Mikko Pohjola
Sales Manager, Active Harmonic Filter,
Key Accounts & OEMs
Power quality solutions
for data centers
Improve data center power quality with advanced harmonic mitigation solutions. Merus® A2 Active Harmonic Filters reduce harmonic distortion caused by VFD-driven cooling equipment, improving reliability, energy efficiency, and compliance across mission-critical infrastructure.
Mission-critical uptime starts with power quality
Data center power quality plays a critical role in ensuring the reliability and efficiency of mission-critical infrastructure. As cooling systems become larger and more energy efficient, Variable Frequency Drives (VFDs) used in chillers, pumps, compressors, cooling towers, and air handling units introduce harmonic distortion into the electrical network.
Without proper harmonic mitigation, power quality issues can increase electrical losses, reduce equipment lifetime, affect cooling reliability, and make compliance with standards such as IEEE 519 more challenging.
Did you know? Modern data center cooling systems are among the largest sources of harmonic distortion due to the extensive use of VFD-controlled equipment.
Common power quality challenges in HVAC systems
Power quality issues often develop gradually, making them difficult to identify before they begin affecting reliability and operating costs. Typical symptoms include:
- Cooling system inefficiency → Harmonic distortion increases electrical losses and energy consumption.
- Unexpected downtime → Poor power quality can contribute to nuisance tripping and equipment failures.
- Equipment overheating → Additional electrical losses increase heat in transformers, cables, and motors.
- Higher operating costs → Reduced efficiency and increased maintenance raise the total cost of ownership.
- Compliance challenges → Meet IEEE 519, G5/5, EN 50160, and local grid requirements.
Where harmonics occur in data centers
- Chillers → Large VFD-driven compressors generate harmonic currents.
- Air handling units (AHUs) → Multiple fans operating at variable speed contribute to distortion.
- Cooling pumps → Continuous operation increases harmonic loading.
- Cooling towers → Variable-speed motors improve efficiency but introduce harmonics.
- Electrical distribution → Harmonics affect transformers, switchgear, and the entire power system.
Quick summary
⚡ Challenge
VFD-driven cooling equipment generates harmonic distortion that impacts efficiency, reliability, and compliance.
🛡️ Solution
Merus® A2 Active Harmonic Filters dynamically eliminate harmonics, compensate reactive power, and improve overall power quality.
📈 Key benefits
- Maximize uptime
- Improve cooling efficiency
- Reduce electrical losses
- Support IEEE 519 compliance
- Protect critical infrastructure
🏢 Applications
- Enterprise data centers
- Colocation facilities
- Hyperscale campuses
- Edge data centers
🗣️ Let’s talk!
We offer a comprehensive analysis of your power quality needs and provide tailored compensation solutions to seamlessly integrate into your system.
Tailored solutions for data center cooling
Every data center has unique cooling requirements. Whether your project uses centralized or distributed cooling architecture, Merus® A2 Active Harmonic Filters integrate seamlessly into new and existing electrical systems, helping maintain reliable operation while supporting future expansion.
Why choose Merus® A2?
- Optimize your investment → A cost-effective alternative to AFEs and passive filters with lower CAPEX and OPEX.
- Built to grow → Modular, scalable design with high redundancy.
- Designed for flexibility → Centralized or decentralized harmonic compensation to suit your installation.
- Dynamic performance → Real-time harmonic mitigation and reactive power compensation.
- Ready for any project → Compatible with data center installations worldwide.
- Certified for confidence → UL508 & CSA C22.2-listed and CE-marked modules.
Merus® A2 Active Harmonic Filters continuously monitor harmonic currents and inject equal but opposite currents to cancel harmonic distortion, much like noise-canceling headphones eliminate unwanted sound. Unlike passive solutions, active harmonic filters respond dynamically to changing loads. In addition to harmonic mitigation, they compensate reactive power and help balance electrical currents, improving overall system stability and power factor.
Merus® A2
Active Harmonic Filter
A scalable, versatile, and durable active harmonic filtering solution designed and manufactured in Finland using innovative Merus® Technology.
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Let’s improve your data center power quality
Whether you’re designing a new data center or expanding an existing facility, our experts can help you identify the right harmonic mitigation solution for reliable, efficient cooling infrastructure.
Mikko Pohjola
Sales Manager, Active Harmonic Filter,
Key Accounts & OEMs
