Power Quality Compliance Studies & Measurements

Overview

Power quality compliance studies and measurements involve the systematic assessment and analysis of electrical power characteristics to detect power quality problems, determine their root causes and provide recommendations for the improvement of the electrical system’s operation.

Power quality measurements help identify a range of network issues, including voltage sags and swells, voltage flicker, frequency variations, unbalance, power factor issues, overloading, and power interruptions. These measurements provide crucial information for improving simulation models used in studies or for verifying study results. Power quality studies, in turn, focus on determining mitigation measures to enhance the performance, reliability, and safety of electrical systems and equipment.

What we can do for your business

Power Generation
RES & BESS
Transmission & Distribution
Oil, Gas and Petrochemicals
Heavy Industries
Infrastructure
Data Centers

Optimize Load, Minimize Losses

Power Factor Correction (PFC) equipment sizing refers to determining the appropriate size and specifications of apparatus used to improve the power factor of an electrical system. Poor power factor can result in increased power consumption and higher energy costs.

The proper sizing of PFC equipment is essential for optimizing the efficiency and reliability of electrical systems. Accurate sizing enables the effective reduction of energy costs, enhancement of system performance, and ensures the long-term stability and sustainability of electrical infrastructure. Additionally, the study can guide the effective planning of network reinforcements over time, considering future expansions.

Our team has extensive experience conducting power quality compliance studies and measurements for clients worldwide.

Key Components

Assessment of Power Factor: use power quality analyzers to measure the existing power factor and gather data on electrical loads. Analyze the measurements to determine the power factor and the extent of improvement needed.
Reactive Power Calculation: identifying load types and use formulas to calculate the quantity/percentage of reactive power needed to bring the power factor closer to required level.
Equipment Sizing Considerations: load characteristics, harmonic distortion, ensuring that PFC solution can accommodate growth in future expansions.
Location: determine the optimal installation point for the PFC equipment.
Compatibility: ensure that the PFC equipment integrates smoothly with existing electrical infrastructure.
Compliance and Documentation: compliance with relevant standards and regulations, maintain detailed records of the sizing calculations.

Power Generation
RES & BESS
Transmission & Distribution
Oil, Gas and Petrochemicals
Heavy Industries
Infrastructure
Data Centers

Harmonic Analysis focuses on analyzing the penetration of harmonics in an electrical system. Harmonic currents at frequencies other than the fundamental frequency (50 or 60 Hz) are undesirable, causing distortion on the voltage waveform, increased losses, heating, accelerated aging of equipment insulation and maloperation of protection equipment. The source of such harmonics are typically non-linear loads such as AC/DC inverters, variable frequency drives (VFDs), and other electronic devices.

Harmonic Measurements are conducted to specify the harmonic profile of non-linear loads, to identify harmonic distortion levels for compliance verification with the standards and grid code limits or to record the harmonic pollution of an area that will be used as background harmonics in a study.

Harmonic analysis and harmonic measurements are essential components in evaluating and optimizing power quality in electrical systems. They focus on identifying and addressing issues related to harmonic distortion and ensuring that power systems operate efficiently and reliably.

Identifying Harmonic Pollution, Harmonic Penetration, Avoid Parallel Resonance

Key components

Harmonic Analysis

Identification of Harmonics: fundamental frequency, harmonic orders.
Sources of Harmonics: non-linear loads, power electronics.
Measurement Tools: power quality analyzers, spectrum analyzers, multimeters.
Data Collection: harmonic distortion levels, waveform analysis.
Analysis Techniques: Fourier analysis, simulation and modeling, Total Harmonic Distortion (THD), individual harmonics, frequency scan, parallel resonance

Harmonic Measurements

Site survey, measurement objectives
Data Collection
Analysis and Reporting
Pre-installation and Post-installation measurements
Applicable for High Voltage, Medium Voltage and Low Voltage Substations

Power Generation
RES & BESS
Transmission & Distribution
Oil, Gas and Petrochemicals
Heavy Industries
Infrastructure
Data Centers

Capacitor bank studies analyze the integration and impact of capacitor banks in electrical power systems. These studies focus on optimizing reactive power compensation, voltage regulation, and power factor correction.

