Power quality issues such as harmonics and voltage distortion can lead to problems ranging from operational inefficiencies to nuisance tripping, overheating and ultimately fires. By putting the right mitigating measures in place, businesses can save on costs, improve safety and make sure their systems are ready to meet future demands.
Machinery cutting out. Components overheating. Equipment functioning erratically. For many businesses that rely on electrical power systems, problems like these will be familiar. They can eat into operational costs, reduce competitiveness, and increase risk. But while they are all too common, their cause isn’t always clear.
There are lots of reasons why such issues can arise. But in many cases, at least part of the answer is to do with harmonic disturbances. These occur when patterns of current and voltage – which should follow smooth and regular waves – become distorted. Harmonics are generated wherever modern devices which convert alternating current (AC) from the grid into direct current (DC) are in use. Much of the technology involved in the drive towards green energy relies on this power conversion technique. Common devices that produce harmonics include uninterruptable power supplies (UPSs), variable frequency drives, LED lighting, as well as many other kinds of electronic equipment – found in every modern electrical power system.
Power quality issues such as harmonics and voltage distortion can lead to problems ranging from operational inefficiencies to nuisance tripping, overheating and ultimately fires. By putting the right mitigating measures in place, businesses can save on costs, improve safety and make sure their systems are ready to meet future demands.
Machinery cutting out. Components overheating. Equipment functioning erratically. For many businesses that rely on electrical power systems, problems like these will be familiar. They can eat into operational costs, reduce competitiveness, and increase risk. But while they are all too common, their cause isn’t always clear.
There are lots of reasons why such issues can arise. But in many cases, at least part of the answer is to do with harmonic disturbances. These occur when patterns of current and voltage – which should follow smooth and regular waves – become distorted. Harmonics are generated wherever modern devices which convert alternating current (AC) from the grid into direct current (DC) are in use. Much of the technology involved in the drive towards green energy relies on this power conversion technique. Common devices that produce harmonics include uninterruptable power supplies (UPSs), variable frequency drives, LED lighting, as well as many other kinds of electronic equipment – found in every modern electrical power system.
Electricity 4.0: Supporting proactive electrical asset management
Implementing measures such as these can significantly improve a power network’s efficiency and reliability, leading to reduced long-term operating costs. If the interventions help prevent a major accident, a business could see a return on its investment in a matter of days.
But tackling the immediate problem is only part of what we do. A power quality audit is also an opportunity to take a wider view. With the demands on electrical infrastructure growing rapidly, it’s important that it’s designed with the capacity to support significant expansion. Even if parts of the system don’t need mitigation against harmonics right now, they may well need to be able to install this in future without major disruption.
Informed by insights from our industry-leading technology, we can advise businesses on how to build power systems strategically so they are optimized for sustainable growth. In addition to our on-site assessments, Schneider Electric’s EcoConsult Electrical digital twin service can accurately model the impact that new infrastructure and components will have on power quality. For even greater precision, we can also support the real-time monitoring of harmonics and power disturbances through IoT-connected sensors on electrical equipment.
Once the right sensors are in place, this data can be analysed using AI-powered, digital analytics – either by customers on-site or remotely by our experts. Compared to periodic measurements, this supports a more proactive approach to electrical asset management. Rather than waiting until a crisis, businesses can spot emerging issues early, identifying what adjustments are needed and making them efficiently before serious problems ever arise. It’s similar to the way wearable devices can provide health data that allows patients and medical staff to manage conditions effectively – supporting stability and peace of mind for everyone concerned.
We call our approach Electricity 4.0 – using digital technology to reimagine the way the world uses electricity, making the most of its potential to drive efficiency and sustainability. Designed by 300 in-house data scientists, our advanced analytics are helping an increasing number of organizations reduce waste, extend equipment life, and minimize downtime. These insights, combined with our deep industry expertise, allow us to offer unrivalled support to businesses transforming their electrical power systems – not just fixing problems, but building the capacity to power the industries of the future.
If you’re ready to explore how a proactive asset management strategy can yield quick benefits and a strong ROI, we invite you to connect with us Kevin Jones and Stewart Thompson on LinkedIn or complete this form for a complimentary 30-minute consultation. Let’s work together to secure a more reliable and efficient future for your electrical assets.
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