequency converter fluctuation regulation and enhancing equipment performance, some auxiliary equipment is needed to help the frequency converter achieve better performance. Here, we will discuss the difference between two important devices - frequency converter filters and reactors.

1. Definition

Frequency converter filters and reactors are mainly used to prevent frequency converters from damaging the AC power supply, and play an important role in reducing electromagnetic interference and improving transmission efficiency. However, their roles are different.

Frequency converter filters are filters used by frequency converters to reduce current harmonics and noise. They filter the power supply voltage before transmitting to the frequency converter to make it smoother. Its purpose is to suppress harmonics in the AC phase voltage and current, ensure that other equipment is not disturbed, and ensure the normal operation of the frequency converter.

The reactor is an electrical component. Its function is to limit the amount of current and thus balance the circuit. Therefore, it plays a different role from the filter of the frequency converter. Reactors are usually used in long-distance distribution lines to limit the peak of current and thus protect the cable from damage. In the inverter, they are used to reduce the harmonics of the inverter. When the inverter starts running, it will generate high-frequency noise and harmonics, which affect the normal operation and service life of the equipment and make the equipment noisy. Reactors can help deal with these problems, thereby improving the stability, reliability and operating efficiency of the equipment.

2. Function

The main function of the inverter filter is to prevent the inverter from interfering with the surrounding equipment at the inverter input end to ensure the smoothness of the transmitted power supply voltage and protect the motor. The inverter filter usually has a front filter and a rear filter, where the front filter is used to suppress the electromagnetic interference caused by the power supply in the inverter input circuit, and the rear filter is used to suppress the electromagnetic interference caused in the application device (motor) of the inverter.

The main function of the reactor is to establish and maintain the system current, limit and balance the current bucket of the inverter system, and thus protect the electrode from damage. The role of the reactor in protecting the equipment is more obvious in the inverter system, because the inverter system usually generates a large current. If there is no reactor, the wires and equipment will be threatened by the current peak.

During the operation of the inverter, the reactor can reduce the overcurrent damage of the cable and the motor by limiting the peak current. Doing so can also reduce motor noise while improving the stability and reliability of the inverter.

3. Working principle

The main working principle of the inverter filter is to filter the power supply voltage to eliminate noise and high-frequency interference. This is similar to the working principle of other filters. The signal needs to be input into the filter, and then the filter uses capacitance, inductance and impedance to filter the noise signal. The working principle

of the reactor is different from that of the inverter filter. Generally speaking, the power supply voltage in the system is absorbed by the capacitor, and the reactor balances the motor current by increasing the system inductance and slowly reducing the peak current. This is different from the operation in the filter, which mainly uses capacitors to suppress interference signals.

4. Scope of application

Inverter filters are mainly suitable for some high-precision electrical and mechanical equipment, such as 8200va, variable frequency power supply, etc. They are also suitable for industrial equipment that requires stable precision, such as medical equipment and aviation industry equipment.

In contrast, reactors are mainly suitable for some items widely used in residential areas and electrical appliance markets, such as refrigerators, lamps, etc. In addition, they also play a role in balancing current in AC voltage systems. If the system uses a long distribution line, the reactor may also be useful, which can be used to limit the current.

5. Conclusion

In the inverter system, both the inverter filter and the reactor can be used to purify and balance the power current of the circuit to achieve stable and reliable equipment operation. Although their roles are different, they are both essential components in the application of the inverter. By understanding their respective characteristics and advantages, we can better choose the equipment suitable for our application, so as to achieve higher efficiency and reliability.