By evaluating the performance and placement of capacitor banks, engineers can enhance system efficiency, reduce losses, and improve voltage stability. These studies also ensure proper protection and coordination to mitigate issues such as overvoltages, harmonics, and resonance conditions.

Efficiency Unlocked: In-Depth Analysis for Capacitor Bank Performance

Key components

The key components in capacitor bank studies for electrical power systems include:

System Modeling and Analysis: load flow analysis.
Capacitor Bank Design and Sizing: capacity determination, placement optimization.
Performance Evaluation: reactive power compensation, voltage regulation.
Protection: protection coordination.
Harmonic Analysis: harmonic distortion, filter design.
Switching Transients and Overvoltages: transient analysis, surge protection.
System Integration: interaction with other equipment, load and generation integration.
Impact Assessment: system stability, voltage improvement.
Compliance with Standards

These components work together to ensure effective integration, performance, and protection of capacitor banks within the power system.

Power Generation
RES & BESS
Transmission & Distribution
Oil, Gas and Petrochemicals
Heavy Industries
Infrastructure
Data Centers

Flicker refers to the rapid changes in the voltage magnitude that can result in observable changes in the light output of electric lamps. Flickering lights can be irritating and cause visual discomfort for people, affecting their productivity or even their health.

Voltage unbalance refers to the unequal voltage magnitudes or phase angles in a three-phase electrical system. Such conditions can affect equipment, leading to overheating, increased stress, reduced efficiency, higher losses, and malfunction.

Illuminate the Path to Precision: Ensuring Voltage Balance, Eliminating Flicker

Key components

Our team has extensive experience conducting Flicker and Voltage Unbalance studies for clients worldwide. These studies include:

Measurement and Monitoring: voltage measurement, voltage magnitude and phase measurement, use of specialized instruments to quantify flicker severity, use of power quality analyzers to detect and record voltage unbalance along with other power quality parameters.
Data Analysis: time-domain analysis, frequency domain analysis, statistical analysis, symmetrical components analysis, phase angle analysis, trend analysis.
Simulation and Modeling: load flow analysis.
Identification of Sources: load identification, load profiling, correlation analysis.
Standards and Guidelines: adhering to relevant standards to ensure proper methodology and measurement techniques.
Software Tools: utilizing specialized software for simulation, analysis, and visualization of data.
Reporting and Documentation: preparing detailed reports on findings, methodologies, and recommended actions.
Stakeholder Engagement: working with utilities, engineers, and end-users to implement findings and improve overall power quality.

Power Generation
RES & BESS
Transmission & Distribution

Securing the Grid: Excellence in Compliance Testing

Grid Compliance Testing refers to the process of evaluating and verifying that power generation, transmission, and distribution systems adhere to established standards, regulations, and performance criteria. This testing ensures that all components of the electrical grid operate safely and reliably, minimizing risks and disruptions.

Grid compliance standards differ globally, varying from country to country, region to region, and even between utilities. Our dedicated team provides global support at any location. Leveraging our expertise and extensive reach, we help power plants meet the required standards for smooth integration with the transmission grid, ensuring reliable and efficient operations.

Key components

Standards and Regulatory Adherence: ensures compliance with relevant standards and regional grid codes.
Performance Testing: steady-state testing.
Power Quality Assessment: voltage stability, frequency regulation, harmonic analysis.
Safety and Reliability Checks: safety protocols, reliability testing.
Renewable Energy Integration: interconnection testing, impact analysis.
Documentation and Reporting: testing procedures, results reporting, certification.

By focusing on these components, grid compliance testing ensures that all elements of the electrical grid meet required standards, contributing to safe, efficient, and reliable power delivery.

Key Benefits