There are many sources of power quality problems, including nonlinear loads, low-frequency transients, and interruptions. Each of these sources presents a different set of costs, and it is essential to understand how they affect your home or business.
Interruptions
Power quality problems have become a significant concern in today’s increasingly sophisticated environment. They can have many adverse effects on businesses and their operations. These problems include data errors, damaged equipment, production delays and overheating electrical distribution systems.
Most of these power disturbances are caused by switching loads or ground faults. Natural phenomena also account for a small percentage. However, the consequences can be severe if these disturbances are not eliminated. Check with Quality Energy to learn more about power quality problems and its solution.
Power interruptions can occur briefly or on a sustained basis. There are three types of interruptions: voltage transients, voltage sags and surges. Each type is associated with its own set of symptoms.
If your business experiences interruptions, you need to find out what is causing them. You can get help from a power engineer who will explain how to prevent interruptions and mitigate their impact. The most common solutions include power inverters, solar inverters, and voltage regulators.
Voltage sags
One of the most common causes of voltage sags is a short circuit. Typically, the voltage drop will be below 60 to 90 percent of its nominal value. However, it may be as low as 40 percent.
Voltage sags can also be caused by equipment inside a facility or by faults in the utility system. These voltage sags can be categorised into two basic types: single-phase and three-phase.
Single-phase sags are usually caused by a line-to-ground fault and typically last for less than a second. Lightning strikes, tree branches, animal contact, or other interruptions can cause them.
Three-phase sags are less frequent. Most often, they result from the startup of large motors. Soft-starting techniques can alleviate this problem. Several different types of sags can occur in the three-phase system. Typically, the sag will be symmetrical or unsymmetrical.
The length of the sag is determined by the speed at which the fault clears. If the fault occurs more rapidly, the sag will be shorter. During the sag, the voltage will fluctuate between 60 and 90 percent of its nominal value. Eventually, the sag will end when the voltages return to their original values.
To prevent these issues, you should use protective equipment at the utility system and your facility. A power quality monitor is the most commonly used tool for detecting and avoiding voltage sags.
A power quality monitor will allow you to determine when a voltage sag occurs and whether a fault has caused it. It can also be used to identify the location of the voltage sag.
Low-frequency transients
Low-frequency transients are one of the most common types of electrical transients. These disturbances cause damage to electronic circuitry. In addition to causing malfunction, they also can affect computer data.
Lightning, electrostatic discharges, and other disturbances can cause them. They can affect a variety of equipment, from electronics to military equipment.
There are several ways to detect these problems. One approach is to purchase portable monitoring devices. Alternatively, a permanently installed circuit monitor can be installed in a facility to monitor continuously for transient voltage disturbances. It can provide immediate notifications of power quality issues.
Another approach is to conduct a harmonic survey. It may identify problems with harmonic currents that can lead to false tripping of circuit breakers. Harmonic currents can also damage equipment. The level of EMI exposure in an environment will depend on several factors.
If you need help identifying and mitigating problems, you can seek expert advice. The best way to ensure that your facility can handle these disruptions is to install permanent transient-detection-capable circuit monitors.
Nonlinear loads
Nonlinear loads are one of the biggest causes of power quality problems in today’s industry. These loads generate harmonic currents and can have an adverse effect on voltage waveforms. They can also lead to other power quality problems.
These loads are commonly found in industrial applications, such as power plants. However, they can be used in consumer electronics. Some devices that produce harmonics include computers, printers, televisions, and inverters.
The term “nonlinear load” refers to a switch-mode power supply that draws distorted current. Nonlinear loads can be found in many types of electrical equipment, such as motor controllers, inverters, and UPS systems.
Nonlinear loads are usually found in heavy industrial applications. For example, arc furnaces were once a common nonlinear load. Other examples included large variable frequency drives and electrolytic refining equipment.
However, today’s electrical and electronic devices significantly contribute to the increasing total harmonic distortion factor in the utility grid. In addition, these appliances create harmonics in the form of short pulses. This current type can distort the voltage waveform, resulting in additional distortions in the distribution system.
One of the best ways to prevent the deterioration of power system waveforms is to monitor the current waveforms. A good network analyser can do the job. Additionally, it is essential to know how to correctly forecast harmonic currents in the utility grid to ensure a high quality of electricity.
