Dirty Power - What is it and how is the "dirty energy" created?

Dirty power: If you think of power generation and the pollution of our environment caused mainly by combustion power plants, you are completely wrong. Dirty power is the term used to describe the "pollution" of the electricity supplied (or the supply voltage) by the loads operated. Particularly noticeable here is an increase in harmonics, which can be observed in a distortion of the sinusoidal shape of the voltage.  

How do harmonics occur? 
 

Harmonics are also referred to as "harmonics". These are integer multiples of the mains frequency that are generated by non-linear loads (by loads such as energy-saving lamps, transformers, power supplies with peak rectifiers or the use of rectifiers, frequency converters, regulators or UPS systems).  

"Normal" current shows a sinusoidal oscillation with a frequency of 50 Hertz. In contrast, loads that cause harmonics are characterized by a non-sinusoidal current, or a current flow that is periodically switched on and off. Harmonic currents now cause voltage drops at the network impedances or the generator impedance. These voltage drops in turn now superimpose the fundamental of the "normal" current of 50 Hz and thus distort the sinusoidal shape of the mains voltage.  
 
So-called linear, or ohmic, loads such as ceramic hobs, electric stoves, electric blankets or irons cause only a few harmonics (sometimes also referred to as harmonics). As a rule of thumb, dirty power occurs whenever electronics come into play. So with computers, energy-saving lamps, LED lamps, induction stoves, dimmers, etc.  What all this technology has in common is that it acts as a non-linear, or non-resistive, load. In our daily life, there are more and more electronic devices and components, and so harmonics are increasing.  They prepare themselves from the consumers in the whole electronic network.  

 
This creates a real vicious circle: because harmonic currents from downstream consumer equipment act back on the power grid. They cause harmonic voltages in the power grid, which then cause new harmonic currents to be generated again in downstream systems.  
 
 

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What is the effect of dirty power?  
 

This distortion of the normal sinusoidal waveform of our grid current has been increasing in recent years. As a result, the trouble-free operation of some loads (e.g. certain motors, generators, capacitors) can be affected.  

The effect on humans is considerably more complex and has been less well researched to date. Basically, the strongest load comes from the base frequency - i.e. the 50 Hz of our power grid, only after which the first harmonics that build up have an effect. The higher the frequency of the harmonic, the weaker the intensity. This means that the fundamental frequency and the first harmonics show the strongest field intensity.  

Scientific studies, on the other hand, are primarily concerned with higher-frequency harmonics. Connections between multiple sclerosis and diseases such as diabetes are suspected. Particularly in the case of electrosensitive persons, other effects of dirty power have also been observed. Sleep disturbances, stress, ringing in the ears, confusion and forgetfulness increased the more dirty power the electrosensitive people were exposed to.  

Conclusion 
 

Whether and how much Dirty Power is present in your home, you can only judge by a meaningful measurement. Both technically and biologically, the importance of harmonics is increasing - a good reason to get certainty! In this way, you can identify the sources of dirty power in your system and replace them with loads that cause fewer harmonics.   

Not sure how to measure dirty power in your home? Our experts are happy to help! 

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