What are harmonics and where do they come from?

Harmonics in electrical systems are created by (non-linear) devices powered by the electrical system. These devices are powered by converting alternating current/voltage (AC) into direct current/voltage (DC). This conversion is a necessary but inefficient process which generates undesirable harmonic currents (electrical waste at frequencies other than the fundamental frequency of 60 Hertz).

Non-linear equipment connected to the electrical system may include:

• Variable Frequency Drives (VFDs)
• DC Converters, Inverters, Rectifiers
• Programmable Logic Controllers (PLCs)
• Uninterruptible Power Supply (UPS)
• Electric Arc Furnaces
• Elevators / Escalators
• Incandescent and LED Lighting
• Working Industrial Machinery
• Chillers / Refrigeration Units
• HVAC Systems
• Plug Loads Including Computers and Smart Devices
  
  

Why are harmonics harmful & what problems do they cause?

Harmonic currents can create a variety of issues, including increased power losses and potential damage to equipment. These undesirable effects can include lower power quality, electrical wiring & equipment overheating, electrical equipment failures, intermittent power disruptions, or digital device errors & failures. The energy waste and undesirable effects of harmonics equates to unnecessary costs for your business.

What is Total Harmonic Distortion (THD)?

Total harmonic distortion (THD) is an important aspect in power systems and it should be kept as low as possible. Lower THD in power systems means higher power quality, lower peak currents, and higher efficiency. Low THD is such an important feature in power systems that international standards such as IEC 61000-3-2 set limits on the harmonic currents of various classes of power equipment. Fortunately, the Onics Passive Harmonic Filter mitigates THD on neutral and ground, leading to significant energy cost savings and improved equipment reliability for our clients.

What are the benefits of working with Onics Energy Solutions?

Industry experts agree that Onics provides a superior product compared to active harmonics filters currently available. The Onics Passive Harmonic Filter is the only 100% passive harmonic device addressing neutral and ground harmonics, meaning there is no additional energy required to power our devices or annual maintenance needed. In addition to kWh reduction, the Onics device reduces harmonic distortion, leading to extended equipment life and reliability, which translates into lower maintenance costs. As a result of our Energy Savings Performance Contract, Onics is invested in achieving the highest possible level of energy savings for your facility.

Working with Onics Energy Solutions provides your business with several substantial benefits including:

• Decreased electricity spend
• Decreased maintenance and equipment replacement costs
• Improved power quality
• Reduced equipment downtime and maintenance
• Increased equipment life
• Corporate goodwill with ESG goals
• Greenhouse Gas emissions reduction through energy use avoidance
  
  

Is there a setup fee?

Yes, there is a one-time installation fee that covers installation costs of all hardware and is determined by several factors including:

• Number of meters / mains
• Number of neutral and ground applications in the facility
  
  

What does the installation fee include?

Each facility pays a one-time installation fee that includes:

• Empath ECMS-E1 Continuous Revenue-Grade Monitoring System
• Network Hardware
• Cost of certified electricians for installation
• Engineering support
• Measurement and Verification (M&V) related costs
  
  

What is the cost to maintain the Onics Passive Harmonic Filters?

The Onics device is a passive, inductive harmonic filter and does not require any maintenance because it has no third-party electronic components.

Is the Onics Passive Harmonic Filter safe?

Yes. The technology is UL and MET Lab certified. The devices are installed in parallel on the cold-side of neutral and ground applications (they are not “powered” devices). Installations are performed by licensed electricians and overseen by certified Onics Subject Matter Experts.

Where are the Onics Passive Harmonic Filters installed?

The Onics Passive Harmonic Filters are installed in all three-phase & single-phase electrical panels below 600 VAC, where neutrals are present and available. The devices are also installed on ground applications like PLCs, VFDs, and UPSs.

How long does it take to install an Onics Passive Harmonic Filter?

Installation time at each facility can vary, but the Onics device can typically be installed on a neutral or ground application within 30 minutes based upon panel accessibility.

Does the facility have to be de-energized to install an Onics devices?

The Onics Passive Harmonic Filters are installed in parallel on the cold-side of neutral and ground applications. In most cases, a full facility shutdown is not required, but Onics will work with each client to identify the safest way to install the devices, following OSHA and client safety best practices. However, it is important to note that installation in de-energized panels always presents the lowest risk of all installation options to the client and installer.

Are the Onics Passive Neutral and Ground Harmonic Filters certified and patented?

Yes. The Onics Passive Harmonic Filters are UL and MET LAB certified. The technology is fully patented for USA and Canada.

What are the safety risks associated with using the Onics Passive Harmonic Filter?

Absolutely none. The Onics device is a fail-safe, passive and inductive non-powered device, and it is installed in parallel, so it poses no safety risk to installers or staff members.

Will the Onics Passive Harmonic Filter cause an interruption of service?

No. The Onics Passive Harmonic Filters are passive, inductive filters installed in parallel - not in series - on the non-power side of the electrical distribution system, so they will not cause an interruption of service in your facility if damaged or disconnected. Additionally, they are designed as fail-safe devices.

Do the Onics Passive Harmonic Filters have any type of warranty?

