Special Topic

power qualit y
eppe cx
Requirements to be met by a measuring system for
efficiently monitoring supply systems and technical equipment
Dipl.-Ing. Timo Wild MBA, Product Manager Fault Recording & Power Quality, KoCoS Messtechnik AG

As network operators and consumers become more and more Minimum requirements for power quality are defined in the
aware of the importance of the security of supply in electrical EN 50160 standard, „Voltage characteristics of electricity
power systems, they are becoming increasingly interested in supplied by public distribution systems“. Continuous moni-
the continuous measurement of power quality. In order to toring with reference to the characteristics specified in this
identify problems at an early stage and to be able to take standard should be carried out as a matter of principle at
appropriate preventative measures, the first step is to use a critical nodes. Only when appropriate measurement data
suitable measuring system to closely analyse the supply system is available over a longer time period is it possible to draw
or technical equipment over a longer time period. Depending conclusions about the quality of the power system by
on the specific facility and application, the requirements to performing meaningful analyses and take any ameliorative
be met by a suitable measuring system are very varied and measures which may be required. Measurements made using
include a wide range of different measurement functions. portable measuring devices are limited in their ability to
provide data for meaningful analysis as the period of time
A high quality of supply is extremely important for electrical measured only constitutes a small sample and disturbances
power utility companies and industrial customers alike. For usually occur sporadically.
many manufacturing processes, poor power quality can lead The additional storage and analysis of environmental
to costly production outages and even destroy plants and factors is becoming increasingly relevant, particularly for
machinery in some cases. measurements in the renewable energy sector (PV systems,
wind power plants, etc.) and in industrial plants. Factors
Some examples of the consequences of power system such as light irradiation, ambient temperature, module
disturbances: temperature, humidity, wind speed, wind direction, sound
 Malfunctioning of the control electronics of machines intensity, motor speed, generator temperature, etc. can
 Production outages provide helpful information for analysis or fault diagnostics.
 System crashes
 Melted conductors Requirements to be met
 Overheated motors, motors which do not run smoothly by the monitoring system
 Overloading or fires The employees of industrial concerns and network operators
 Uncontrolled tripping of switch disconnectors or fuses alike have less and less time to devote to problems connected
 Damage to compensation equipment with power quality. Comprehensive power quality analysis
 Flickering screens often proves difficult to carry out in practice because of the
 Corrosion of conduits and earthing systems constant increase in the workload of individual employees,
 Problems with data networks unfortunately caused in part by cutbacks in personnel,
 Data loss coupled with a lack of specialist knowledge. This makes it all
 Flickering lights the more important for measuring systems to be as simple
 Unexplained rises in energy costs as possible to configure. It must be possible to configure
 Danger to people and property standard measurements, such as measurements to EN 50160,
 Drop in performance of machinery and plants, at the touch of a button. What is more, an analysis tool must
high losses be able to fulfil an automatic evaluation in accordance with
 Reduced equipment lifetime predefined guidelines and present the result in a report.

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Special Topic
power qualit y

Fully automated monitoring systems continually transfer analysis and for the determination of remedial measures,
the measured data to a central data system and perform especially when a fault has been caused by a number of
evaluation automatically. Should a fault occur, a built-in different factors. One measuring system which meets and
alarm system informs the employees responsible who can exceeds the abovementioned requirements is the „EPPE CX“
then take appropriate measures. Service companies like power quality analyser made by KoCoS Messtechnik AG.
KoCoS Engineering GmbH can help with carrying out analysis This measuring system offers a choice of three different
or determining effective remedial measures. analog modules and an additional sensor module, making
it extremely flexible. The analog inputs have an accuracy of
Structure of an efficient measuring system 0.05% and are generally sampled at a rate of 200 kHz. This
Some of the technical prerequisites for measuring systems allows high-resolution analyses to be carried out.
used for long-term power systems analysis are listed below:
 Integration in various communication networks Analog module 1: 4 x 600 V (L-N), 4 x 600 V (L-N)
 Easy installation and operation of the measuring device (measurements of two voltage systems)
 Absolute synchronisation of data acquisition Analog module 2: 4 x 600 V (L-N), 4 x 40 A
 High-accuracy measuring device (measurements on protection or measurement transformers)
 Secure data acquisition Analog module 3: 4 x 600 V (L-N), 4 x 3 V
 Large measurement data memory (measurements via external current sensors)
 Dual-processor system for data security
 Central evaluation and monitoring Sensor module: 8 x analog inputs (300 V/10 V/2 V/20 mA)
 Number of analog and binary channels commensurate 2 x temperature inputs
with the measurement task 1 x analog output

