Powerhouse power conditioning
The Powerhouse
Mounted at switch gear, Powerhouse units operate 24/7/365, leveraging MOVs and capacitors to correct voltage differences between phases affecting the Power Factor (pF). In fact, because of the design, these units offer surge protection and incident mitigation .
NEMA states clearly that voltage imbalance should remain below 1% for all systems as the efficiency of motors is highly affected. In fact, in one field test, the data collected showed a dramatic effect on the 3-phase power. In the chart above, as the line to neutral volts improved, the 3-phase power used shrunk by over 14%.
What is Power Factor (pF)
Power Factor (pF) is defined by IEC and IEEE as the ratio of true power to apparent power. Phase and Wave-Form shape are contributors to the difference between true power (Watts) and apparent power (kVA).
Voltage imbalance in a 3 phase component such as a motor causes increased amp usage and heat and can degrade the unit faster over time. National Electrical Manufacturers Association (NEMA) states that imbalance is 100 times greater than volt to volt differences between phases. Such, a 3-phase system with voltages of 462, 463 and 455 respectively will have an imbalance of 1.1%.
Specifications
- Mounts next to medium or low-voltage power distribution equipment.
- Leverages MOV's, rated at 100kA each, that manage volt-volt changes in line voltages during dips and spikes.
- Line-to-Line GE Conditioning Capacitors, a proprietary Dielektrol® family of capacitors.
- Proven non-PCB biodegradable capacitor fluids are specially blended to provide optimum performance.
- Operates 24/7/365
- UL Certified
ADVANTAGES OF POWER CONDITIONING
Energy Savings
For example, let us use a 100-hp motor, operating for 8,000 hours per year (hrs/yr), 100% loaded with an unbalanced voltage of 2.5%. Using a cost of energy of $0.08/kilowatt-hour (kWh), we can compute the energy losses and potential savings:
- Loss of Efficiency (LOE) = (100% / Nominal-Efficiency %) - (100% / 2.5-Efficiency %)
- Annual kWh Savings = HP x .746kW/HP x hrs/yr x LOE
- Annual Cost Savings = akWhs x kWh
Therefore;
- LOE = 0.025 = (100/93) - (100/94)
- kWh Savings = 14,920kWh = 100hp x .746kW/hp x 8,000hrs/yr x 0.025
- Cost Savings = $1,193 = 14,920kWh x $0.08kWh
Reduced Heat
Not only is the potential for energy transfer savings, but the reduction of heat also provides improved OPEX and equipment wear. In fact, the heat difference between the same 100 hp operating at 2.5% unbalanced load is 6-10 times larger than the 1.1%. Therefore, the heat gain can be 15% to 27.5% higher for unbalanced loads increasing insulation damage and wear on the motors. Also, this additional heat adds to the environment that might need to be mitigated, in some cases raising HVAC costs.
Reduced Harmonics
Harmonics occur when voltage and current are not in phase with one another with their respective sine waves. Measured as total harmonic distortion (THD), harmonics are merely a byproduct of a nonlinear load. Examples of nonlinear loads are battery chargers, adaptors, fluorescent lamps (because of the choke coil), LEDs, electronic ballasts, variable frequency drives (VFDs), rectifiers, uninterruptible power supply (UPS), switching mode power supplies (SMPS), photocopiers, personal computers, laser printers and fax machines. However, in a linear load, both voltage and current follow one another without distortion to their pure sine waves. Examples of linear loads are resistive heaters, incandescent lamps, and constant speed induction and synchronous motors.
PROJECT HIGHLIGHT
Read how one utility is leveraging the Powerhouse
The Company is providing a new pilot program under its Conservation Demonstration and Development Program, the Powerhouse Technology Pilot. "The Powerhouse" is a mechanical control device that reduces energy consumption by balancing and increasing voltage across all phases of supply. By including this new pilot project under its COD program, FPUC intends to test the technology's ability to reduce customers' power supply costs while improving overall reliability/power quality and help FPU prepare for the future with innovative solutions that support and maintain grid integrity.
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