Tutorial On Power Quality
Tutorial On Power Quality
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PQ-Toolbox
Voltage Conditioning
Harmonic filtering
Important information about the inspection contract for compensation and filter
circuit systems
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The most common types of Power Quality problems are presented below along with
their description, causes and consequences:
Voltage Sag
Description: A decrease of the normal voltage level between 10% and 90% of the
nominal rms voltage at the power frequency, for durations of 0,5 cycle to 1 minute.
Causes: Faults on the transmission or distribution network (most of the times on
parallel feeders). Faults in consumer’s installation. Connection of heavy loads and
start-up of large motors.
Consequences: Malfunction of information technology equipment, namely
microprocessor-based control systems (PCs, PLCs, ASDs, etc) that may lead to a
process stoppage. Tripping of contactors and electromechanical relays. Disconnection
and loss of efficiency in electric rotating machines.
3. Long interruptions
Long interruptions
4. Voltage spike
Voltage spike
Description: Very fast variation of the voltage value for durations from a several
microseconds to few milliseconds. These variations may reach thousands of volts,
even in low voltage.
Causes: Lightning, switching of lines or power factor correction capacitors,
disconnection of heavy loads.
Consequences: Destruction of components (particularly electronic components) and
of insulation materials, data processing errors or data loss, electromagnetic
interference.
5. Voltage swell
Voltage swell
6. Harmonic distortion
Harmonic distortion
7. Voltage fluctuation
Voltage fluctuation
8. Noise
Noise
9. Voltage Unbalance
Voltage Unbalance
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Power Quality (PQ) related issues are of most concern nowadays. The widespread
use of electronic equipment, such as information technology equipment [PCs],
power electronics such as Adjustable Speed Drives (ASD), Programmable Logic
Controllers (PLC), Energy-efficient lighting, led to a complete change of electric loads
nature.
Power quality problems and new solutions (photo by: Fernando Hidalgo Molina via
Flickr)
These loads are simultaneously the major causers and the major victims of power
quality problems.
Along with technology advance, the organization of the worldwide economy has
evolved towards globalisation and the profit margins of many activities tend to
decrease. The increased sensitivity of the vast majority of processes (industrial,
services and even residential) to PQ problems turns the availability of electric power
with quality a crucial factor for competitiveness in every activity sector.
Although many efforts have been taken by utilities, some consumers require a level of
PQ [Power Quality] higher than the level provided by modern electric networks. This
implies that some measures must be taken in order to achieve higher levels of Power
Quality.
Power Quality Characterization
Even the most advanced transmission and distribution systems are not able to
provide electrical energy with the desired level of reliability for the proper functioning
of the loads in modern society.
Modern T&D (transmission and distribution) systems are projected for 99,9 to 99,99%
availability.
This value is highly dependant of redundancy level of the network, which is different
according to the geographical location and the voltage level (availability is higher at
the HV network). In some remote sites, availability of T&D systems may be as low as
99%. Even with a 99,99% level there is an equivalent interruption time of 52 minutes
per year.
The most demanding processes in the modern digital economy need electrical energy
with 99.9999999% availability (9-nines reliability) to function properly.
Between 1992 and 1997, EPRI carried out a study in the US to characterize the
average duration of disturbances. The result for a typical site, during the 6-year
period is presented above.
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A Low P.F. draws a higher internal current and the excessive heat generated will
damage and/or shorten equipment life. Increased reactive loads can reduce output
voltage and damage equipment sensitive to reduced voltage.
Voltage dips (also known as “sags”) are a reduction of voltage of 10% or more below
normal or recommended usage, such as a 120-voltage outlet dropping to 90 volts.
Voltage dips can have a ripple effect across multiple pieces of equipment, such as a
hair dryer used in one room causing the lights in another room to dim. They can result
from large motors being turned ON, to temporary short circuits in utility power lines.
Undervoltage is a dip that lasts longer than a minute and can be caused by overloaded
transformers or undersized conductors.
What are voltage swells?
