Power quality challenges from linear and non-linear loads
The evolution of technology has transformed the way we consume electricity—but it has also introduced new challenges from linear to non-linear loads.
Until the 1980s, industrial and commercial facilities were dominated by linear loads—simple electrical systems without electronic controls. But by the late 1980s, the rise of compact, efficient electronic components brought about a revolution in energy management.
These non-linear loads, driven by power electronics, improved energy efficiency but at the cost of power quality. The problem intensified during the 2000s with a surge in global electricity consumption and the increasing share of renewable energy sources, which while vital for sustainability, can negatively impact power quality.
Why does power quality matter?
The question of “Why does power quality matter?” is often asked and the answer is that poor power factor leads to equipment malfunctions, increased energy costs and reduced system lifespan meaning that optimising your power quality is no longer optional, it’s essential for energy savings and operational efficiency.
Power Quality Solutions
Industries need to take control of their power quality and understand the importance of managing power quality and reduce the financial losses caused by disturbances. By monitoring and making simple analysis of power quality and harmonics, modern analysers can provide a detailed snapshot of your power quality status and track its evolution over time.
Power quality submeters and fixed monitors allow for real time alerts that allow for immediate notifications to ensure you are aware of power quality issues before they escalate. With enhanced data driven insights, decision making to help enable actionable strategies for energy efficiency and system reliability becomes easier. Whether you are addressing current power quality issues or planning for a more efficient future, power quality solutions such as fixed submeters and monitors are designed to keep electrical systems optimised and your operations running smoothly.
The Electrex Monitoring Solutions and Power Quality Analysers Kilo 96
The Energy Technology List approved Electrex permanent Power Quality Energy Analyser & Web Data Manager devices are designed to monitor and analyse power quality. The devices are IoT type, including an embedded web interface and communication ports that make it possible to display measurements and control the devices remotely.
Electrex Kilo D6 and 96 Energy Analyser Submeters
In addition, it is possible to activate an embedded “energy PLC” functionality which allows for the creation of energy automation applications within the same energy analyser.
The power quality analysers can be used for:
• The recording of PQ events
• Preventive maintenance on your system
• PQ measurement campaigns for specific periods defined from the user
• Monitoring of the compliance with PQ standards such as BS:EN50160 or service standards
In order to support the end users and professionals with data driven insights, the Electrex power quality analysers include functionality such as “events graphic detail” and “events timeline” which can display detailed information of each event and a timeline of successive events.
More information from power quality submeters
Discover more on the importance of managing power quality and how to reduce the financial losses caused by disturbances.
Included in the embedded web server are the graphs and charts which allow a non-expert user to identify the statistical frequency, the magnitude which could have the possibility to cause a malfunction. Other functions, allow the meter to identify the direction of the power when compared to the monitoring point which can help locate the source of the disturbance.
Preventive and continuous power quality monitoring can ensure the smooth installation of new assets and a reliable operation of the system. The cost of analysis is always small if compared to the cost of equipment replacement.
Learn more about our products and services by visiting our Power Quality Expert product catalogue, Sonel product catalogue , Electrex product catalogue or Elspec product catalogue or you can contact us to discuss your measurement requirements further.
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