• • • ELECTRICAL EQUIPMENT • • •
Technology innovation in electromagnetic interference is being shaped by three global mega-trends
Schaffner’s Dr Guido Schlegelmilch highlights the top three tech trends that are driving product development in this field. Specifically, he reviews how increased electrification is leading to the proliferation of inverter use which in turn is breaking new ground in electromagnetic interference (EMI) filter innovation
S chaffner is a global leader in
electromagnetic solutions that ensure the efficient and reliable operation of electrical and electronic systems by reducing electromagnetic interference (EMI) and filtering out noise.
Modern society is changing at pace with many former mechanical, combustion or analogue systems being replaced by electric motors running on renewable energy and controlled by automated, digitalised systems.
There are three main trends in this new electrified world that will drive technology innovation in 2023 and beyond – the success of all of them depends on the critical need to reduce electromagnetic interference (EMI) and filter out noise. Political, economic and environmental factors are accelerating the uptake in energy derived from renewables. The world is also embracing e-mobility with 20 million electric vehicles (EVs) already on the road while the network of electric vehicle charging stations (EVCSs) to serve them is also growing apace.
Industry is also increasingly relying on automation to meet consumer demand for greater cost and energy efficiencies.
Energy management and the
transition to renewables Climate change and access to reliable and affordable energy sources are two of the biggest issues affecting the world today. The growing recognition of the need for energy security and the move away from reliance on fossil fuels has led many countries to look at diversifying their energy bases and considering new forms of power generation. Renewable sources are being pursued most vigorously because they help meet a number of environmental, economic and geopolitical challenges, while also meeting the expectations of a growing number of environmentally aware consumers.
The move to renewable energy generation is set to gather pace in the next few years as countries seek to make a greater commitment to protecting
the planet, cut costs and boost their energy security. This ramp up of renewables also poses challenges to design engineers as they seek to ensure that tomorrow’s energy can be harnessed efficiently, effectively, economically and also safely. It is well known that the major renewable energy sources – wind and solar – can be challenging to both harness and manage. This can be a particular issue in countries with limited renewable resources such as wind or sunlight – the question is therefore, how can we make the most of these renewable resources to produce energy that is both reliable and affordable?
One of the major challenges in renewable energy management is dealing with Electro-Magnetic Interference (EMI). The efficient and reliable operation of electronic systems demands the ability to reduce EMI and filter out electrical noise and requires a range of electromagnetic solutions. Tools include pre-compliance testing that allows engineers to meet the requirements of international standards – this will involve a series of tests that help diagnose the EMI challenges presented by the system and specify an appropriate electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) product that will eliminate EMI. These products protect systems from any distortions experienced by the grid, preventing disturbances and maintaining a reliable electrical supply. Solar panels present their own challenges, most notably the need to manage high levels of direct current and the space constraints that restrict the size of EMI suppressing equipment.
A small high-current DC filter can greatly reduce the potential for high frequency (HF) interference radiation in the panel. It can also help prevent premature ageing in the panel caused by HF stray and leakage currents.
The growth in e-mobility Part of the move towards greater electrification and a reduced reliance on fossil fuels is the push to greatly expand the number of electric vehicles in use. As the number of EVs grows in markets such as the UK, France and Germany in the next few years, there will be a rapidly growing need for an expanded network of EVCSs to support them. Only when an easily accessible and extensive
46 ELECTRICAL ENGINEERING • FEBRUARY 2023
electricalengineeringmagazine.co.uk
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