Power quality analysis is essential for maintaining the efficiency and longevity of electrical systems. Conducting an analysis, understanding the cause of power quality issues and investing in specialised equipment to mitigate ongoing issues can save money and energy. With increasing electricity costs organisations are looking to alternative power generation sources like solar, wind and hydro power, however significant savings can often be achieved by conducting a power quality analysis.
Good quality power is characterised by a continuous supply with minimal harmonic content, voltage variations, and transient disturbances. Poor power quality, often referred to as “dirty power,” can cause significant disruptions and damage to electrical equipment, leading to increased maintenance costs and energy inefficiency.
Key Benefits of Power Quality Analysis:
- Improves Equipment Lifespan: Reduces the frequency of repairs and replacements by minimising stress and overheating caused by harmonics.
- Enhances Operational Efficiency: Ensures that electrical systems operate smoothly, reducing downtime and enhancing productivity.
- Energy Savings: Identifies inefficiencies that can lead to significant cost savings by optimizing power usage.
- Compliance: Ensures adherence to relevant standards and regulations, avoiding penalties and ensuring a safe working environment.
Industries Benefiting from Power Quality Analysis
Power quality analysis is particularly beneficial for industries with significant electrical consumption and sensitive equipment, such as:
- Manufacturing and Processing: Ensures reliable operation of heavy machinery and minimises downtime.
- Commercial Buildings: Enhances the performance of HVAC systems, lighting, and office equipment.
- Healthcare: Ensures the reliability of critical medical equipment and systems.
- Data Centres: Maintains the integrity and performance of servers and IT infrastructure.
- Retail and Supermarkets: Optimises the operation of refrigeration units, lighting, and checkout systems.
- Government and Educational Facilities: Improves the performance and longevity of diverse electrical systems used in these settings.
We have conducted many Power Quality Analyses. These organisations have benefited from us implementing Static Var Generators (SVG) and sometimes also Active Harmonic Filters (AHF) depending on their specific power quality issues.
When and How to Benefit from installing a Static Var Generator (SVG) and a Active Harmonic Filter (AHF)
Organisations can benefit from implementing Static Var Generators (SVG) and Active Harmonic Filters (AHF) based on their specific power quality issues.
Static Var Generators (SVG)
- When to Use: When there is a need to improve power factor and reduce reactive power losses. SVGs are ideal for environments with varying loads, such as manufacturing plants with heavy motor usage.
- Benefits:
- Improves power factor, reducing electricity costs.
- Enhances voltage stability, ensuring reliable operation of equipment.
- Reduces losses in transformers and cables, improving overall energy efficiency.
- Learn more here about the technical characteristics of Static Var Generators.
Active Harmonic Filters (AHF)
- When to Use: In environments where harmonic distortion is a significant issue, such as facilities with a high concentration of non-linear loads like computers, variable speed drives, and other electronic equipment.
- Benefits:
- Mitigates harmonic distortion, protecting sensitive equipment from damage.
- Reduces overheating in cables and transformers, prolonging equipment life.
- Ensures compliance with harmonic distortion standards, avoiding penalties.
- Learn more here about the technical characteristics of Active Harmonic Filters.
Combined Use of SVG and AHF
- When to Use: When an organisation faces both reactive power issues and harmonic distortion. The combination ensures comprehensive power quality improvement.
- Benefits:
- Comprehensive solution addressing both power factor correction and harmonic mitigation.
- Maximises energy efficiency and equipment lifespan.
- Enhances overall system reliability and performance.
Enginuity Power Solutions has worked in partnership with a manufacturer to design Static Var Generators (SVG) and Active Harmonic Filters (AHF) that best suit local conditions and meet stringent Australian standards. This is a key differentiator compared with competing products on the market. We’ve won several industry and environmental awards, and continue to receive praise from our customers for helping them save energy.
When an organisation faces both reactive power issues and harmonic distortion, the combination of a Static Var Generator and an Active Harmonic Filter may be necessary to ensure comprehensive power quality improvement. One such case where we have installed both is Orion Australia. To learn more, watch their case study video below.
Conclusion
Power quality analysis is a crucial practice for any organisation looking to optimise its electrical systems, reduce energy costs, and extend the lifespan of its equipment. Industries across the board can benefit from regular power quality assessments and the implementation of solutions like Static Var Generators and Active Harmonic Filters. By addressing power quality issues, organisations can ensure a more reliable, efficient, and cost-effective operation.