In order to be able to analyse the power quality precisely, Furthermore, a sufficient number of binary inputs should be
at least four voltage channels and four current channels available with a measuring range adequate for the application
with an accuracy of at least 0.1% are required. The fourth in order to record the status of breaker positions or industrial
channel enables additional measurement of the current in machines, for example. Status recordings of this kind can
the neutral conductor, for example. This can be important for provide useful information for subsequent troubleshooting. If
detecting overloading of the neutral conductor. In addition, the measuring system is connected to a control system, freely
sensor measurement inputs for monitoring environmental configurable relay outputs should be available which can be
conditions are also required. In the case of a fault, this used for status and alarm signals.
additional measurement data is helpful for the purposes of

Fig. 1: EPPE CX power quality analyser Fig. 2: EPPE CX connections

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 Special Topic
power qualit y

GPS time synchronisation

Mobile
measure-
ment
Interlink Interlink
Gateway Network Gateway

UMTS UMTS
router router
Database
USB flash drive
Internet

Mobile
network

UW Berndorf

GPS ok
PQ on
DFR on
Störschriebe: 5

Evaluation computer Operating, configuration and

evaluation computer
Fig. 3: Communication and time synchronisation model

Internal emergency power supply network without having to use a wired network. Another,
Power quality analysers are usually connected to a secure cheaper solution is to download the data regularly with the
power supply. If this is not possible with certain applications, aid of a USB flash drive or laptop. However, with this method
then the measuring device must be equipped with an internal it is not possible for the user to be notified should a fault
emergency power supply in order to be able to record the occur.
loss of voltage. However, the battery used in most measuring A sensible solution is to copy the measurement data regularly
devices has the disadvantage that it must be replaced after from the measuring system to a database at pre-defined
a specified period of time and this can often only be done intervals in order to ensure fast access at all times. The EPPE CX
by the manufacturer. To make matters worse, if there is no power quality analyser is equipped with all common
battery monitoring functionality, the user is not even aware communications interfaces, such as RS232, RS485, electrical
of the situation and only finds out when a power failure Ethernet, optical Ethernet (FO) and USB (active/passive).
occurs and no recording is made. The EPPE CX power quality Data transfer with optical Ethernet over optical fibre has
analyser provides a better solution with an emergency power the major advantage of being particularly insusceptible to
supply which is completely maintenance-free. interference. The transfer of data is not affected by external
electrical or electro-magnetic interference fields.
Communication The acquisition of measurement values is decoupled from
In order to be able to transfer measurement data, the the operating and communication process in the device by
measuring system must be capable of being integrated means of a dual processor system, ensuring that the process
in any kind of communication network, including wireless of acquiring and saving data is secure too. As well as being
network structures. The use of UMTS/LTE routers is now very saved in the database, the data can also be saved in each
popular in this type of situation. The measurement data can individual device for a certain period of time before being
be transferred quickly and easily to a database via the mobile overwritten if the measuring systems feature a circular buffer.

