How improving electricity supply saves you from production downtime
Has this happened to you?
You invested in energy-efficient equipment to improve your company’s sustainability.
After commissioning, disturbance events & unplanned stoppages occur.
You discover that the energy-efficient equipment's sensitivity is causing the stoppages.
The importance of power quality
Most consumers aren't aware that supplying stable electricity is difficult for utility operators. Controlling the dynamic behavior of interconnected electricity systems is a significant engineering and operational challenge.
An article written by EPRI in 2022[1] ?states that historically, electrical loads could ride-through most grid voltage and current variations. Yet, equipment today is more sensitive to unplanned stoppages and failure.
The economic impact of power quality
EPRI published major benchmarking studies published in 1996[2] and 2003[3]. EPRI found that utility customers incur roughly 18 power quality disturbance events per year. The minimum voltage in those events would go below 70% from nominal.
A more recent study in 2020[4], conducted by S&C found the quality of electrical supply has not improved. The key findings in the report are as follows:
We can conclude from these studies that most companies experience manufacturing interruptions routinely. The economic cost is significant and ongoing.
Classification of power quality parameters
Power Quality problems are caused by either:
Internal events such as:
External events such as:
These electrical disturbance events cause various power quality issues, as depicted in the figure below.
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Balance power quality and energy efficiency
Though weather events cause most unplanned stoppages, energy-efficient equipment uses power electronics. This equipment is sensitive to power fluctuations and prone to increase harmonic distortions. Examples where energy-efficient equipment can influence power quality:
Planning for power quality monitoring and correction is key to overcoming these challenges.?
Three steps to help reduce your power quality problems
1.?????Visibility – Stay informed on the quality of your electricity supply
Measuring water quality is the only way to detect harmful contaminants. The same is true for electricity. Power Quality analyzers monitor & record anomalies in the electrical network. As well, they can notify plant operators when inconsistencies occur.
?2.?????Engagement with the utility – First line of support?
The utility cannot always provide stable electricity to consumers because of external events like voltage sags or momentary interruptions. The utility may be able to explain the origin of these events.
3.?????Power Quality Improvement Equipment – Solutions driven by PQ data
Electromagnetic noise, harmonic resonant conditions, and system impedance are considerations in power quality. Correcting one power quality issue without considering other factors could cause production downtime.
How Can Omniverter Help?
You know that most companies will incur an average of 18 events a year, with a cost of at least $50,000 per event. Make sure you are protected when the next event occurs.
Omniverter understands the importance of power quality. Over 90% of our tailored power quality solutions deliver an?ROI?payback in less than 12 months.
Eliminate your anxiety by minimizing downtime and ensuring your facility keeps running, even during severe weather storms.
To learn why your facility is facing downtime, contact us at [email protected].
References
[1] Global Electrification, New Technologies, and Continuing Need for Power Quality, Mark McGranaghan, EPRI, 2022
[2] An Assessment of Distribution System Power Quality, Volumes 1-3, TR-106926, V1-V3, EPRI, Palo Alto, Calif., 1996
[3] Distribution System Power Quality Assessment: Phase II, TR-1001678, EPRI, Palo Alto, CA, 2003
[4] 2020 State of Commercial & Industrial Power Reliability Report, Technical Paper 100-T125, June 1, 2020