The power supply quality directly impacts the performance and basic operation of equipment linked to the distribution network. The equipment is expected to perform as planned and have a useful life that is equivalent to the service offered. The reliability of the network is also expected to be sufficient to fend off issues like subpar output or lost functionality. In fact, there are many power quality problems plaguing the power system. No matter how long they last, these power quality interruptions might harm equipment. To avoid equipment failure, it is crucial to maintain power quality.
The study needed to evaluate the caliber and dependability of electricity will be covered in this blog. The investigation of various systems and techniques for determining the impact and control of power quality follows. The effects of changes in power quality are not immediately apparent, in contrast to dependability, which is concerned with prolonged power outages. However, in other instances, equipment damage and/or a process delay are the direct effects of a power quality interruption. This is particularly valid for pauses, breaks, and ephemera.
The effects of a power quality disruption might not always be immediately obvious. Deterioration of equipment is one example. Under these circumstances, equipment deterioration continues unabated for decades. In some situations, poor power quality will cause extra losses that are seen as unavoidable and are therefore overlooked.
Effects of Low-quality Electricity:
Immediate financial repercussions include:
- Production loss
- Restarting a procedure comes with additional expenses.
- Equipment damage and repair costs
- More delays and downtime
- Worries for the safety and health of people
- Financial losses brought on the breach of contract.
- Monetary fines as punishment for environmental offenses
- Electricity bill increases because of the outage
Among the indirect economic effects are:
- The costs experienced by a business because of a revenue or income delay.
- The monetary impact of losing market share
- The price to recover brand value
Social and economic effects include:
- A rise in interior temperature that might harm occupants’ health, safety, or performance.
- A problem or harm to the individual
- An electrical hazard might arise if the power quality disruption is not recognized.
Understanding the Fundamental Reasons for Low Power Quality:
If a power supply system’s voltage, frequency, and waveform fulfill the necessary requirements, the power quality is said to be satisfactory. Yet, many things affect power quality. The challenges related to electricity quality are covered in this blog:
- Voltage constancy
- Voltage disparity
- Voltage harmonics
- Voltage flickering or swinging
- Sags in voltage, often known as dips, and interruptions
Because of their rarity, other phenomena including swells, transients, inter harmonics, and noise have gotten less attention.
1. Voltage Constancy
Consistent voltage magnitudes over an extended period (minutes or hours) are equivalent to steady-state voltage magnitudes. Equipment failure, increased equipment energy consumption, and system failure are the major effects of sustained high voltage levels (overvoltage) or low voltage levels (undervoltage).
2. Voltage Disparity
Particularly in induction motors and three-phase motors, voltage imbalance is typically linked to extra losses.
- Inverse torque results from this, which damages bearings.
- Reduced current capacity of Installation cables due to more stator and rotor heating.
- Further losses are sustained by the neutral conductor.
- Cables lose more energy than they gain.
3. Voltage Harmonics
All energy users produce harmonic currents, which are then injected into the power system. A harmonic current is an alternating current that has a fundamental frequency greater than or equal to 50 hertz. Non-linear electrical equipment like computers, variable speed drives (VSD), and discharge lamps are the most typical generators of harmonic currents. Harmonic currents can severely damage the installation and power supply system. Damaged components, installation component damage, component loading, inefficient use of the installation’s current carrying capability, shortened component lifespan, and ineffective operation of protective components are only a few of the repercussions of harmonics.
4. Voltage That Flickers or Swinging
An envelope modulation of a voltage waveform is flicker. It results in cyclic fluctuations in light intensity in incandescent lighting sources. The health effects of this cyclic variation in light output can range from annoyance and decreased productivity to migraines and, in rare instances, convulsions in certain people.
5. Sags in Voltage
Voltage sags and interruptions often do not cause equipment damage; however, lengthier disruptions commonly cause output loss due to equipment tripping. One overarching finding is that the expense of a protracted interruption does not increase linearly with time but rather increases progressively. According to reports, the following elements have a significant impact on how much a lengthy disruption will cost:
- For instance, it is said that there is little financial difference between a one-second, one-minute, and one-hour delay in the industrial sector.
- The day, hour, and place where it takes place (weekday, weekend, daytime, nighttime)
The economic impact of disruptions on all customers is estimated using AEMO’s value of customer reliability (VCR) calculation. While the primary focus of these numbers is on consumers’ willingness to pay to avoid a disruption, it is anticipated that this desire to pay is closely correlated with the actual cost. Our calculations suggest that the cost of a one-second interruption is around 20% of the cost of an hour-long outage.
How Can Problems with Power Quality Be Reduced?
To find and evaluate power quality problems, Care Labs offers a range of power quality services. Some of them are:
- Load flow analysis: this research was conducted under operational circumstances. It forecasts system losses, voltage levels, and power flow magnitudes.
- Using computer algorithms, harmonic analysis identifies and predicts probable harmonic issues. Based on the outcomes, reducing strategies are also recommended.
- Surge and transient analysis: this research identifies the causes of transients and surges.
- Analysis of short-term voltage dips and swells: this analysis will follow the short-term voltage dips and swells, their magnitude and direction.
- Reactive power analysis: this study will establish the preferred reactive power at the distribution and load ends.
- Captive power analysis: to fulfill demand while reducing energy surcharges and fuel usage, this research would measure and synchronize captive power.
CareLabs studies and evaluates power quality using the ETAP (Electrical Transient Analysis Program) – Electrical Transient Analysis Program software. The safety of the equipment is ensured by using the best software tool for calculations and simulations for all electrical system components. We provide power quality analysis services in all major cities, including Berlin, Hamburg, Munich, Cologne, Frankfurt, and Stuttgart. To raise the caliber and dependability of your electrical installation, Care Labs is committed to providing the top service attainable. To arrange your power quality, contact us right away.
