Danish Power Quality Working Principles

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The power supply’s reliability directly influences the operation of the distribution network-connected equipment. The equipment is expected to work as intended and to have a useful life equivalent to the value stated. Similarly, it is assumed that the network would be dependable enough to avoid problems such as poor output or loss of functionality. There are several problems with the electricity system. These power quality concerns, no matter how long they remain, have the potential to destroy equipment. Maintaining great power quality is crucial to preventing equipment breakdown. 

This blog will go over the study that must be done to determine the quality and dependability of power. Then, numerous power quality systems and methods for assessing both effect and control are studied. In contrast to the impacts of dependability, which deal with long-term power outages, the ramifications of power quality interruptions are not immediately obvious. Even though, in certain cases, the effects of a power quality interruption are felt immediately owing to faulty equipment or a delay in the process. This is especially true for short sounds like sags and breaks. In other cases, the effects of a change in power quality may take some time to become evident. When equipment malfunctions, for example. In this situation, the equipment degrades over time without anyone noticing. In other instances, power quality issues result in additional losses that are absorbed as part of the costs of doing business and are not reported. 

What Happens If the Power Goes Out?

Direct economic repercussions include the following:

  • The output reduction
  • There are additional expenses for resuming a process.
  • Costs of repairing and replacing damaged equipment
  • There will be more pauses and starts.
  • The general population is concerned with their health and safety.
  • Expenses incurred because of contract violations
  • Penalties for failing to protect the environment.
  • The outage caused an increase in utility expenses.

Among the indirect economic consequences are:

  • A company’s expenditures incurred because of delayed revenue or profits.
  • How much money does it cost to lose market share?
  • What is the cost of restoring brand value?

The following are some of the economical effects:

  • A rise in the temperature of a structure may compromise performance, health, or safety.
  • A personal hurt or apprehension
  • If the change in power quality is not noticed, an electrical risk may occur.

Identifying the Root Causes of Low Power:

A power supply system’s voltage, frequency, and waveform indicate whether or not it meets power quality standards. However, various things impact electricity quality. The following power quality concerns are addressed in this blog:

  1. Voltage stability
  2. Voltage imbalance
  3. Harmonics in electricity
  4. Voltage flickering or fluctuation
  5. Voltage drops, sometimes known as “dips,” and power outages

Swells, transients, inter harmonics, and noise are examples of less common phenomena that have gotten less attention. 

1. Voltage stability

Stable-state voltages are voltages that remain consistent for a lengthy period (minutes or hours). Long-term high voltage (overvoltage) or low voltage (undervoltage) consequences include equipment failure, increased energy consumption by equipment, and the possibility of system failure.

2. Voltage imbalance

Unbalanced voltage frequently causes greater losses, especially in induction and three-phase motors.

  • This generates inverted torque and wears the bearings out.
  • More heating of the stator and rotor
  • The current carried by installation wires may be reduced.
  • More losses occur on the neutral conductor.
  • Wires use more energy.

3. Harmonics in electricity

Almost all energy users generate and input harmonic currents into the power grid. Alternating currents with frequencies that are multiples of 50 hertz, commonly known as the fundamental frequency, are known as harmonic currents. Nonlinear electronics such as computers, variable speed drives (VSD), and discharge lamps frequently create harmonic currents. Harmonic currents have the potential to damage both the installation and the electrical grid. Harmonic can harm components, installation parts, component loading, inefficient use of the installation’s current carrying capacity, shorter component life spans, and ineffective operation of protection components, among other problems.

4. Voltage flickering or fluctuation

To make a voltage waveform flicker, the envelope is altered. It causes incandescent light intensity to change in a predictable manner. This frequent change in the quantity of light emitted may cause headaches, make people less productive, and, in rare cases, cause seizures.

5. Voltage drops

Most equipment is unaffected by voltage sags and interruptions, but protracted disruptions can cause equipment to trip and lose output.

One basic statement is that the cost of a protracted interruption is not proportionate to its duration. Instead, it follows a logarithmic curve. According to some, the following elements have a substantial influence on the cost of a prolonged interruption:

  • In the manufacturing industry, for example, the cost difference between a one-second, one-minute, and one-hour interruption is said to be minor.
  • The event’s date, time, and place (weekday, weekend, daytime, nighttime)

AEMO uses the value of customer reliability (VCR) to quantify how much interruptions cost all consumers. Despite the fact that these data largely indicate how much customers are ready to pay to avoid an interruption, this desire to pay is almost certainly directly related to the actual cost. According to these estimates, a one-second outage will cost around 20% of what a one-hour outage will cost. 

How Can Power Quality Concerns Be Kept to a Bare Minimum?

CareLabs offers a number of power quality services to help discover and diagnose power quality concerns. These are their names:

  • Load Flow Analysis: Depending on how the system is used, this analysis is conducted. It predicts the amount of power flowing, the voltage, the power factor, and the system losses.
  • The practice of searching for and forecasting potential harmonic difficulties using computer algorithms is known as harmonic analysis. Depending on the findings, methods of reduction are also suggested.
  • Surge and Transient Analysis: This study looks at what causes surges and transients.
  • Analysis of Voltage Dips and Climbs: This analysis would track the voltage’s short-term dips and increases, as well as its value and path.
  • Reactive Power Study: This analysis will establish the best reactive power at the distribution and load ends.
  • Captive Power Analysis: This study would evaluate how much captive power is needed to meet demand while lowering energy surcharges and fuel use.

The ETAP (Electrical Transient Analysis Program) program is used by CareLabs to study and analyze power quality. It is the best program for calculating and modelling all the components of an electrical system to assure the equipment’s safety. We provide power quality analysis services in major cities such as Copenhagen, Aarhus, Odense, and Aalborg. CareLabs tries to give you the best service possible to improve and rely on your electrical system. Contact us right now to schedule a power quality analysis or to get a quote.