OK. I have been sitting reading all the comments from so called experts re MTE Matrix and Mirus Lineator. The vast majority of the comment is absolute crap ! It's reminds me of "hausfraus" gossiping over the garden fence. Let's get real ! Engineering is about facts not gossip.
The MTE Matrix is a rough copy of the Mirus unit. It's about 3-4 times the size and inferior to a significant degree (in my opinion) to the Mirus unit. Also, read the small print re "cannot guarantee performance if the Vthd is more than 0%", etc or "if voltage imbalance is more than 1%"....
The Mirus units is not a zig zag transformer, which as some of the so called experts should know, is for mitigation of zero sequence harmonics. I don't see any of those in 5, 7, 11, 13...etc. {+ve and -ve, yes !} Triplens (3, 9, 15...) but not 6n +/-1 characteristic harmonics.
The Lineator is a patented multi-limbed reactor (which has a large number of mutual inductances)with a small capacitor bank. When connected to standard 6 pulse VFDs with diode or SCR pre-charge front bridge DOES reduce the Ithd from around 37-40% (based on either 3% AC line or DC bus reactance {5% source impedance} to 5-8 % GUARANTEED. The performance I have seen on various sites is often below 5% Ithd and on a par with active filters. Unlike the Matric filter this is irrespective of voltahe imbalance (which seriously effects 12 and 18 pulse drives) AND any pre-existing Vthd. On many sites (ask Toshiba, Houston) Lineator outforms active filters (I have no axe to grind here as we also use active units). However, for VFD applications Lineator is on a par, if not better than active, at under half the price and none of the hassle (like $ 1500 a day commissioning charges !)
How does it work....Well, the output voltage waveform from Lineator is trapezoidal which forces the input devices in the drive front end to conduct for a longer period with a lower peak hence reducing the Ithd to ~ 5%. Simple as that !
Also, Lineator can be used on single and multiple drives. I have personally been involved in projects for group mitigation up 1500HP/1100kW. Works great. A 'fit and forget product'.
Talking about efficiencies....A standard 6 pulse VFD/Lineator is generally 3-4% more efficient than 12 or 18 pulse drives. For energy efficient applications this is important. Active filters have around 4-5% losses dependent on the carrier frequency.
Drives with active front ends (sinusoidal rectifiers) are fine if you need regen braking but they have a large EMI footprint and need large AC line reactors and high frequency passive filters to attenuation the input bridge carrier frequency (2-3.5kHz)so it doesn't interfere with mains switching devices. They are fine if you can afford them - ABB ans Vacon reckon AFE drives are 2.2 x 2.5 the cost of standard 6 pulse drives.
Why don't you guys talk to the major drives companies who have taken the Mirus Lineator onboard over the last few years. I understand there are almost 3000 installations now throughout the world in powers to around 2000HP/1500kW. Speak to ABB, Siemens, Vacon, Cutler Hamer, Square D, Toshiba, Control Techniques, Invertek et al or the users worldwide.
I also hear in the grapevine that the new Lineator can maybe also work with SCR fully controlled front end, AC and possibily DC. I have no corrobation of that though. You'll have to ask Mirus yourselves. The details are on the net.
There also a few Lineator variants I believe -
i) One which can be connected to the primary of an existing 12 pulse drive - this reduces the Ithd from ~10-15% (dependent on whether double wound or polygonal autotransformers) to around 2-4% similar to 18-30 pulse drives (in plain English - "not quite as good as 36 pulse, but not far off". I understand the physical size of this units to around 30% of the kVA size of drive.
ii) For application where three phases mains is not available there is a variant (never tried one yet) which permits the connection of three phase VFDs without the usual derating and provided harmonic mitigation to around 8% Ithd.
iii) There is aslo I believe (again never used one yet) there is a TransLineator (a transformer with a integrated Lineator obviously for applications where voltage transformation is required and/or galvanic isolation {e.g. on ships with IT networks (insulated neutrals - standard drive EMC filters cannot be used here so the isolating transformers acts as the common mode noise filter for the drives).
Anyway, rather than gossip on the net like a bunch of "old sweetie wives" {Scottish expression} talk to some of the drives companies or users (people at the front end) about their experiences with Lineator OR talk to Mirus themselves. I have personally found the Mirus guys very approachable and up front. They won't spin you a line - afterall the Lineator is guaranteed to do what they say it does or you get your money back - that's deal.
Anybody want any clarification or additional info re Lineator, active filters, active front ends, etc. drop me an email.
Regards
ICEMAN
P.S. Now I have a question for you guys which you can happily discuss over the garden fence......What do you all know about DUPLEX REACTORS ?
