Electrical harmonics are a growing problem in today’s industrial and building technology. These are caused by non-linear loads such as frequency converters, switching power supplies or LED lighting systems, which do not consume electricity in a pure sinusoidal form. Instead, they generate additional frequencies—so-called harmonics—which impair the quality of the power supply and can lead to micro-failures (so-called micro-blackouts).

In this blog post, you will find out what solutions there are for this problem and how you can protect your company from overheating devices, voltage and current distortions and increased operating costs.

Sources:
German Electrical and Electronic Manufacturers‘ Association e.V. (ZVEI): Improving the power quality in electrical grids, p. 7, ZVEI-Guide as PDF (only available in German) (last accessed on May 19, 2025)
TUEV SUED AG: Blogpost harmonics (only available in German) (last accessed on May 19, 2025)

Definition according to DIN EN 61000-2-2: Harmonics are voltage or current components in an electrical network whose frequencies are an integer multiple of the fundamental frequency (50 Hz in Europe). They are caused by non-linear loads and lead to distortions of the sinusoidal current or voltage curve.

Origin: Harmonics occur when electrical loads have non-linear current-voltage characteristics. This means that the current is no longer proportional to the voltage. In an ideal, linear system, the current consumption would be purely sinusoidal—in reality, however, this is not the case with many modern appliances.

Source:
DIN EN 61000-2-2 (VDE 0839-2-2): “Electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) – Part 2-2: Environmental conditions—Compatibility levels for low frequency conducted and signal disturbances in public low-voltage power supply systems” (only available in German). Berlin: Beuth publishing house, 2013

Main causes of harmonics: The main causes of harmonics are non-linear loads. These include switching power supplies (e.g. in computers, chargers, LED lighting), frequency converters, rectifiers, dimmers and electronic ballasts. These devices do not draw current continuously, but in short pulses. This distorts the original sinusoidal shape of the current and creates additional frequency components—the so-called harmonics.

Source:
DIN EN 61000-2-2 (VDE 0839-2-2): “Electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) – Part 2-2: Environmental conditions—Compatibility levels for low frequency conducted and signal disturbances in public low-voltage power supply systems” (only available in German). Berlin: Beuth publishing house, 2013

At Luana, we concentrate on the following steps: 

Current smoothing through intelligent low-pass filters

At Luana, we support companies in sustainably reducing electrical harmonics and significantly improving grid quality. A central element of this is current smoothing using intelligent low-pass filters. This filter technology detects distorted load currents in real time and compensates for them in a targeted manner before they can have a negative impact on the grid or connected devices. The current is “smoothed” through the targeted damping of high-frequency harmonics, which not only reduces the thermal load, but also increases the service life of systems and minimizes energy losses. For our customers, this means more grid stability, less wear and tear and measurably lower operating costs—especially in environments with many non-linear loads such as servers, LED lighting or frequency converters.

Power storage as a buffer for harmonics

We support companies on their way to a more stable and efficient electricity grid—including through the intelligent use of electricity storage systems in the context of harmonics. Modern storage solutions can do far more than just temporarily store energy: they increasingly serve as a dynamic buffer that cushions grid fluctuations and harmonics. By absorbing or releasing energy in real time, they help to smooth out peaks and keep the power quality consistently high—even during load changes and in heavily distorted grids. The result: fewer disruptions, less strain on the infrastructure and optimized integration of renewable energies and non-linear consumers. For our customers, this means a more robust grid, greater security of supply and reduced costs due to fewer outages and less wear and tear.

Feedback of harmonics into the grid

As part of our solutions for grid quality optimization, Luana relies on intelligent systems for the controlled feedback of harmonics. This technology makes it possible to convert distorted current components in a targeted manner and feed them back into the grid without jeopardizing grid stability. Through precise analysis and active control, unwanted harmonics are not only dampened but also harnessed—for example through recuperation in energy storage systems or through controlled feed-back into the internal supply grid. This minimizes avoidable energy waste and increases the overall efficiency of the system. For our customers, this means intelligent energy use instead of loss, a reduction in disruptions and measurably better grid quality, especially in complex systems with high load distortion.

Guaranteed savings through harmonics reduction

Luana stands for measurable results—including guaranteed savings through the targeted reduction of electrical harmonics. By using intelligent technologies such as filter, storage and feedback systems, we enable companies to sustainably reduce their energy consumption, combined with a noticeable reduction in the load on electrical systems. This not only reduces running costs, but also extends the service life of the infrastructure. Our solutions are designed in such a way that savings are not left to chance: Load profiles, grid analyses and energy flows are continuously monitored and optimized. In this way, we create transparency—and can provide technical proof of the savings achieved and contractually secure them. If a company’s consumption profile matches, we guarantee 8% savings on the amount of electricity purchased. For our customers, this means: full control, predictable results and a real economic advantage—right from the start.

Effective protection against harmonics is more important today than ever before—not only for the longevity of electrical devices, but also for the stability of entire systems. Harmonics are caused by non-linear loads and spread uncontrollably in power grids. The consequences range from increased energy consumption and failures of sensitive electronics to expensive disruptions in industrial processes. To protect themselves against this, companies and private households should rely on a well-founded power quality analysis and take targeted measures. Only those who take the issue seriously and act preventively can avoid damage and operate more efficiently and safely in the long term. The return of “smoothed” electricity significantly reduces amortization times.◼