Swedish Power Quality Working Principles

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The performance of devices connected to distribution networks is instantly changed by the quality of the power supply. The machinery should perform as planned and have a useful life that is about equivalent to the price given. Additionally, the network needs to be reliable enough to protect against issues like poor output or functionality loss. Several problems with the energy system exist. Any amount of time might cause damage to equipment due to these power quality concerns. A high-power quality must constantly be supported to prevent equipment failure. This blog will emphasize the study needed to evaluate dependability and quality of power.  

Following that, several power quality systems and approaches are examined for their effects and means of control. In contrast to the impacts of dependability, which deal with long-term power outages, the repercussions of power quality interruptions are not at once clear. Even when a power quality interruption is caused by faulty machinery or a delay in a process, the effects are typically not at once clear. This affects short sounds like sags and breaks. In other situations, the effects of a change in power quality might not necessarily be clear straight away. The equipment’s failure is used as an illustration. No one sees the equipment failing in this instance. In other instances, power quality problems result in other losses that are not acknowledged and are instead absorbed as a normal part of running a business.  

What Occurs When the Power Is Turned Off?

The following are the direct economic effects:

  • The decline in output
  • The cost of restarting an operation is higher.
  • The price of replacing and repairing damaged equipment
  • More stops and starts.
  • People are concerned for their wellbeing and safety.
  • Expenditures related to a breach of contract.
  • Environmentalism is punishable by fines.
  • Utility costs have increased due to the outage.

Included among the indirect economic effects are the following:

  • The costs a firm incurs due to a revenue or income delay.
  • What is the cost of losing market share?
  • What does it cost to restore brand value?

Here are a few of the financial consequences:

  • A rise in temperature inside a building that might harm occupants’ health, safety, or ability to use it. a personal issue or injury
  • If the change in power quality is not seen, electrical risks may arise.

Figuring Out the Underlying Causes of Inadequate Power:

Voltage, frequency, and waveform can be used to assess a power supply system’s compliance with power quality standards. But a few things can affect how well electricity works. This blog addresses the following power quality-related issues:

  1. Stability of voltage
  2. Erratic voltage
  3. Harmonics in electrical energy
  4. Flashing or varying voltage
  5. Voltage drops and power outages, sometimes known as “dips,” happen frequently.

Swells, transients, inter-harmonics, and noise are examples of less common phenomena that have received less research attention.  

1. Stability of Voltage 

Stable-state voltages remain consistent over a long time (minutes or hours). Long-term high voltage levels (overvoltage) or low voltage levels (undervoltage) can cause equipment failure, increased energy consumption by equipment, and even system failure. primarily how steady-state voltage affects money.   

2. Erratic Voltage 

Unbalanced voltage often causes higher losses, especially in induction and three-phase motors.

  • This results in bearing wear and an opposite torque.
  • Greater heating of the rotor and stator
  • Installation cables could only carry a little amount of electricity.
  • The neutral conductor experiences more losses.
  • More electricity is lost through cables.

3. Harmonics in Electrical Energy

Almost all energy users produce harmonic currents, which are then contributed to the power system. Alternating currents that have harmonic frequencies are those that have multiples of 50 hertz, which is regarded as the fundamental frequency. Nonlinear electronics like computers, variable speed drives (VSD), and discharge lights often create harmonic currents. An electrical system or installation might suffer significant damage from harmonic currents. Harmonic can result in many problems, such as component damage, installation part damage, part loading, inefficient use of the installation’s current carrying ability, decreased part lifetimes, and ineffective operation of protective components.

4. Flashing or Varying Voltage

Flickering is created by altering the voltage waveform envelope. It leads to a predictable change in incandescent light intensity. Because of this continual change in light being emitted, some people may endure headaches, reduced productivity, or, in rare cases, seizures.

5. Voltage drops and power outages

Equipment is often unaffected by voltage dips and interruptions, but longer interruptions often cause equipment to trip and lose output. One may argue that the expenses of a lengthy interruption are excessively high compared to the length of the disruption. A logarithmic curve is used as an alternative.

People assert that the following variables have a substantial impact on how much a prolonged outage will cost:

  • According to studies, in the industrial sector, the cost difference between a disruption lasting one second, one minute, and one hour is insignificant.
  • AEMO uses the value of customer dependability (VCR), which is calculated based on the event’s date, time, and place (weekday, weekend, during the day, at midnight), to find how much interruptions will cost all consumers.

These numbers largely show how much people are prepared to pay to avoid an interruption, although this desire is likely related to the actual cost. According to these figures, a disruption lasting one second will cost around 20% less than one lasting an hour.

What Steps May Be Taken to Minimize Power Quality Problems?

CareLabs offers services to show and evaluate problems with electricity quality. They are listed below:

  • Analysis of Load Flow Based on how the system is used, this study was conducted. System losses, power flow, voltage, and power factor are all anticipated.
  • Harmonic analysis is the process of employing computer algorithms to find and forecast potential harmonic difficulties. The data could also reveal ways to save costs.
  • Analysis of Transients and Surges: This study looks at the causes of transients and surges.
  • This inquiry will track the size, course, and transient peaks and troughs of the voltage.
  • Through this reactive power research, the best reactive power at the distribution and load ends will be identified.
  • The goal of this study is to determine how much captive power is needed to meet demand while minimizing energy surcharges and fuel use.

CareLabs uses the ETAP (Electrical Transient Analysis Program) program to analyze and evaluate power quality. To assure the safety of your equipment, it is the ideal program for modelling and calculating all electrical system components. We supply power quality diagnostic services in significant cities including Stockholm, Gothenburg, Malmo, and Uppsala. CareLabs makes every effort to offer you the best service available to improve the quality and durability of your electrical installation. Contact us right now to set up a power quality evaluation or to receive a quote.