Power Quality Working Principles in Greece

The power supply’s quality immediately affects the performance of distribution network-connected devices. It is anticipated that the equipment will operate as designed and that its useful life will be equivalent to the value given. Likewise, it is anticipated that the network would be dependable enough to prevent issues such as poor output or functionality loss. There are several problems with the energy system. No matter how long these power quality concerns persist, they can damage equipment. It is essential to maintain superior power quality to prevent equipment failure. This blog will highlight the research required to evaluate the quality and dependability of electricity. Then, several power quality systems and techniques for assessing the effect and control are studied. 

In contrast to the impacts of dependability, which deal with long-term power outages, the repercussions of power quality interruptions are not immediately apparent. Even though, in certain instances, the effects of a power quality interruption are felt instantly owing to malfunctioning equipment or a delay in a process, the effects are not always noticed immediately. This is particularly true for short sounds such as sags and breaks. In other situations, the effects of a change in power quality may not be immediately obvious. An illustration is when equipment fails. In this instance, equipment degrades without anyone’s knowledge. In other instances, power quality concerns result in extra losses absorbed as part of the costs of doing business daily and going unreported. 

What Occurs When the Power Goes Off?

Immediate fiscal effects include the following:

  • The production declines
  • Restarting an operation incurs additional costs.
  • Replacement and repair costs for damaged equipment
  • More stops and beginnings
  • Individuals are concerned with their health and safety.
  • Costs incurred because of a breach of contract
  • Environmental indifference is punishable by fines.
  • Due to the outage, utility costs soared.

The following are a sampling of indirect economic effects: 

  • The company’s costs are from delayed income or revenue.
  • How much does it cost to lose market share?
  • What is the cost of restoring brand value?

The following are economical effects: 

  • A rise in a building’s temperature that may compromise its functionality, health, or safety.
  • An individual injury or worry
  • If the change in power quality is not detected, an electrical hazard may arise.
  • If the change in power quality is not detected, an electrical hazard may arise.

Identifying the Primary Causes of Inadequate Power:

Voltage, frequency, and waveform of a power supply system reveal whether it meets power quality standards. However, the quality of power is affected by many things. This blog addresses the following concerns with electricity quality: 

  1. Voltage consistency
  2. Unbalanced voltage
  3. Harmonics of electrical energy
  4. Flickering or changing voltage
  5. Voltage drops, sometimes known as “dips,” and power outages are widespread.

Less frequent phenomena such as swells, transients, inter harmonics, and noise have attracted less research. 

1. Voltage consistency 

  • Steady-state voltages remain constant for a long time (minutes or hours).
  • Long-term high voltage levels (overvoltage) or low voltage levels (undervoltage) result in equipment failure, increased energy consumption by equipment, and system failure.

 2. Unbalanced voltage 

Frequently, unbalanced voltage results in higher losses, especially in induction and three-phase motors.

  • This results in an opposite torque and bearing wear.
  • More heating of the stator and rotor
  • Installation cables can carry less current.
  • On the neutral conductor, there are larger losses.
  • More power is lost through cables.

3. Harmonics of electrical energy

All energy users produce harmonic currents and inject them into the power grid. Alternating currents with frequencies that are multiples of 50 hertz, known as the fundamental frequency, constitute harmonic currents. Typically, nonlinear electronics such as computers, variable speed drives (VSD), and discharge lamps create harmonic currents. Harmonic currents can cause considerable damage to the installation and electrical grid. Harmonic can cause damage to components, installation parts, component loading, inefficient use of the installation’s current carrying capability, shorter component life spans, and ineffective action of protection components, among other problems. 
 

4. Flickering or changing voltage 

Flicker is an envelope modulation of a voltage waveform. It causes incandescent lighting sources to have rhythmic variations in light intensity. This rhythmic transition in light output can cause health issues ranging from irritation and decreased productivity to headaches and, in rare cases, seizures in some people.

5. Voltage drops

Most equipment is unaffected by voltage dips and interruptions, but longer interruptions usually cause equipment to trip and lose output. In general, it may be claimed that the cost of a lengthy 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, nighttime)

AEMO uses the value of customer reliability (VCR) to determine how much interruptions cost all users. Despite these numbers mostly indicating how much customers are ready to pay to avoid an interruption, this desire is 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 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 results, ways to cut back are also suggested.
  • Analysis of Surges and Transients: This study examines the causes of surges and transients.
  • This study would track the voltage’s short-term dips 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 finest program for calculating and modelling all electrical system components to assure equipment safety. We provide power quality analysis services in major cities including Rome, Milan, Florence, and Venice. 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. 

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