Power Quality Working Principles in Portugal

The quality of the power supply has an immediate impact on the functioning of devices linked to a distribution network. It is assumed that the equipment will function as intended and that its useful life will correspond to the value provided. Similarly, it is hoped that the network would be reliable enough to prevent concerns such as insufficient output or functionality loss. There are several issues with the energy system. Regardless of how long these power quality issues persist, they can cause equipment damage. To prevent equipment failure, it is vital to maintain good power quality. 

This blog will focus on the research necessary to assess the quality and reliability of power. Then, a range of power quality systems and strategies for evaluating the effect and the control are investigated. Unlike the effects of dependability, which pertain to long-term power outages, the effects of power quality disruptions are not immediately obvious. Although the repercussions of a power quality interruption are sometimes realized immediately due to malfunctioning equipment or a delay in a process, the effects are not always felt immediately. This is especially the case for brief noises like sags and breaks. In other circumstances, the impacts of a change in power quality may not be readily apparent. An example is when equipment malfunctions. In this situation, equipment degrades unnoticed. In other circumstances, power quality issues result in additional losses that are absorbed as part of the daily cost of doing business and are not reported. 

What Happens When the Electricity Goes Out?

The following are the direct implications on the economy:

  • The decrease in production
  • Restarting a process incurs more expenses.
  • The expense of replacing and repairing damaged equipment
  • More starts and endings
  • People are worried about their health and safety.
  • Damages suffered due to a violation of contract
  • Environmental apathy is penalized by monetary penalties.
  • Due to the power outage, utility prices skyrocketed.

These are some examples of indirect economic effects: 

  • The expenses incurred by a business due to delayed income or revenue.
  • How much does market share loss cost?
  • How much does it cost to restore brand value?

Following are examples of economic effects: 

  • A temperature increases in a structure that may affect its operation, health, or safety.
  • A personal harm or worry
  • If the change in power quality is not noticed, there may be an electrical hazard.

Identifying the Leading Reasons of Insufficient Power:

The voltage, frequency, and waveform of a power supply system indicate whether or not it complies with power quality requirements. However, a variety of factors influence the quality of power. This blog discusses the following electricity-related issues: 

  1. Voltage consistency
  2. Unbalanced voltage
  3. Electromagnetic energy harmonics
  4. Fluctuating or flickering voltage
  5. Power fluctuations and outages

Less common occurrences such as swells, transients, inter harmonics, and noise have received less attention from researchers. 

1. Voltage Consistency

Steady-state voltages are voltages that remain steady over an extended time (minutes or hours). Long-term high voltage levels (overvoltage) or low voltage levels (under voltage) result in equipment failure, an increase in equipment energy consumption, and system failure. 

2. Unbalanced Voltage

Unbalanced voltage frequently leads to increased losses, particularly in induction and three-phase motors. 

  • This causes torque in the opposite direction and bearing wear.
  • Higher stator and rotor temperatures.
  • Installation cables have a lower current capacity.
  • On the neutral conductor, losses are higher.
  • More energy is lost via wires.

3. Electromagnetic Energy Harmonics

All energy consumers make and inject harmonic currents 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 lamps. Harmonic currents can cause significant harm to both the installation and the electrical grid. Harmonics can cause damage to components, installation parts, component loading, inefficient use of the installation’s current carrying capacity, lower component life spans, and inadequate protective component action, among other issues. 
 

4. Fluctuating or Flickering Voltage  

The envelope of the voltage waveform is modified to induce flickering. It modulates the intensity of incandescent light in a predictable manner. This rapid fluctuation in the amount of light emitted may trigger headaches in certain individuals, decrease their productivity, and in rare circumstances cause seizures. 

5. Power Fluctuations and Outages

Voltage dips and interruptions have negligible effect on most equipment, but longer disruptions typically cause equipment to trip and lose output. In general, the cost of a protracted interruption may not be proportional to its duration. It follows a logarithmic curve instead. People claim that the following variables have a significant impact on the expense of a protracted disruption: 

  • According to reports, the cost difference between a one-second, one-minute, and one-hour interruption in the manufacturing business is minimal.
  • The occasion’s date, time, and location (weekday, weekend, daytime, nighttime)

The value of customer reliability (VCR) is used by AEMO to calculate how much disruptions cost all consumers. This willingness to pay is intimately connected with the actual cost, even though these data primarily reflect how much customers are willing to pay to prevent an interruption. According to these estimations, a one-second interruption costs around 20% less than an hour-long one. 

How Can Difficulties with Electricity Quality Be Minimized?

CareLabs offers a range of services to locate and evaluate power quality problems. They are as follows: 

  • This analysis is based on how the system is employed. It forecasts the system’s power flow, voltage, power factor, and losses.
  • Using computer algorithms, harmonic analysis is the act of identifying and predicting potential harmonic issues. Depending on the results, reduction strategies may also be advised.
  • Analysis of Surges and Fluctuations: This research investigates the causes of surges and fluctuations.
  • This investigation would monitor the voltage’s short-term dips and increases in addition to its value and direction.
  • This investigation into reactive power will identify the optimal reactive power at the distribution and load ends.
  • This study would determine the amount of captive power required to fulfil demand while minimizing energy surcharges and fuel use.

CareLabs researches and assesses power quality via ETAP (Electrical Transient Analysis Program) software. It is the best software for calculating and simulating all electrical system components to guarantee equipment safety. provide power quality analysis services in Lisbon, Porto, Vila Nova de Gaia, and Braga, among other significant cities. CareLabs strives to provide you with the finest service to enhance the quality and durability of your electrical installation. Contact us as soon as possible to organize a power quality investigation or to obtain a price. 

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