power quality problems
Power Quality Problems and New Solutions
Abstract:
In this paper, the main Power Quality (PQ) problems are presented with their associated causes and consequences. The economic impacts associated with PQ are characterized. Finally, some solutions to mitigate the PQ problems are presented.
Key words
Power Quality, Power Quality problems, Power Quality costs, Power Quality solutions.
1. Introduction
Power Quality (PQ) related issues are of most concern nowadays. The widespread use of electronic equipment, such as information technology equipment, power electronics such as adjustable speed drives (ASD), programmable logic controllers (PLC), energy-efficient lighting, led to a complete change of electric loads nature. These loads are simultaneously the major causers and the major victims of power quality problems. Due to their non-linearity, all these loads cause disturbances in the voltage waveform.
Along with technology advance, the organization of the worldwide economy has evolved towards globalisation and the profit margins of many activities tend to decrease. The increased sensitivity of the vast majority of processes (industrial, services and even residential) to PQ problems turns the availability of electric power with quality a crucial factor for competitiveness in every activity sector. The most critical areas are the continuous process industry and the information technology services.
When a disturbance occurs, huge financial losses may happen, with the consequent loss of productivity and competitiveness. Although many efforts have been taken by utilities, some consumers require a level of PQ higher than the level provided by modern electric networks. This implies that some measures must be taken in order to achieve higher levels of Power Quality.
2. Types of Power Quality Problems
The most common types of Power Quality problems are presented in Table I.
3. Power Quality Characterization
Even the most
Abstract:
In this paper, the main Power Quality (PQ) problems are presented with their associated causes and consequences. The economic impacts associated with PQ are characterized. Finally, some solutions to mitigate the PQ problems are presented.
Key words
Power Quality, Power Quality problems, Power Quality costs, Power Quality solutions.
1. Introduction
Power Quality (PQ) related issues are of most concern nowadays. The widespread use of electronic equipment, such as information technology equipment, power electronics such as adjustable speed drives (ASD), programmable logic controllers (PLC), energy-efficient lighting, led to a complete change of electric loads nature. These loads are simultaneously the major causers and the major victims of power quality problems. Due to their non-linearity, all these loads cause disturbances in the voltage waveform.
Along with technology advance, the organization of the worldwide economy has evolved towards globalisation and the profit margins of many activities tend to decrease. The increased sensitivity of the vast majority of processes (industrial, services and even residential) to PQ problems turns the availability of electric power with quality a crucial factor for competitiveness in every activity sector. The most critical areas are the continuous process industry and the information technology services.
When a disturbance occurs, huge financial losses may happen, with the consequent loss of productivity and competitiveness. Although many efforts have been taken by utilities, some consumers require a level of PQ higher than the level provided by modern electric networks. This implies that some measures must be taken in order to achieve higher levels of Power Quality.
2. Types of Power Quality Problems
The most common types of Power Quality problems are presented in Table I.
3. Power Quality Characterization
Even the most
References: [3] EPRI Power Delivery Group, “The Future of Power Delivery in the 21st Century”, 1999. Series on Power Engineering – John Wiley and Sons, Piscataway, USA (2000).