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Power quality

Document By
SANTOSH BHARADWAJ REDDY
Email: help@matlabcodes.com
Engineeringpapers.blogspot.com
More Papers and Presentations available on above site
Abstract
The subject power quality engineering truly en compasses most
areas of electrical engineering from generation to utilization. Power quality
problems due to mainly two reasons. One is the characteristic of the power supply
voltage and the electrical system that effect the performance of the load and the
other is the characteristics of the load that affect the electrical system or other
loads.

The presentation starts with the necessity of quality in electrical

power by pointing the causes and consequences that isolates the electrical power
from its quality on demand like VOLTAGE SAGS and SWELLS,
HARMONICS.Various solutions from the innovative technology those packs the
power with its at most quality are presented. Not only various guidelines to
maintain the power quality but also the analysis and monitoring of power quality
are vividly highlighted.

INTRODUCTION

Power supply quality issues and resulting problems are

consequences of the increasing use of solid state switching devices, nonlinear and

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power electronically switched loads, electronic type loads .the advent and wide
spread of high power semiconductor switches at utilization, distribution and
transmission leaves have non sinusoidal currents. The electronic type load causes
voltage distortions, harmonics and distortion. Power quality problems can cause
system equipment mal function, computer data loss and memory mal function of
the sensitive equipment such as computer, programmable logic devices [plc]
controls, and protection and relaying equipment.
Voltage sags are most wide spread power quality issue affecting
distribution systems, especially industries. Where involved losses can reach very
high values. Short and shallow voltage sag can produce dropout of a whole
industry. In general, it is possible to consider voltage sags as the origin of 10 to
90% power quality problems. The main causes of voltage sags are faults and short
circuits, lightning strokes, and inrush currents. In overhead distribution systems
lightning is main cause of Voltage sag, with an approximate incidence of about
50% of the cases. An important% of voltage sags is repetitive such as lightning
and re closer circuit breakers operations. The ability of SE to with stand Voltage
sags without dropout is known as ride-through capability. Ride through capability
guidelines are given by CBEMA (computer business equipment manufactures
association). The curves are most important tool for the manufacturer user and
system designer. Single- line to ground faults and lightning on the utility
distribution or transmission system is often the cause of voltage sags. Power
quality is a two-pronged issue, with electronic equipment playing both villain and
victim. Most new electronic equipment, while more efficient than its mechanical
predecessors, consumes electricity differently than traditional mechanical
appliances. While older devices like incandescent bulbs use power as it is
supplied by the utility, electronic devices draw currents in bursts, altering the
electricity that flows through them, so that what comes out the other side and
returns to the grid is distorted. This "dirty" power underutilizes utility equipment
and increases line losses. Thus, some of the efficiency gained through
improvements in appliances is lost in the transportation of the electricity that runs
them. Additionally, utilities must invest in filters and capacitors to "clean" this
dirty power. Poor-quality power also causes transformers, cables and other
transmission equipment to burn out morequickly, thus increasing utility
equipment costs.In general, the moresophisticated equipment is, the more
sensitive it is to variations in power quality. Household appliances that were once
simple mechanicaldevices--like furnaces, air conditioners and heat pumps--are
goingelectronic. And the home electronics revolution has made video recorders
personal computers, microwave ovens and digital clocks--all sensitive topower
distortions--commonplace in American homes. As computers getsmaller and
faster, they become increasingly sensitive to power qualityproblems. Efficiency

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improvements on the horizon for refrigerators includeelectronic motors, which
will also make them prey to the same powerdisturbances that leave the VCR clock
blinking at us dumbly when we walkin the front door.

Why power quality is so important?

Power quality is an increasingly important issue for all businesses. Problems with
powering and grounding can cause data and processing errors that affect
production and service quality.

 Lost production: Each time production is interrupted, your business loses

the margin on the product that is not manufactured and sold.

 Damaged product: Interruptions can damage a partially complete

product, cause the items to be rerun or scrapped.

 Maintenance: Reacting to a voltage disruption can involve restoring

production, diagnosing and correcting the problem, clean up and repair,
disposing of damaged products and, in some cases, environment costs.

 Hidden costs: If the impact of voltage sag is a control error, a product

defect may be discovered after customer delivery. The costs of losing
repeat sales, product recalls and negative public relations can be
significant and hard to quantify.

A recent study by IBM showed that power quality problems cost U.S. businesses
more than $15 billion a year. That’s an average of $79,000 for each company!

The good quality of power can be specified as: -

 The supply voltage should be with in guaranteed tolerance of declared

value.in India the specifications related to power quality are _+10%
variation in voltage and _+2%of frequency

 The wave should be a pure sine wave within allowable limits for
distortion.

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  Voltage should be balanced in all 3 phases.

