The quality of the power supply has a direct impact on how the distribution network-connected equipment runs. It is expected that the equipment will function as intended and that its useful life will be about equal to the value provided. Similarly, it is expected that the network is reliable enough to prevent problems such as poor output or loss of functionality from occurring. There are several issues with the power system. These power quality issues, no matter how long they exist, can harm equipment. It is critical to maintain excellent power quality to protect equipment from breaking down.
This blog will discuss the research that must be conducted to assess the quality and reliability of power. Following that, several power quality systems and methods for measuring both the effect and the control are investigated. The implications of power quality disruptions are not at once visible, as opposed to the effects of reliability, which deal with long-term power outages. Even though, in certain circumstances, the repercussions of a power quality interruption are felt at once due to malfunctioning equipment or a delay in a process. This is especially true for brief noises like sags and breaks. In other circumstances, the impacts of a change in power quality may not be clear for some time. One example is when equipment fails. In this case, equipment deteriorates over time without anybody realizing. In other circumstances, power quality issues will result in more losses that are absorbed as part of the day-to-day costs of conducting business and go unnoticed.
The following are the direct economic consequences:
The following are some of the indirect economic consequences:
Among the socioeconomic effects are:
The voltage, frequency, and waveform of a power supply system indicate whether it meets power quality criteria. However, several factors influence the quality of power. This blog discusses the following power quality issues:
Other less common phenomena, such as swells, transients, inter–harmonics, and noise, have received less study.
1. Voltage consistency
Voltages that remain constant for a long time (minutes or hours) are called steady-state voltages. The major impacts of long-term high voltage levels (overvoltage) or low voltage levels (undervoltage) include equipment failure, increased energy consumption by equipment, and probable system failure.
2. Unbalanced voltage
Unbalanced voltage often leads to increased losses, particularly in induction and three-phase motors.
3. Electricity harmonics
Almost all energy consumers generate harmonic currents and feed them into the power system. Harmonic currents are alternating currents with frequencies that are multiples of 50 hertz, also known as the fundamental frequency. Harmonic currents are typically generated by nonlinear electronics such as computers, variable speed drives (VSD), and discharge lights. Harmonic currents can cause significant harm to the installation and electrical grid. Harmonic, among other things, can damage components, installation parts, component loading, poor use of the installation’s current carrying capacity, shorter component life spans, and inefficient operation of protective components.
The envelope of a voltage waveform is modified to make it flicker. It causes the light intensity of incandescent lights to vary in a predictable way. This regular variation in the amount of light flowing out might give some individuals headaches, make them less productive, and, in rare situations, trigger seizures.
5. Voltage decreases, commonly known as “dips,” and power outages
Voltage sags and interruptions do not harm most equipment, but longer disruptions frequently cause equipment to trip and lose output. One thing that can be asserted in general is that the expense of a long interruption is not proportional to its duration. It follows a logarithmic curve instead. People claim that the following factors have a significant impact on the expense of a protracted interruption:
The value of customer reliability (VCR) is used by AEMO to calculate how much disruptions cost all users. Despite these figures reflecting how much consumers are prepared to pay to prevent an interruption, this willingness to pay is most likely tied to the actual cost. According to these estimations, a one-second outage costs around 20% of what a one-hour outage costs.
CareLabs provides a variety of power quality services to identify and assess power quality issues. They are as follows:
CareLabs studies and analyses power quality using the ETAP (Electrical Transient Analysis Program) program. It is the best piece of software for calculating and modelling all components of an electrical system to ensure equipment safety. We provide power quality analysis services in Oslo, Bergen, Trondheim, and Stavanger, among other significant cities. CareLabs strives to provide you with the finest service possible to make your electrical installation better and more dependable. Contact us today to book a power quality study or to get a quotation.
