The quality of the power supply has a direct impact on the functionality of the equipment linked to the distribution network. It is anticipated that the equipment will function as designed and that its useful life will be comparable to the value provided. Similarly, it is believed that the network is reliable enough to prevent issues such as poor output or functionality loss.
In reality, the power grid is afflicted by a number of problems. These power quality concerns, no matter how long they persist, might cause equipment damage. To avoid equipment failure, power quality must be kept at a high level. This blog will go over the research needed to assess the quality and dependability of power. Following that, numerous power quality systems and methods for monitoring both effect and control are examined.
Unlike the consequences of dependability, which entail long-term power outages, the consequences of power quality interruptions take time to appear. Even though, in certain cases, the consequences of a power quality interruption are instantly apparent owing to faulty equipment or a processing delay. This is especially true for pauses and other transient sounds.
In other cases, the consequences of a change in power quality may not be immediately evident. One example is when equipment fails. In this case, equipment deteriorates over time without anyone’s notice. In other cases, power quality concerns will result in extra losses that are accounted for as part of the day-to-day costs of doing business and are not noticed.
Direct economic impacts include:
Indirect economic implications include:
Socioeconomic repercussions include:
The Voltage, frequency, and waveform of a power supply system indicate whether or not it fulfills power quality criteria. However, several factors influence the quality of power. This blog discusses the following power quality issues:
Other less frequent phenomena, such as swells, transients, inter-harmonics, and noise, have received less study.
1. Constant voltage:
Stable-state voltages are those that endure for a long time (minutes or hours). Long-term high voltage (overvoltage) or low voltage (undervoltage) levels cause equipment failure, increased energy consumption, and possibly system failure.
2. Inadequate Voltage:
Unbalanced voltage frequently results in increased losses, particularly in induction and three-phase motors.
3. Harmonics in electrical engineering
Practically every energy consumer produces and injects harmonic currents into the power grid. Alternating currents with fundamental frequencies that are multiples of 50 hertz are harmonic currents. Typically, non-linear electronic equipment such as computers, variable speed drives (VSD), and discharge lights create harmonic currents. Both the installation and the electrical grid may suffer serious damage as a result of harmonic currents. Harmonic may cause damage to components, installation parts, component loading, poor use of the current carrying capacity of the installation, shorter component life spans, and inefficient operation of protective components, among other things.
4. Voltage that fluctuates or flickers
The envelope of a voltage waveform is modified such that it flickers. It modulates the light intensity of incandescent lights in a consistent manner. This regular variation in the amount of light emitted can give some individuals migraines, reduce their productivity, and in rare occasions trigger seizures.
5. Voltage sags and outages
Voltage sags and interruptions do not often damage equipment, but longer disruptions frequently cause equipment to trip and lose output.
A generalization that may be made is that the cost of a lengthy 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 lengthy interruption:
AEMO uses the value of customer dependability (VCR) to calculate how much interruptions cost all customers. Even though these data largely indicate how much money customers are willing to pay to avoid an interruption, this willingness to pay is likely to be highly connected with the actual cost. According to their statistics, a one-second downtime costs around 20% less than a one-hour outage.
Carelabs provides a variety of power quality services to identify and assess power quality issues. They consist of:
Carelabs uses ETAP (Electrical Transient Analysis Program) software to research and analyze power quality. It is the finest program for calculating and simulating all of the components of an electrical system to ensure the safety of the equipment.
In all major cities, including London, Birmingham, Leeds, and Glasgow, we provide power quality analysis services. Carelabs strives to provide you with the finest service possible, hence improving the quality and dependability of your electrical installation. Contact us immediately to book a power quality study or to receive a price.