 Supply should be reliable

 The earthing system should serve its purpose properly

Causes and consequences: -

The causes and consequences of power quality problems can be traced to
a specific type of electrical disturbance. By analyzing the waveform of the
disturbance, power quality engineers can determine what problems your facility
has and what the optimal solution is.
For comparison purposes, a normal voltage waveform is 50 cycles per second -
at most plus or minus ten percent of nominal voltage.
Power disturbances can be classified into five categories, each varying in effect,
duration and intensity.

Voltage fluctuations
Voltage fluctuations are changes or swings in the steady-state voltage above or
below the designated input range for a piece of equipment. Fluctuations include
both sags and swells.
 Causes: Large equipment start-up or shutdown; sudden change in load;
improper wiring; or grounding; utility protection devices
 Vulnerable equipment: Computers; fax machines; variable frequency
drives; CNC machines; extruders; motors

 Effects: Data errors; memory loss; equipment shutdown; flickering lights;

motors stalling/stopping; reduced motor life

Solutions: Verify proper electrical connections and wiring; relocate equipment;

reduce voltage motor starters; uninterruptible power supply; voltage ride-through
equipment.

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Transients
Transients, commonly called "surges," are sub-cycle disturbances of very short
duration that vary greatly in magnitude.
When transient occur, thousands of voltage can be generated into the electrical
system, causing problems for equipment down the line.
 Causes: Lighting; normal operation of utility equipment; equipment start-
up and shutdown; welding equipment.
 Vulnerable equipment: Phone systems; computers; fax machines; digital
scales; gas pump controls; fire/security systems; variable frequency drives;
CNC machines; PLCs.

 Effects: Processing errors; computer lock-up; burned circuit boards;

degradation of electrical insulation; equipment damage.

 Solutions: Transient voltage surge suppression; uninterruptible power

supply; isolation transformer; proper grounding

Electrical noise
Electrical noise is high-frequency interference caused by a number of factors,
including arc welding or the operation of some electric motors.
 Causes: Lighting; normal operation of utility equipment; equipment start-
up and shutdown; welding equipment.

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  Vulnerable equipment: Phone systems; computers; fax machines; digital
scales; gas pump controls; fire/security systems; variable frequency drives;
CNC machines; PLCs.

 Effects: Processing errors; computer lock-up; burned circuit boards;

degradation of electrical insulation; equipment damage.

 Solutions: Transient voltage surge suppression; uninterruptible power

supply; isolation transformer; proper grounding

Harmonics
Harmonics are the periodic steady-state distortions of the sine wave due to
equipment generating a frequency other than the standard 60 cycles per second.
 Causes: Electronic ballasts; non-linear loads; variable frequency drives.
 Vulnerable equipment: Transformers; circuit breakers; phone systems;
capacitor banks; motors.

 Effects: Overheating of electrical equipment; random breakers tripping;

hot neutrals.

 Solutions: Harmonic filters; wiring and grounding upgrades; isolating

non-linear loads; special transformers.

Power outages

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Power outages are total interruptions of electrical supply. Utilities have installed
protection equipment that briefly interrupts power to allow time for a disturbance
to dissipate.
For example, if lightning strikes a power line, a large voltage is instantly induced
into the lines. The protection equipment momentarily interrupts power, allowing
time for the surge to dissipate.
 Causes: Ice storms; lightning; wind; utility equipment failure.
 Vulnerable equipment: All electrical equipment.
 Effects: Complete disruption of operation.
 Solutions: Transient voltage surge suppression; uninterruptible power
supply.

SOLUTIONS: -

Surge suppressors

These are small plug-in devices designed to protect equipment from moderate
surges and spikes. Surge suppressors should be considered the minimum level of
protection from internal and external transients on electrical, telephone and data
lines. Installing surge suppression at the main service panel and following through
to each electronic device is strongly recommended

Uninterruptible power supply (UPS)

This is one of the most common types of protective equipment. It is placed

between the electrical outlet and the equipment you wish to protect. A UPS is
designed to improve the quality of the power supplied to critical loads and to
generate the required voltage and current when power interruptions, voltage
fluctuations or frequency variations occur. Even if the utility power is interrupted,
your equipment is protected from an outage. A UPS has batteries to provide
alternating current power to selected equipment. When it senses a power outage
or change in voltage, the UPS device switches over to the battery backup. The

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batteries give you operating time to shut down your equipment in a safe manner.
A UPS can protect against power interruptions, under voltage, over voltage,
voltage sags and voltage swells. Some of the equipment that should be protected
with a UPS includes personal computers, workstations, fileservers, telephone
systems, computer centers and cash registers. It is very important to know the
cause of the problem before deciding if a UPS is required and choosing a UPS
that will provide the necessary protection

Noise filters

A noise filter eliminates interference that may interrupt the proper operation of
electrical or electronic equipment. This is known as electromagnetic interference
[EMI]. Electronic devices can be a source of this interference.

