The quality of the power supply has a direct impact on the fundamental operation and performance of the distribution network-connected equipment. It is anticipated that the equipment will function well and have a lifespan roughly comparable to the value given. Similarly, the network’s stability is intended to be enough to prevent difficulties such as poor output or functionality loss. In reality, the power system is beset by several power quality issues. These power quality disruptions, regardless of length, may cause device damage. As a result, maintaining power quality is critical to avoiding equipment failure.
This blog will look at the research required to measure the quality and reliability of power. Following that, several power quality systems, and methodologies for monitoring both effect and control are investigated. Unlike dependability, which is concerned with protracted power outages, the consequences of power quality interruptions are not immediately obvious. However, in certain cases, the impact of a power quality interruption is rapid due to equipment damage and/or a delay in the process. This is especially true during pauses, interruptions, and transients.
In other cases, the impacts of a power quality disruption may not be immediately apparent. One example is equipment deterioration. In this case, equipment degradation continues unabated for decades. In other cases, power quality issues will result in additional losses that are absorbed as part of the cost of doing business and so ignored.
Direct economic consequences include:
Indirect economic consequences include:
Among the socioeconomic consequences are:
A power supply system’s voltage, frequency, and waveform are examined to determine its power quality. However, a variety of factors influence power quality. This blog addresses the following electrical quality issues:
Other phenomena, such as swells, transients, inter-harmonics, and noise, have received less attention due to their rarity.
1. Voltage consistency:
The magnitudes of long-term sustained voltages (minutes or hours) correspond with the magnitudes of steady-state voltages.
The principal consequences of persistent high voltage (overvoltage) or low voltage (undervoltage) include equipment failure, increased energy consumption, and potential system malfunction. According to LTNPQS, the most significant economic consequence of steady-state voltage in Australia is overvoltage, which causes premature ageing and equipment failure. A 5% increase in voltage, for example, would cut the lifespan of an incandescent light bulb in half.
2. Unbalanced voltage:
Increased losses are frequently associated with unbalanced voltage, particularly in induction and three-phase motors.
3. Current harmonics
Almost every energy consumer generates and injects harmonic currents into the power grid. Harmonic currents are alternating current currents with frequencies that are multiples of 50 hertz. The most common non-linear electrical equipment that emits harmonic currents is computers, variable speed drives (VSD), and discharge lights. Harmonic currents are especially hazardous to the installation and the power distribution network. Harmonics’ effects include damaged components, damaged installation parts, component loading, inefficient use of the installation’s current carrying capacity, shorter component lifespan, and ineffective operation of protective components.
Flicker is an envelope modification of a voltage waveform. It causes incandescent lighting sources to have cyclic changes in light intensity. Because of this periodic variation in light output, some people may feel pain, decreased productivity, headaches, and, in rare cases, seizures.
5. Voltage dips
The majority of equipment is not affected during voltage sags and interruptions; however, longer disruptions frequently result in output loss due to equipment tripping.
The cost of a protracted interruption is not proportional to its length, but rather follows a logarithmic curve, as is commonly seen. Experts believe that the following factors have a substantial influence on the cost of a protracted interruption:
The value of customer reliability (VCR) is calculated by AEMO to assess the economic impact of outages on all consumers. Despite the fact that these figures mostly represent consumers’ willingness to pay in order to prevent a disruption, it is expected that this willingness to pay is highly connected with the actual cost. According to these estimates, a one-second outage costs around 20% less than an hour-long disruption.
CareLabs provides a variety of services to identify and assess power quality issues. The following are included:
ETAP – Electrical Transient Analysis Program software is used by CareLabs to investigate and appraise power quality. It is the best program for doing calculations and simulations for all electrical system components, ensuring equipment safety.
We provide power quality analysis in Helsinki, Vantaa, Espoo, and Tampere, among other significant cities. CareLabs is dedicated to providing the best service possible to improve the quality and dependability of your electrical system. Contact us right now to schedule an inspection of your electrical quality or to acquire a quote!
