Comment: Power quality matters in electrical systems

And in today’s day and age, most businesses depend on electrical power to deliver their services. If machinery cuts out, components overheat, or equipment functions erratically, the consequences can be significant. In Europe, up to €150bn a year is lost as a result of poor power quality, and a 0.1 second interruption can be just as costly as a one-hour interruption. Damaged equipment, lost productivity, and product spoilage [AB1] are just some of the consequences businesses might face. And inconsistent power isn’t just a drain on the bottom line; it’s a safety concern, too. Issues such as harmonics and voltage distortion can lead to problems ranging from nuisance tripping to 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 resilient enough to meet future demand.

Preventing power distortions

In many cases,[AB2]  harmonic disturbances 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 uninterruptible power supplies (UPSs), variable frequency drives, LED lighting, as well as many other kinds of electronic equipment, found in every modern electrical power system. 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. These technologies do much to address immediate problems with power supply and prevent operational disruption. However, businesses shouldn’t wait for disaster to strike before investing in new technologies: they should also be considering tools that enable predictive monitoring and maintenance.

Getting ahead of the game

The IEA has forecast that global electricity demand will accelerate by 3.4 per cent annually through 2026, marking the fastest rise in decades. Considering this, businesses will need to ensure that their electrical infrastructure is resilient, adaptable, and designed to support significant expansion. Even if parts[AB3] [AB4]  of a system don’t need mitigation against harmonics right now, organisations may well require this in future, without major disruption to operations. Business leaders looking to take control of their electrical assets can start by working with expert partners to conduct a power quality audit. An audit enables businesses (and facilities managers) to gain a wider view of operations. As well as identifying and mitigating against existing electrical disturbances, such as voltage sags and imbalances, an audit enables businesses to understand long-term asset reliability. This insight is crucial for organisations and facilities managers to understand where maintenance may be required to extend and optimise electrical components until end-of-life.[AB5] [AB6] 

Forecasting scenarios via digital twins

Digital twin technologies emerge [AB7] as another key consideration for businesses looking to strengthen their power quality. These services can accurately model the impact that new infrastructure and components will have on power supply. For organisations requiring even greater precision, tools such as IoT-connected sensors, which are placed on electrical equipment, make it possible to support the real-time monitoring of harmonics and power disturbances.

Once the right sensors are in place, this data can be analysed using AI-powered, digital analytics. By proactively monitoring power quality, businesses can detect potential issues, and automate the corrective actions to address them, before they escalate into critical failures. It’s similar to the way wearable devices provide health data, enabling patients and medical staff to manage conditions effectively. Knowledge is power: real-time insights support stable operations as well as providing much-needed peace of mind for everyone concerned. Leading corporations such as Nescafé are already benefiting from these technologies. By leveraging digitised asset monitoring and predictive analytics, the company was able to reduce unplanned downtime by 75 per cent and cut down on maintenance costs at the same time.

Don’t go it alone

Business leaders don’t need to decipher the complexities of power supply and their electrical assets alone. They can rely on the expertise of industry partners to decipher data-driven insights and understand what is needed to build power systems strategically[AB8] , optimising operations for sustainable growth. By switching to a proactive, rather than a reactive approach to electrical asset management, business owners can ensure that the quality and reliability of their power is safeguarded well into the future. [AB9] 

Kas Mohammed, vice president, Services, Schneider Electric UK and Ireland