Power Quality Analysis

When any electrical system becomes unsuccessful in meeting its objective, the facility should undergo checking to examine the fault, find the root, and perform remedial steps. The aim of electrical distribution system is to sustain correct functioning of the loads. The quality of electric circuit it’s the main cause or improper functioning of the load. In case it is used for troubleshooting or to get marginal data, calculating/studying electrical system components is known as power quality analysis.

Why is Power Quality Analysis Done?

Power quality is one of the major critical topics in industrial facilities as well as one of the major untapped zone of expense reduction and economic gain in today’s businesses. Improper wiring, incorrect grounding, unbalanced loads or improperly protected equipment most likely will send electrical noise through the system and can compromise power quality. The rising necessities on guidance, monitoring, and functioning in current power systems has made power quality monitoring a familiar exercise for facilities.

Aim of Power Quality Analysis

• The analysis of inconsistencies between load and the system
• The assessment of the electric environment at a part of the facility in order to improve modelling methods or to build up a power quality reference
• The forecast of future functioning of load equipment or power quality diminishing equipment
• Improve Power Factor & system efficiency
• Avoid Break-downs & production Interruptions
• Avoid excess Energy consumption
• Remove Harmonics, Surges & Transients from electrical Network
• Avoid Voltage/frequency fluctuations & PLC Hang-up
• Avoid Transformer overheat, Capacitor burst, Trip Etc.
• Savings in Energy Bills due to reduced Losses & KVA demands
• Increased Production Quality as a result of decreased interruption
• Enhanced Life cycle of Electrical network & component
• Maximize Plant distribution Capacity

What is Done During Power Quality Analysis?

Signs of poor power quality are:

• Motor Burnout and Downtime
• Controls/Displays, Memory Loss and Downtime
• Power Factor Problems and High Utility Penalties
• Transformers Failing and Downtime

Each of these problems are caused by different factors. Shared infrastructure is one of the causes. Higher the state of the error, the larger the people affected, or a setback on one customer’s facility may result in a temporary influence on customers on the same subsystem. Other glitches, like harmonics, rises within customer’s system and might spread onto the network and thus affects other customers. Harmonic faults can be handled by a mashup of proper design practice and verified tools.

Following parameters are what describes the quality of power:

Data Collection and Power System Measurements These values are taken at different locations all through the property to allow precise modelling of harmonic sources.

Following measurements are taken:

• System Voltage RMS
• System Current RMS
• Active & Reactive Power
• Power Factor (Instantaneous)
• Data collection from site
• Harmonic measurements along with specific harmonic filtering at normal operating conditions
• Voltage Improvement & stability study
• Three phase balancing study
• Surge & Transient Protection, study
• KVA Capacity Release
• Broadband Harmonic reduction requirement if any

Harmonic Analysis This includes the usage of computer programs to recognise and forecast possible harmonic problems and reduction methods.

Surges & Transient Analysis This analysis will record the transient and surges.

Voltage Dips Swells Analysis This analysis will record the small term fall & rise along with value and route.

Reactive Power Analysis This analysis will calculate the preferred reactive power at distribution &load end.

Captive Power Analysis This analysis will calculate and synchronise the captive power so as to cater to demands and decrease utility surcharge and fuel consumption.

Load Flow Analysis This analysis predicts power flow magnitudes, power factor, voltage levels, and losses in branches of the system based on the specified operating conditions.

How is Power Quality Analysis Done?

IEEE Power Quality Standards and NFPA 70B are outstanding assets to assist identify power quality terms, errors, and remedial actions. The equipment utilised to obtain actual readings and also gather information for downloading to computers for study and analysis is called Power Quality Analysers. Though some are permanently installed in the distribution system, handheld analysers are also used for numerous applications, mainly troubleshooting.

Always follow manufacturer guidelines for setting up the analyser or else following faults may occur:

• Failure to observe current polarity.
• Not matching current/voltage probes.
• Relying on battery power to complete a lengthy monitoring session.

Steps in Power Quality Analysis are:

• The aim of the survey is noted down that will be ut.