As part of the Onics Energy Savings Performance Contract, the Onics devices have a 20-year lifetime warranty on parts and labor. Clients also enjoy a rolling 10-year replacement (covered by Onics) to ensure the facility is equipped with the latest Onics technology.

What if the client does not want to move forward with installation of Onics devices?

The Onics Energy Savings Performance Contract minimizes risk for our clients. In the unlikely event that Onics is unable to deliver a verified energy savings of 5% and the client does not want the energy savings generated by the Onics Passive Harmonic Filters, the client can request removal of the devices. Onics will refund 100% of the one-time installation fee, and the client will only be responsible for the cost of device removal by licensed electricians and shipping.

What kind of data and info does our business need to provide?

In order for Onics Energy Solutions to determine the benefit to your facility, your team will need to provide:

• Recent single-line diagram of the facility
• Count of meters / mains
• Count of neutral and ground applications
• Summary of 24 months of electric utility bills (CSV or XLS format)

The Onics team will evaluate this information to provide an Energy Savings Proposal, complete with an estimated one-time installation fee, potential CO2e offset, and ROI payback scenarios. If you need help obtaining this information, our team is here to assist.

Can Onics help our business reduce its carbon footprint?

By reducing electrical energy usage (aka reducing your kWh consumption), Onics helps your business become more eco-friendly and strive toward corporate ESG goals. As a result, your business can substantially reduce CO2e emissions into the environment, thus reducing your carbon footprint.

Our facility already has Power Harmonic Filters installed. How can Onics Passive Harmonic Filters provide additional value?

If your facility is currently using active or passive power harmonic filtration technology, that’s a great way to positively impact your power electrical system.

Even with the reliability and energy improvements from the application of active and passive power harmonic filtering, neutral and ground harmonics provide an arguably greater opportunity due to a lack of attention in the past. The amount of energy found in neutral and ground systems tie directly to both utility savings and reduced negative effects on most electronic and even mechanical systems. Read More

If there is no client capital investment required and only client funding of the set-up & installation costs, who pays for the Onics Passive Harmonic Filters?

The Onics Passive Harmonic Filters are provided by Onics, and the costs savings from reduced kWh consumption are validated by a certified, 3rd-party Measurement & Verification (M&V) Energy Expert. The client shares the validated energy cost savings benefit with Onics. Other cost reductions or benefits obtained through installation of the Onics technology (i.e. decreased maintenance costs or CO2e offset) belong solely to the client.

So Onics is paid through my energy cost savings?

Yes, Onics offers a turnkey energy efficiency solution through our innovative Energy Savings Performance Contract. Modeled after the US Department of Energy’s preferred method of ESCO program, our Energy Savings Performance Contract approach allows clients to achieve guaranteed energy savings with minimal upfront costs. Instead of depleting cash reserves for a capital investment, the client is only responsible for a one-time installation cost. In every energy savings project, Onics strives for a payback period of 12 to 24 months through this shared energy savings approach.

The Onics Energy Savings Performance Contract provides the following benefits:

• Guaranteed minimum kWh reduction of 5%
• Turnkey project management from site survey to installation
• Continuous monitoring of energy consumption and harmonics mitigation
• Full transparency through a certified, 3rd-party Measurement & Verification (M&V) Energy Expert
• Lifetime warranty on parts and labor for the Onics devices
• Device replacement (covered by Onics) every 10 years with the most recent version
  
  

What kind of Return on Investment (ROI) can a client expect?

A client's ROI depends on the one-time installation fee and the facility's annual electric spend. Because every facility is different, ROI will vary on a case-by-case basis. On average, Onics strives to provide a payback period of 12 to 24 months.

Why hasn’t everyone implemented this technology?

Since the 1990's, messaging has identified power losses from neutral and ground harmonics to be negligible (less than 2%). With the addition of chip-driven equipment and non-linear loads to modern facilities, the power losses from neutral and ground harmonics have increased significantly, and the industry is now realizing the harmful effects of neutral and ground harmonics.

Who performs the measurement & verification and what is actually measured?

The measurement & verification step is performed by a certified, 3rd-party M&V Energy Expert (CMVP). The M&V Energy Expert will review baseline data and establish the KPI’s or critical X’s for determining the Y which is the energy consumption.

Critical X’s depend on the facility profile. In a manufacturing setting, Critical X's are typically production SKU’s per production cycle, defect rate, scrap rate, incoming materials, WIP, etc. Whereas in a data center, Critical X's may include number of curtailments, occupant behavior, etc. Additionally, the M&V Energy Expert will consider temperature degree days, humidity, and other independent variables to remove any outliers from the energy savings analysis.

The M&V professional will build the baseline from interval metering data provided directly by the electric utility and establish an equation/model through linear regression analysis or use ASHRAE or Load-shape models to predict future performance. Post installation of the Onics Passive Harmonic Filters, energy consumption data is again collected and analyzed vs. the pre-installation baseline data & model to determine the actual savings generated by Onics Energy Solutions. The client is presented with the calculations, methodology, and results for review and approval.

How can we get started reducing energy waste with Onics Energy Solutions?

To get started with Onics Energy Solutions, fill out the contact form below.