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Special Topic
power qualit y

The memory capacity of the measuring system should be Continuous data recording
capable of recording data for a period of at least one year. The data logger function records measurement data
For integration in substation control or other systems, the continuously. The recorded data can be downloaded to a
measuring system should feature a range of communications central computer without interrupting the measurement.
services such as Modbus or the international IEC 61850 As a result, data can be recorded continuously for a number of
standard which is accepted all over the world. years. Long-term recordings provide comprehensive information
on the entire power system, expose slow changes, as can
Time synchronisation result from a changing load or generator structure, and reveal
Power quality measurements with wide area coverage call for potential for energy savings.
the values measured by all devices to be recorded absolutely
simultaneously. The measurement results of a number of Event recording
measuring systems can only be monitored and analysed Event recording provides information on the time, level and
simultaneously if a suitable method of time synchronisation is duration of limit value violations and a classification of events
employed. Which method of synchronisation is most suitable to EN 50160, UNIPEDE, CBEMA or ITIC, for example. It should
from a technical and economic point of view depends on also be possible for the event signatures to be recorded and
the specific conditions at the individual location. The basic displayed graphically if desired.
version of the EPPE CX already includes all common time
synchronisation interfaces: Fast fault recording
 Internal GPS receiver When a limit value violation occurs, all analog and binary
 Electrical GPS telegram and time pulse input signals are recorded with a configurable resolution of 100 Hz
 DCF77 pulse telegram input to 30 kHz. The recording comprises separately configurable
 Seconds/minutes pulse input time windows for pre-fault, fault and post-fault periods. The
 IRIG-B input fault recording duration can either be set to a fixed length or
 NTP/SNTP synchronisation via the communication can be controlled by the actual duration of the event. These
network recordings make it possible to carry out comprehensive and
 Interlink bus for networking several devices detailed analyses of power system faults.

This means that the user can select or change the type of Slow fault recording
synchronisation on site without having to make any changes In addition to the analog and digital signals which are
to the hardware of the device. measured directly, the RMS recorder can also record all the
quantities calculated on the basis of these signals, such as
Measurement functions frequency, unbalance, positive sequence system, negative
Which specific measurement functions are required always sequence system and zero sequence system, active power,
depends on the measurement task or application. If a simple reactive power and apparent power, harmonics, etc. The
measurement to the European EN 50160 standard is needed, sampling rate can be set between 1 Hz and double the system
only the „Power Quality Recording“ and „Event Recording“ frequency. The recording is ideal for detecting and assessing
measurement functions are required. Other measurement slow processes, such as power swings, for generator monitoring
functions can deliver useful information for more accurate or machinery start-ups.
investigations of systems and detailed analysis of the causes
of a disturbance. Recording of digital events and states
Binary inputs are primarily used to read in signals from protection
Power quality recording relays, circuit breaker positions or machine conditions, for
The continuous recording of all power system parameters example, which are of decisive importance for the analysis of
allows comprehensive power quality analysis to DIN EN 50160 fault records. The binary inputs can also be used to trigger fault
or quality criteria defined by the individual user. Automatic records in order to obtain a high-resolution record of the state
evaluation and the creation of quality reports as PDF files of the power system at the moment of switching.
make it easy to provide proof of quality whenever required,
even without specialist knowledge.

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 Special Topic
power qualit y

Logical events previously, the time available to the user is often very limited.
Logical links can be created with the analog and binary For this reason the software should be geared to meet real-
measurement signals. If conditions configured by the user world requirements and be easy to operate. The user must
are fulfilled, alarm signals can be sent via relay outputs or be able to carry out a measurement in accordance with a
email. To avoid time delays, emails should be sent directly specific standard (e.g. EN 50160) without spending a lot
by the measuring device itself and not by a central data of time getting used to the software or having to attend a
server. Using this function, it is possible to implement a very special training course. However, the software should feature
flexible monitoring system with the EPPE CX power quality the option of managing and configuring comprehensive
analyser in conjunction with the sensor measuring module. measurements with complex groups of measuring devices and
The user is informed immediately if, for example, the module should be able to comprehensively analyse the measurement
temperature in the case of PV plants, the wind speed in the results. A number of tools for analysing data are provided
case of wind power plants or the power consumption of which simplify the evaluation.
machines is exceeded. The software developed by KoCoS Messtechnik AG is a good
solution for meeting the abovementioned requirements. All
Energy meter the versions of the software are very easy to use and feature
In addition to measuring power quality, a built-in energy a variety of functions, including the following:
meter can also be used to monitor power consumption  Flexible configuration for optimum adaptation to a wide

and optimise consumption with the aid of long-term trend range of measurement tasks
analysis. It should be possible to record and precisely analyse  Remote configuration/administration

