Power Quality Working Principles in Spain

Distribution network-connected devices are instantly impacted by the quality of the power supply in terms of performance. It is predicted that the machinery will function as intended and have a useful lifespan equal to the price paid. In addition, it is expected that the network will be trustworthy enough to guard against problems like subpar output or functionality loss. The energy system has a number of issues. These power quality issues can harm equipment for any length of time. To avoid equipment failure, high power quality must always be maintained. The study necessary to assess the caliber and reliability of power will be highlighted in this blog. The impact and control of various power quality systems and methodologies are then investigated.  

The effects of power quality disruptions are not immediately evident, in contrast to the implications of dependability, which deal with long-term power outages. The repercussions of a power quality interruption are often felt right away because of broken equipment or a delay in a process, but they are not always apparent right away. In particular, brief noises like sags and breaks are affected by this. The consequences of a change in power quality might not always be evident right away in other circumstances. Failure of the equipment serves as an example. In this case, nobody notices that the equipment is deteriorating. In other instances, power quality problems result in extra losses that are not recognized and are merely absorbed as part of the normal expenses of doing business. 

What Happens When the Electricity Is Cut Off?

The immediate economic impacts are as follows:  

  • The output decreases
  • An operation must be restarted at greater expense.
  • Costs of equipment replacement and repair due to damage
  • More pauses and starts
  • People are worried about their safety and health.
  • Costs associated with a contract violation
  • Indifference to the environment is fined.
  • Utility prices increased because of the interruption.

 A few examples of indirect economic effects are as follows: 

  • Costs for the business are a result of revenue that is delayed.
  • How much does losing market share cost?
  • What does regaining brand value cost?

The following financial repercussions:

  • An increase in temperature within a structure might endanger people’s safety, health, or functionality.
  • A personal harm or concern
  • Electrical hazards might develop if the change in power quality is not noticed.

Determining the Root Reasons of Insufficient Power:

A power supply system’s voltage, frequency, and waveform can be used to determine if it complies with power quality requirements. However, a variety of factors can impact the quality of power. The following issues concerning the quality of power are covered in this blog:  

  1. Consistency of voltage
  2. Uneven voltage
  3. Electrical energy harmonics
  4. Voltage flickering or variation
  5. Drops in voltage sometimes known as “dips,” are common.

Less study has been done on less common phenomena such swells, transients, inter harmonics, and noise. 

1. Consistency of voltage

Minutes or hours might pass before steady-state voltages change. System failure, increased energy consumption by equipment, and equipment failure are all effects of prolonged high voltage levels (overvoltage) or low voltage levels (undervoltage).  

2. Uneven voltage

Higher losses are frequently the result of imbalanced voltage, particularly in induction and three-phase motors.  

  • Bearing wear and an opposing torque follow from this.
  • More stator and rotor heating
  • Less current may be carried by installation wires.
  • Losses on the neutral conductor are greater.
  • Through wires, more electricity is lost.

3. Electrical energy harmonics

Harmonic currents are created by all energy consumers and are fed into the power system. Alternating currents with harmonic frequencies have fundamental frequencies that are multiples of 50 hertz. Nonlinear electronics like computers, variable speed drives (VSD), and discharge lamps frequently produce harmonic currents. Harmonic currents have the potential to seriously harm an electrical system or installation. Harmonic can lead to a variety of issues, including damage to installation parts, components, component loading, inefficient use of the installation’s present carrying capacity, shortened component lives, and ineffective operation of protective components.  

4. Voltage flickering or variation  

To produce flickering, the voltage waveform envelope is modified. It results in a predictable variation in the intensity of incandescent light. Some people may get headaches, lose productivity, or, in rare instances, experience seizures as a result of this constant variation in the amount of light being emitted. 

5. Drops in voltage  

Voltage dips and interruptions often have trivial effects on equipment, but longer disruptions frequently cause equipment to trip and lose output. In general, it may be argued that a long interruption does not cost as much as it does. Instead, a logarithmic curve is used. People claim that the factors listed below significantly affect how much a protracted outage will cost:  

  • According to reports, the cost difference between a disruption lasting one second, one minute, and one hour is negligible in the industrial sector.
  • Date, time, and location of the event (weekday, weekend, daytime, midnight)

In order to calculate the total cost of disruptions for all customers, AEMO employs the value of customer dependability (VCR). Despite the fact that these figures primarily show how much customers are willing to spend to prevent an interruption, this desire is tied to the real cost. These calculations show that a one-second interruption costs around 20% less than an hour-long disruption.  

How Can Issues with Power Quality Be Minimized?

CareLabs provides services to identify and assess power quality issues. Here is a list of them:  

  • Load Flow Analysis: This analysis is carried out based on how the system is used. Power flow, voltage, power factor, and system losses are all predicted.
  • Harmonic analysis is the practice of looking for and predicting likely harmonic issues using computer algorithms. The data may also indicate strategies to make savings.
  • Examining the sources of surges and transients, this paper analyzes both phenomena. This investigation would follow the value and trajectory of the voltage as well as its short-term peaks and valleys.
  • The optimal reactive power at the distribution and load ends will be discovered through this research of reactive power.
  • This study would determine how much captive power is required to satisfy demand while reducing energy surcharges and fuel use.

CareLabs looks into and assesses power quality using the program called ETAP (Electrical Transient Analysis Program). It is the best program for modeling and calculating all electrical system components to ensure the safety of your equipment. Madrid, Barcelona, Valencia, and Seville are just a few of the key locations where we provide our power quality diagnostic services. In order to raise the caliber and dependability of your electrical installation, CareLabs strives to provide you with the finest service imaginable. To arrange a power quality investigation or to get a price, get in touch with us right away. 

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