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Power Quality Working Principles in Singapore

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The functionality of equipment connected to the distribution network is directly affected by the quality of the power supply. It is believed that the equipment will operate as intended and have a useful life similar to the stated value. Likewise, it is considered that the network’s reliability is sufficient to prevent problems such as poor output or functionality loss. 

In actuality, the electricity grid is beset by several issues. Regardless of how long these power quality issues persist, they may cause equipment damage. To prevent equipment failure, it is necessary to maintain a high degree of power quality. This blog will discuss the research required to evaluate the quality and reliability of electricity. After this, a variety of power quality monitoring and control systems and techniques are studied. 

In contrast to the effects of dependability, which involve lengthy power outages, the effects of power quality disruptions take time to manifest. Nevertheless, in certain instances, the effects of a power quality interruption are immediately obvious due to malfunctioning equipment or a delay in processing. This is particularly true with pauses and other fleeting noises. 

In other instances, the effects of a change in power quality may not be readily apparent. One example is when equipment fails. In this instance, equipment degrades without anyone noticing. In other instances, power quality issues result in additional losses that are accounted for as part of the costs of conducting business and are not observed. 

The Consequences of Substandard Electricity:

Immediate economic effects consist of the following: 

  • The decrease in production 
  • Restarting a procedure incurs additional expenditure. 
  • Repair and replacement expenditures for damaged equipment 
  • More beginning and ending 
  • Safety and health considerations for persons 
  • Costs incurred because of a contract violation 
  • There are monetary consequences for environmental disrespect. 
  • As a result of the outage, utility rates rose. 

Indirect economic implications include: 

  • The costs spent by a business due to delayed revenue or income. 
  • The monetary cost of declining market share 
  • The price of reestablishing brand value 

Socioeconomic consequences include: 

  • A rise in a building’s temperature might have detrimental effects on its performance, health, and safety. 
  • Anguish or worry about oneself 
  • If the change in power quality is not identified, it might potentially constitute an electrical risk. 

Recognizing the Primary Causes of Inadequate Power:

Voltage, frequency, and waveform of a power supply system indicate if it meets power quality standards. Yet, the quality of power is affected by a number of things. This blog addresses the following concerns with electricity quality: 

  1. Voltage stability 
  2. Voltage imbalance 
  3. Electromagnetism’s harmonics 
  4. Variable or flickering voltage 
  5. Voltage drops, often called “dips,” and power outages 

Some fewer common phenomena, such as swells, transients, inter-harmonics, and noise, have been studied less.

1. Voltage stability

Consistent voltage magnitudes over a long period of time (minutes or hours) are equivalent to steady-state voltage magnitudes. Equipment failure, increased equipment energy consumption, and possible system failure are the major effects of sustained high voltage levels (overvoltage) or low voltage levels (under voltage).

2. Voltage imbalance

Particularly in induction motors and three-phase motors, voltage imbalance is typically linked to extra losses. 

  • Inverse torque results from this, which damages bearings. 
  • further heating of the rotor and stator. 
  • The current capacity of installation wires has decreased. 
  • Further losses are sustained by the neutral conductor. 
  • Cables lose more energy than they gain. 

3. Electromagnetism’s harmonics

Almost all energy consumers generate and inject harmonic currents into the power system. Alternating currents with fundamental frequencies that are multiples of 50 hertz are harmonic currents. Harmonic currents are frequently produced by non-linear electronic equipment like computers, variable speed drives (VSD), and discharge lights. Both the installation and the electrical grid may suffer significant damage as a result of harmonic currents. Harmonic may cause, among other things, damage to components, installation parts, component loading, inefficient use of the installation’s present carrying capacity, shorter component life spans, and ineffective action from protective components.

4. Variable or flickering voltage

The voltage waveform envelope is changed such that it flickers. Consistently controls the light intensity of incandescent lighting. This frequent change in the amount of light emitted can cause headaches in certain people, decrease their productivity, and in rare cases cause seizures.

5. Voltage drops

Voltage dips and interruptions seldom cause equipment damage, but longer interruptions commonly result in equipment tripping and losing output. 

It is possible to generalize that the cost of a protracted interruption is not proportionate to its length. Instead, it follows a logarithmic curve. Many assert that the following variables have a substantial influence on the cost of a protracted interruption: 

  • In the industrial industry, for example, the cost difference between a one-second, one-minute, and one-hour disruption is deemed minor. 
  • The event’s date, time, and place (weekday, weekend, daytime, nighttime) 

The value of customer dependability (VCR) is utilized by AEMO to determine how much disruptions cost all customers. Even though the majority of these statistics suggest the amount of money consumers are prepared to pay to prevent an interruption, this willingness to pay is likely to be significantly correlated with the actual cost. According to their figures, a one-second outage costs around 20 percent less than an hour-long one. 

How Can Power Quality Concerns Be Minimized as Much as Possible?

Care Labs offers a number of services to discover and evaluate power quality concerns. They comprise: 

  • Examination of Load Flow: This study is carried out in accordance with operational parameters. It calculates the power flow, voltage levels, power factor, and system losses. 
  • Harmonic Analysis: This is the process of identifying and forecasting potential harmonic issues using computer algorithms. In addition, reduction techniques based on the findings are presented. 
  • Examining Fluctuations and Spikes: This investigation explores the reasons for fluctuations and spikes. 
  • This study would track the short-term reduction and increase in voltage as well as its value and trajectory. 
  • Analysis of Reactive Power: This research will determine the optimal reactive power at the distribution and load ends. 
  • This project would quantify and coordinate captive electricity to fulfil demand while reducing energy surcharges and fuel use. 

Care Labs use ETAP (Electrical Transient Analysis Program) software for power quality research and analysis. It is the best software for calculating and modelling all the components of an electrical system in order to guarantee the safety of the equipment. 

We provide power quality analysis services in all major cities, such as Yishun, Bukit Batok, Jurong East, and Choa Chu Kang. Care Labs is committed to providing you with the highest quality service, hence enhancing the quality and durability of your electrical system. Call us immediately to schedule a power quality analysis or to obtain a quote. 

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