Isolation transformers

These devices electrically separate the electronic equipment from the incoming
power system, reducing unwanted electrical noise.

Harmonic filters
A harmonic filter limits the periodic or continuous distortions of the normal
voltage wave pattern [sine wave] caused by non-linear loads.
Non-linear loads, including computers and electronic lighting ballasts, draw
electric current differently than linear loads and distort the normal voltage pattern.
An example of a linear load would be an incandescent light bulb.

Dynamic voltage restorer

A Dynamic voltage restorer is a power electronic controller that can protect

sensitive loads from disturbances in the power supply. It is a power electronic
converter based
Device that has been design to protect critical loads from all supply side
disturbances other than outages .it is connected in series with a distribution feeder
and is capable of generating or absorbing real and reactive power at its ac
terminals
The basic principle is by inserting a voltage of
required magnitude and frequency the DVR can restore the load side voltage to
desired amplitude and frequency. Even when the source voltage is unbalanced and

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distorted usually a DVR is connected to protect sensitive loads during faults in the
power supply system. DVR that can regulate voltage at the load terminals against
any variation in the supply side voltage while consuming no real power

DYSC: -

A DYSC is a power electronic device containing a series sag corrector and

a shunt converter that provides voltage sag immunity with a minimum retained of
voltage of 50%, which covers 92%of the voltage sags that have been reported in a
large study.

Flywheel: -
A flywheel with out a diesel generator protects the equipment against
all sags as long as the inertia of the flywheel can support the load. Most flywheels
can supply the rated load for 3-15 s, which is sufficient to protect against all
voltage sags but not against supply outages.

GUIDELINES FOR POWER QUALITY: -

For getting good power quality the following guidelines has to be followed: -

• Install no more than four to six out lets per branch circuit in those branch.
Circuits that serve computers and other devices.

• Use over sized conductors to account for peak loads, since those loads
may be uptothree times that of r.m.s current levels

• Specify oversized neutrals in 3 phase circuits feeding nonlinear load

branch circuits.

• Power Q Grounding resistance not greater than 10 ohms. For sensitive

equipment systems not to more than 2 ohms
• Specify copper-wound harmonic-concealing isolation transformers
between nonlinear load
• Power quality Analyzers: -

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Power quality problems cover a wide range of
disturbances and conditions. They include everything from
very fast transient over voltages that have microsecond
time frames, to long duration outages, which last hours or
days. Power quality problems also include steady state
phenomena such as harmonic distortion, and intermittent
phenomena, such as voltage flicker. The wide varieties of
conditions, which make up "power quality”, also make the development of
standard measurement procedures and equipment very difficult.

Most of today's power quality problems originate on the user's side of the meter.
Power -quality analyzers are good for locating these. They monitor and record a
broad range of power parameters. Voltage and current waveforms, harmonic
distortion, and power factor information, as well as other data can be saved and up
loaded for detailed analysis by PC software.

Power quality monitoring: -

Power quality has become serious problem in power system, causing

great loss of time and revenue. Hence it is necessary to monitor and measure
power quality with adequate power quality monitoring devices. the power quality
meters have to monitor the parameters

The Emetics LM-5410 and LM-5415 can be used for power quality investigations
to identify specific problems and help in locating their cause. For situations where
power quality has to be monitored on an ongoing basis, the Emetics fixed-site
units, LM-5515 and LM-5520 should be used.

The LM-5410 Portable Power Monitor Recorder is a three phase 600vac recorder
supplied in a portable small case. It accepts Emetics high accuracy SMART split
core CT’s in various ranges. Records voltages, currents, sag/swell events and
power consumption. Includes software, manuals, RS232 cable and AC power
cord (120/230v) and five voltage cables.

The LM-5510 Wall Mount Power Monitor Recorder is equivalent to the LM-5410
except supplied in wall mount NEMA-4X case. Telephone modem option (TM-
24) is included. The LM-5520 adds the Integrated Monitoring & Control (IMC)
Option which includes 3 relays with programmable contact operation (one
latching relay and two relays NC/NO contacts), KYZ output, paging, waveform
capture and harmonic analysis

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CONCLUSION:

It is quiet common we face hinderanous in every field, as such in the supply of

electric power. But the at most goal to supply good quality of power is an
achieved by proper monitoring and recent technology.

BIBLIOGRAPHY:

1) Goggle web site

Document By
SANTOSH BHARADWAJ REDDY
Email: help@matlabcodes.com
Engineeringpapers.blogspot.com
More Papers and Presentations available on above site

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