Description
ACS880 ultra-low harmonic drives offer an easy harmonic reduction method which is incorporated in the drive. No additional filters or special transformers are needed. This compact, cost-effective solution meets the strictest harmonic recommendations. Compact wall-mounted drives with all important features built-in the drive help you save installation space and time. ABB’s all-compatible drives architecture offers you unprecedented levels of compatibility, flexibility and ease-of-use.
Specifications
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View our servicesACS880 Ultra Low Harmonic Drives overview
ACS880 ultra-low harmonic (ULH) drives — ACS880-31 wall-mounted, ACS880-34 modules and ACS880-37 cabinets — include an active supply unit and integrated line filter. The result is very low input current distortion (ABB specifies THDi typically below about 3%) and unity power factor, without external harmonic filters or multi-pulse transformers.
Why harmonics matter
Standard 6-pulse VFDs draw distorted current. On sites with many drives, or on generator or weak grid supplies, this can overheat transformers and cables, trip breakers, disturb sensitive equipment and breach utility limits such as IEEE 519 or IEC 61000-3-12. Adding drives to an existing transformer can push total harmonic distortion over the limit.
ULH drive vs filters
| Option | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| 6-pulse drive + passive filter | Lower drive cost | Extra space, tuning, losses |
| 12/18-pulse with transformer | Proven | Bulky, expensive transformer |
| ULH drive | Low THDi at all loads, compact, unity PF | Higher drive price |
The ULH approach performs well at partial load, where passive filters are weaker. We can run a harmonic estimate for your transformer and drive list to show whether ULH is needed.
Typical applications
- Water and wastewater pumping stations
- Plants running on DG sets or weak grids
- Hospitals, data centres and buildings with sensitive loads
- Sites with utility harmonic limits (IEEE 519)
- Large pump and fan drives on shared transformers
Selection tips
- Do a harmonic study when drive load exceeds about a third of transformer capacity.
- Consider ULH where generators supply the plant.
- Compare the total installed cost against filters plus transformer upgrades.
- Check panel space: ULH drives are larger than a 6-pulse drive of the same rating but smaller than drive + filter.
ACS880 Ultra Low Harmonic Drives: frequently asked questions
What THDi do ACS880 ULH drives achieve?
ABB specifies very low input current distortion, typically below about 3%, across the load range, thanks to the active supply unit and line filter.
Do ULH drives meet IEEE 519?
They are designed so that the drive alone does not need external filtering to meet strict harmonic recommendations such as IEEE 519. Compliance at the point of common coupling depends on the whole installation, so we recommend a harmonic estimate.
Are ULH drives regenerative?
The active supply unit technology is the same family as regenerative drives; check the specific variant if you need to return braking energy to the grid.
Is there an ultra-low harmonic ACS580 or ACQ580?
Yes. ABB offers ULH versions such as ACS580-31 and ACQ580-31 for general purpose and water applications.
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