Voltage swells are the opposite of dips and describe surges in voltage of 10% or more
above normal or recommended usage. They can cause problems with machinery and
overall power quality in a plant. Swells can occur when a large load (such as a large
motor) is turned OFF and voltage on the power line increases for a short period of
time. Overvoltage is a swell that lasts longer than a minute, sometimes caused when
loads are near the beginning of a power distribution system, if taps on a transformer
are set improperly, or when renewable energy sources like solar panels are connected
to the network.
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ELEVEN QUICK, SIMPLE FIXES TO INCREASE SAG IMMUNITY
Here are eleven quick, simple fixes that will increase voltage sag immunity. Of course,
like every engineering change, there are tradeoffs that you will need to consider as
you’re selecting a solution.
1. Find and fix the problem. Yes, it’s an obvious suggestion. But it’s the best place to
start. Figure out exactly what is causing the problem with a sag generator equipped
with a good data acquisition system. Once you know what the problem is (if you even
have a sag problem!), it will be much easier to fix. Trade-off: takes time and money; if
you’re good at guessing, you might skip this step.
2. Add a power quality relay. These small, simple devices detect voltage sags, and give
you a simple relay contact when a sag occurs. The best ones (such as PSL’s PQ1 also
detect other disturbances, such as high frequency impulses and voltage swells. Your
system can then adjust its behavior whenever a voltage sag occurs – for example, by
resetting some of its components. Trade-off: can require some simple reprogramming
of your system. The best solutions are the simplest. Add an inexpensive power quality
relay to your system, then adjust your software so it corrects any problems whenever
a power disturbance occurs.
4. Connect your single-phase power supply phase-to-phase. If you can stay within
your power supply’s acceptable voltage range, and if you have three-phase power
available, you can get a quick 70% boost in available voltage by connecting phase-to-
phase. For example, if your power supply is rated as 90V-250V, and you are using it on
a 120V circuit, you can only tolerate a sag to 75%. But if you connect it phase-to-
phase, the nominal voltage will be 208V and you will be able to tolerate a sag to 45%.
Trade off: less margin for voltage swells; sometimes inconvenient; sensitive to sags on
two phases, instead of just one.
5. Reduce the load on your power supply. Lightly loaded power supplies always
tolerate voltage sags better than heavily loaded power supplies. If you can determine
that a particular power supply is causing your equipment to mis-operate during a
voltage sag, consider moving some of its loads to another power supply. Trade-off:
may be inconvenient to install; carefully consider effects of a shut-down on one of the
power supplies.
6. Increase the rating of your power supply. If you can’t move the loads, use a bigger
supply for the same load – relative to its rating, it will be more lightly loaded. Trade-
off: cost and size tend to go up; there may not be room for a larger power supply.
8. Run your power supply from a DC bus. Sometimes you can substitute a DC-
operated power supply for an AC-sourced supply. If it does nothing else, this will
narrow down your problems to supporting a DC bus, which can often be done with
simple capacitors or batteries. (This is the approach that high-reliability
telecommunications systems take, using a 48 VDC supply as their power distribution
system.) Trade-off: protective devices (fuses, circuit breakers, etc.) need to be changed
or rated for DC; may not be convenient. The telecommunications industry operates
equipment from a 48Vdc bus, making systems virtually immune to voltage sags and
power interruptions — the ac power system is only used to charge the batteries.
9. Change the trip settings. If you can identify an unbalance relay, an undervoltage
relay, or an internal reset or protection circuit that is inadvertently tripping during a
voltage sag, change its settings. Consider changing the threshold, and consider
changing the trip delay; either or both might make sense. Sometimes this can be as
simple as twisting a knob; sometimes it may take a component change or firmware
adjustment. You can only use this solution when the trip settings were set too
conservatively to begin with; trips are useful and important, so you don’t want to
eliminate them completely. Trade-offs: someone chose those set-points for a reason,
so you don’t want to change them arbitrarily; changing components and/or firmware
can create service and repair problems later on.
10. Slow the relay down. If the equipment is misoperating because a relay in the EMO
circuit is operating too quickly, consider slowing it down. You might use a relay with
more mechanical mass (such as a contactor), or you might use a relay hold-in
accessory. Trade-off: possibly more complexity on the EMO circuit; you don’t want to
slow the EMO circuit down so much that it becomes unsafe. You can add a simple
“hold-in” device across the coil of a relay or contactor to increase its sag immunity.
