Working Principles for Power Quality in Hong Kong
The quality of the power supply has a direct impact on the performance of the equipment connected to the distribution network. It is anticipated that the equipment will function as intended and have a useful life equal to that of the service given. Similarly, it is envisaged that the network would be reliable enough to avoid issues such as substandard output or functional loss. The power grid has a great deal of issues. Regardless of how long they have existed, these power quality issues can cause equipment damage. Optimal power quality must constantly be maintained to prevent device malfunctions. This blog will discuss the research required to evaluate the quality and reliability of power. The subsequent step is the examination of alternative power quality systems and ways for evaluating the effect and the control.
Unlike the effects of dependability, which pertain to lengthy power outages, the effects of power quality disruptions are not immediately obvious. Even though an interruption in power quality is sometimes accompanied by broken equipment or a delay in a process, the impacts are felt immediately. This is especially true for short-duration noises such as sags and pauses. In some circumstances, it may take time for the impacts of a change in power quality to become apparent. Failure of equipment is one example. In this situation, nobody observes the progressive depreciation of the equipment. Other times, power quality problems will lead to extra losses that are absorbed as a standard cost of doing business and are not reported.
Table of Contents
What Happens When the Electricity Goes Out?
The following are immediate economic effects:
- The decline in output
- Restarting a procedure incurs additional expenses.
- Costs of equipment damage repair and replacement
- Even more pauses and restarts
- People are concerned for their safety and health.
- Costs incurred because of a contract violation
- Environmental protection violations are punishable.
- The disruption caused an increase in utility expenses.
Listed below are some indirect economic effects:
- The expenses incurred by a company due to a delay in sales or earnings.
- How much does a decline in market share cost?
- How much does it cost to rebuild brand value?
Among these socioeconomic implications are:
- An increase in temperature within a building poses a threat to people’s health, safety, or performance.
- An issue or harm to the individual
- If the change in power quality goes unnoticed, electrical risk might follow.
Identifying the Fundamental Reasons of Insufficient Power:
Voltage, frequency, and waveform of a power supply system disclose whether or not it meets power quality criteria. However, a variety of factors influence the quality of power. The following issues with electricity quality are discussed in this blog:
- Continuous current
- Inadequate voltage
- Electromagnetic radiation
- Flashing or fluctuating voltage
- Power outages and brownouts
Less study has been conducted on phenomena that occur less often, such as noise, waves, and transients.
1. Continuous current:
Stable-state voltages are those that remain consistent over an extended time (minutes or hours). Long-term high voltage levels (overvoltage) or low voltage levels (undervoltage) have a range of detrimental impacts on equipment, including equipment failure, increased energy consumption, and potential system failure.
2. Inadequate voltage:
Unbalanced voltage typically causes increased losses, particularly in induction and three-phase motors.
- As a result, the bearings deteriorate, and an inverted torque is produced.
- Increased heating of the stator and rotor
- Installation cables may transport less current.
- Neutral conductors have more losses.
- Greater energy loss occurs in cables.
3. Electromagnetic radiation
Most energy users produce harmonic currents that are fed into the power grid. Alternating currents with harmonic frequencies have multiples of 50 hertz, which is typically referred to as the fundamental frequency. Computers, variable speed drives (VSD), and discharge lamps are examples of nonlinear electrical equipment that frequently produce harmonic currents. Harmonic currents have the potential to seriously harm both the electrical system and the installation. Components, installation parts, component loading, misusing the installation’s present carrying capacity, shortened component lifespan, and ineffective protective component operation are only a few of the things that harmonic might harm.
4. Flashing or fluctuating voltage
Changing the envelope of a voltage waveform causes flickering. It results in a consistent change in the luminosity of incandescent lights. This frequent change in the quantity of light emitted may cause headaches, decrease productivity, and, in rare cases, induce seizures in certain individuals.
5. Power outages and brownouts
Most equipment is unaffected by voltage fluctuations and interruptions, but extended interruptions can cause equipment to trip and lose output. A generalization that may be made is that the cost of a protracted interruption is not proportionate to its length. Instead, it follows a logarithmic curve. People assert that the following variables have a substantial influence on the cost of a prolonged disruption:
- In the manufacturing industry, for instance, the cost difference between a one-second, one-minute, and one-hour disruption is reported to be little.
- The event’s date, time, and place (weekday, weekend, daytime, evening) (weekday, weekend, daytime, nighttime)
AEMO uses the value of customer reliability (VCR) to determine how much interruptions cost all users. Even though these numbers mostly indicate how much customers are ready to pay to avoid an interruption, this desire to pay is tightly correlated with the actual cost. According to these estimates, a one-second outage costs around 20% less than an hour-long interruption.
How Can Power Quality Problems Be Kept to a Minimum?
CareLabs offers several services to discover and evaluate power quality concerns. They are listed below:
- Load Flow Analysis: Depending on how the system is utilized, this analysis is conducted. It predicts power flow, voltage, power factor, and system losses.
- Using computer algorithms, harmonic analysis is the process of searching for and forecasting probable harmonic difficulties. Depending on the findings, reduction methods are also recommended.
- Analysis of Surges and Transients: This study examines the causes of surges and transients.
- This study would track the voltage’s short-term drops and climbs, as well as its value and trajectory.
- This study of reactive power will find the ideal reactive power at the distribution and load ends.
- This research would assess how much captive power is necessary to meet demand while minimizing energy surcharges and fuel use.
Using the ETAP (Electrical Transient Analysis Program) software, CareLabs investigates and evaluates power quality. It is the best program for calculating and modelling all the components of an electrical system to guarantee the safety of the equipment. We provide power quality analysis services in major cities including Hong Kong Island, Kowloon, New Territories, and Lantau Island CareLabs tries to give you the best service possible to improve the quality and dependability of your electrical installation. Contact us immediately to schedule a power quality study or to receive a quote.
RELATED NEWS
RELATED NEWS
