Most of us have suffered from a sudden disruption in the power supply at one time, which doesn’t normally cause a problem; however, sometimes a break in the supply (however brief) can have dramatic consequences.
For example, it is incredibly important that buildings like Hospitals and Data Centres maintain a 100% up-time. A break in the power supply, even for a second, can either shorten the life span of a piece of equipment or cause condensator batteries to explode.
These risks are often underestimated or simply not known about.
Otherwise known as harmonic pollution, today's electronic loads share a common element: the electrical power supply. Concern continues to grow as to the long-term effects of harmonic pollution, as potentially all aspects of our daily life (industrial, commercial and domestic) are at risk.
The main linear loads causing this distortion are computers, servers, high frequency lighting, monitors, fax machines, copiers, VDU's etc. Virtually all equipment that contains electronics adds to the growing concern of harmonic pollution.
Harmonic current is a natural by-product of the manner in which non-linear (electronic) loads draw current. Non-linear loads by definition draw current for only a small portion of the electrical cycle.
Effects of high current distortion:
• Overheating of conductors and insulation degradation.
• Neutral overload*
• Increased transformer losses (need to over-size).
• Nuisance tripping of circuit breakers.
• Neutral-earth potential*
• Significant voltage distortion on networks with generators.
• Overheating and possible resonance with capacitors.
• Lighting ballast failures.
• PC monitor stroboscopic effect*
• Mal operation of microprocessor-based equipment*
• Re-injection of harmonic currents into the utility network.
Effects of high voltage distortion:
• Cause linear devices to draw non-linear current (see effects above).
• Torque pulsation in motors.
• Capacitor dielectric failure.
• Insulation breakdown.
• PC monitor and power supply failure.
• Electric lighting failure.
The Circutor company from Barcelona in Spain is helping to solve the problem by building Power Factor Correction units (filters) using Multi-Flex® mild steel floor standing enclosures.
Along with their partner from The Netherlands Axis & Stuifmeel they offer the complete solution to protect against the effects of harmonic pollution. Axis & Stuifmeel are also providing seminars to inform companies about the dangers and how to over come them.
Medium Voltage factor correction is directly related to the technical management of transmission and distribution networks.
The Benefits are:
Power quality. Increasing voltage levels in busbar sets in substations and at the end of the lines.
Improving the operating costs of an installation.
Decreasing reactive power and therefore reducing apparent power with two highly relevant technical aspects:
- Reducing losses
- Increasing the performance of the transformers and installations
- Reducing the financial costs of energy
