Finite Element Method (FEM) in Harmonic Reactor Design
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.47526/2026-1/2505-3123.01Keywords:
Harmonic reactor design, FEM, ANSYS Maxwell, COMSOL, Magnetic field analysisAbstract
The increasing integration of power electronic converters in modern electrical power systems has led to a significant rise in harmonic distortion, posing serious challenges to power quality, system stability, electromagnetic compatibility, and equipment lifetime. Harmonic filter reactors play a critical role in mitigating harmonic propagation and limiting resonance phenomena in electrical networks by providing controlled inductive impedance and stabilizing system behavior under distorted operating conditions; however, conventional analytical design approaches are often insufficient to accurately capture nonlinear magnetic behavior, leakage flux distribution, fringing effects, and core saturation phenomena under realistic loading and frequency-dependent operating conditions. This paper revisits the use and effect of Finite Element Method (FEM) in the design and analysis of harmonic filter reactors. It is shown that FEM-based approach significantly improves the accuracy of inductance estimation and electromagnetic performance prediction compared to classical analytical methods, particularly in the presence of nonlinear effects and complex flux paths, while enhancing overall design reliability and supporting improved harmonic mitigation performance in compliance with IEEE 519 power quality requirements
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