active, reactive and apparent energy. Depending on the  Fully automatic operation of the measuring system with:

measurement task, a detailed 4 quadrant measurement is · Long-distance data transmission

required. · Archiving of records in a database
· Printout or dispatch of fault reports or PQ reports
Software · Export in common PQ and fault record formats
The software designed for the measuring device should offer · Online monitoring
a wide variety of possibilities, ranging from the operation  Import and export functions enable data to be

of an individual measuring device up to the administration exchanged between different systems using standard
of complex groups of measuring devices. As mentioned file formats such as PQDIF, COMTRADE, CSV and XML
(Nequal)

Fig. 4: Device management

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Special Topic
power qualit y

 Easy-to-use analysis tool with automatic evaluation and Examples:

assessment of power quality to international standards  Slow changes with trend analysis
(e.g. EN 50160)  Event recording with signature display
 Multi-screen capability (optimum overview, a wealth of  Flicker analysis
information at a glance)  Harmonic analysis
 Analysis of interharmonics

Device management  Event classification and assessment (UNIPEDE, ITIC, etc.)

The status information for all the devices connected to the  Graphical display of extreme value duration distribution

software is displayed in a clearly structured device list, device  Table overview of limit value violations

settings can be changed quickly and easily. In addition,  User-defined limit value and analysis settings

graphical device management allows measuring devices and  Automatic generation of weekly, monthly, quarterly and

their status information to be displayed in a map or a circuit annual reports

diagram, for example. This provides the user with an optimum  Calculation and signal display of differential current

overview of all measurements, even in comprehensive measurements

monitoring systems.  Useful zoom functions and variable scaling
 Superimposition of different signal characteristics

Evaluation of measurement data  Formulary and editor for the calculation of further power

Power systems and power quality analysis can be carried out system quantities
automatically to the selected standard (e.g. EN 50160). A  Vector displays

number of analysis tools are provided for this purpose. The  Individual report creation using the clipboard

software also includes a comprehensive range of powerful  Automatic report creation

analysis tools for the assessment of fault records.

Fig. 5: Trend analysis

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 Special Topic
power qualit y

Fig. 6: Analysis of a fault record

Conclusions
In order to cope with the variety of measurement tasks faced in
practice, modern measuring systems must offer a broad range
of functions and a high degree of flexibility. However, users
need measuring systems which can be operated easily and
intuitively. They need to be able to carry out measurements in
accordance with pre-defined standards (e.g. EN 50160) and
export the measurement results in a clearly structured form,
such as a report, without having specialist knowledge. At the
same time, users with expert knowledge want to be able to
carry out complex measurements followed by highly detailed
analyses. But even the best measuring system is useless
without user-friendly software which is technically mature.
This surely gives visionary manufacturers the edge over the
competition.

7
Special Topic
power qualit y

How reliable
is your power
supply?
[email protected]

Dipl.-Ing. Timo Wild MBA

Product Manager
Fault Recording & Power Quality,
KoCoS Messtechnik AG

Timo Wild studied electrical engineering at the

University of Applied Sciences of South-Westphalia
and graduated as a qualified engineer. Since 2008 he
has been employed as a product manager at KoCoS
Messtechnik AG with responsibility for fault recorders
and power quality analysers. While working full time,

EPPE CX
he successfully completed his MBA (Master of Business
Administration) at the University of Applied Sciences of
South-Westphalia.
Power quality measurement

Multi-functional measurement and

analysis system for comprehensive
monitoring of electrical installations
at all voltage levels. The combination
of fully automatic, continuous
KoCoS Messtechnik AG measurements and easy operation
Südring 42 ensures that detailed and informative
34497 Korbach, analysis can be delivered across a
Germany wide range of applications.
Phone +49 5631 9596-0
Fax +49 5631 9596-17
[email protected] n Sensor measurement inputs
www.kocos.com
n Innovative touch screen
n Integrated fault recorder
n Measurement to EN 50160
n Logical links
© KoCoS Messtechnik AG | 201501

n Energy meter
n IEC 61850