Suppliers include Power Quality Solutions, among others.
11. Get rid of the voltage sag itself. As a last resort, consider installing a quick-
operating voltage regulator on your AC supply. There are a variety of technologies:
ferroresonant transformers, solid-state voltage compensation, etc. But make sure that
you aren’t making the problem worse; if the original cause of the voltage sag is
downstream from your voltage sag regulator, the voltage sags will actually get deeper
and longer when you install the fix. Trade-off: size and cost.
For larger three-phase applications, the Dynamic Sag Corrector from Soft Switching
Technologies can eliminate the sag itself.
More Tutorials
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U.S. Military Power Quality Standards
INDUSTRY SPECIFIC POWER QUALITY STANDARDS
UTILITY POWER QUALITY STANDARDS
IEC POWER QUALITY STANDARDS
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Power Quality Monitoring (PQM) has many benefits, such as improving performance
and quality. A PQM System will gather, analyze, and interpret raw electricity
measurement data into useful information. A typical monitoring system measures
voltage and electrical current, but ground quality may also be measured if unbalanced
loads or harmonics are detected.
There are a number of reasons to employ power quality monitoring. It allows plants to
perform energy management, preventive maintenance, quality control, and saves
money.
To monitor their power, modern power plants use digital fault recorders, smart relays,
voltage recorders, in-plant power monitors, and special-purpose power quality
equipment. A digital fault recorder activates on fault events and records the current
waveforms and voltage that caused the problem. It can also capture periodic
waveforms helpful in calculating harmonic distortion levels. Smart relays check the
power current and record disturbances. A variety of voltage recorders are used to
monitor variations that are on the system. A voltage recorder detects a trend and
gives minimum, maximum, and average voltage every two seconds. In-plant power
monitors, usually at the service entrance, capture wave shape for evaluation of
harmonic distortion levels or voltage sag conditions. Special-purpose power quality
monitors are able to simultaneous watch voltage and current.
In short, Power Quality Monitoring System monitors the quality of voltage and current
produced by a power plant. It's employed to decrease plant and customer downtime,
and optimize the quality of electricity delivered. A good system will also improve the
performance, efficiency, and longevity of power generating equipment.
To monitor their power, modern power plants use digital fault recorders, smart relays,
voltage recorders, in-plant power monitors, and special-purpose power quality
equipment. A digital fault recorder activates on fault events and records the current
waveforms and voltage that caused the problem. It can also capture periodic
waveforms helpful in calculating harmonic distortion levels. Smart relays check the
power current and record disturbances. A variety of voltage recorders are used to
monitor variations that are on the system. A voltage recorder detects a trend and
gives minimum, maximum, and average voltage every two seconds. In-plant power
monitors, usually at the service entrance, capture wave shape for evaluation of
harmonic distortion levels or voltage sag conditions. Special-purpose power quality
monitors are able to simultaneous watch voltage and current.
In short, Power Quality Monitoring System monitors the quality of voltage and current
produced by a power plant. It's employed to decrease plant and customer downtime,
and optimize the quality of electricity delivered. A good system will also improve the
performance, efficiency, and longevity of power generating equipment.
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Voltage fluctuations are generally caused by loose or corroded connections at either
the house or on the power lines, and are often noticed by flickering lights. ... This can
be caused by overloading on the network, loose connections or the conductor wire
carrying power to your house being too small.
There can be many reasons to it.
The most common is overloading. If the area, where you live, draws more
load current than specified by the authority, then there will be low voltage in
your area. This due to the limited capacity of the distribution transformer
used.
It can also be caused due to use of various electronic equipments like,
reactor, inverters, etc due to the harmonics created by them.
Another reason can be due to use of heavy inductive loads frequently at the
same time, like, ac, refrigerator, also motors. If you use heavy loads
simultaneously, then there will be voltage dip.
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Depends on where you are located, and how power distribution was designed..