Power Quality Analysis

  • By Aman Ullah
  • Published in Services
  • Jul 25, 2023
  • 4.32 Min
Power Quality Analysis

Power quality analysis is the method used to figure out how safe and efficient the power source is in a building or facility in general. This process determines power quality by analyzing both power flow and related factors such as grounding and harmonics.

There are many reasons why electric power may have poor power quality. In power distribution problems such as harmonic distortion, voltage variation, poor power factor, Dips and Swells, Flicker, and Transient occur every day regardless of the size of a facility. These events generate from inside a facility, from neighboring buildings, or directly from the power company.

Figure: Power Quality Analysis

Iconic Engineering Power Quality Analysis Capabilities

Both the IEEE Power Quality Standards and the NFPA 70B are excellent resources for assisting in the identification of power quality terms, faults, and corrective procedures. These power quality services are carried out by our certified Engineers in accordance with these criteria.

We set up Equipment according to the EN50160 standard and our Energy analyzer has been designed and tested in accordance with standard EN61010-1.

In order to acquire accurate information regarding the power distribution within a facility, the knowledgeable Engineers that we employ are aware of how and where to conduct measurements.

Data logging Function: By using our power quality analyzer we can log data for up to 365 days as well as we can calculate energy loss due to this loss.

Figure: Measuring the Quality of power using Power Quality Analyzer

The primary goal of power system distribution is to guarantee that the loads operate properly. When an electrical power system fails to perform as expected, it is time to investigate and determine the root cause.

Iconic Power quality analysis helps in the identification of power network faults. It will also assist in addressing issues involving the reliable and stable operation of your electrical system before they have an impact on the performance of your electrical system. Analyzing a system's power quality necessitates the use of trained electrical professionals.

Iconic Engineering provides a comprehensive power analysis solution that will help you to assess existing power issues, take corrective actions for those issues, or take preventative measures to ensure that power issues do not arise in the future.

Our engineers utilize equipment of the latest technology to test numerous parameters simultaneously in real-time in order to conduct a power quality analysis survey. We investigate the problem areas and compile a comprehensive report for you that outlines the potential remedies.

Is it necessary to analyze the quality of the power?

Analyzing the quality of the power supplied is a critical step in ensuring that your facility functions in a manner that is both safe and effective. Others only request power quality analyses when a problem with the power source is discovered, but the majority of facility operators include power quality analyses as part of the standard testing routine that is performed on their plants.

In spite of this, it is essential to have the quality of the power supply at your facility assessed on a regular basis even if there are no obvious signs of power problems in order to preserve both safety and productivity.

Companies have the potential to save millions of dollars annually in electrical repairs and service interruptions, as well as in the expenses of their electrical utilities if they implement the appropriate power quality analysis.

Poor power quality can have several disadvantages, including:

  • Reduced equipment lifespan: Poor power quality can cause electrical equipment to operate under stressful conditions, resulting in greater wear and tear and a shorter lifespan.
  • Increased downtime: Problems with power quality, such as voltage sags and interruptions, can cause equipment to shut down or fail, resulting in increased downtime and lost production.
  • Harm to electrical equipment: Voltage surges, transients, and other power quality issues can harm electrical equipment, resulting in repair or replacement expenditures.
  • Safety risks: Poor power quality can cause electric shocks, fire hazards, and other electrical problems.
  • Inaccurate meter readings: Due to poor power quality, energy meters may be misread, resulting in inaccurate billing.
  • Higher energy expenses: Poor power quality can result in energy losses and inefficiencies, which raises energy costs.
  • Interference with other systems: Problems with power quality, such as electromagnetic interference, can cause interference with other systems, such as communication systems, resulting in communication failures or disruptions.

Analysis of Harmonics

Harmonics are a sort of distortion that can take place in power systems as a result of nonlinear loads. This distortion can lead to a variety of issues and should be avoided.

Engineers working on power systems employ a number of different strategies to reduce harmonic distortion and ensure that the system's quality and dependability are maintained.

Harmonics are multiples of the fundamental frequency of an electrical system. For instance, the second harmonic has a frequency that is twice as high as the fundamental frequency, whereas the third harmonic has a frequency that is three times as high as the fundamental frequency, and so on. In power systems, harmonics can result in a wide variety of issues, including the following:

Increased losses in power transformers and other electrical equipment

  1. Overheating of electrical equipment due to increased current flow
  2. Misreading of energy meters, resulting in incorrect billing
  3. Interference with communication and control systems

Iconic Engineering measures Harmonics according to IEC 61000-4-7 standard. Total harmonic distortion (THD), which is a measurement of the distortion in a waveform in comparison to the fundamental frequency, is one of the metrics that can be used to quantify harmonic distortion. There are other metrics that can be used.

Calculating the total harmonic distortion (THD) involves measuring the root mean square (RMS) of all harmonic components present in the waveform and dividing that value by the RMS of the fundamental frequency. THD is then given as a percentage.

How to Reduce Harmonics from Your System

Harmonic distortion in power systems can be reduced by the employment of a variety of techniques, one of which is the application of harmonic filters. These filters are created with the purpose of removing harmonic components from the power system. Other options include the application of active power filters, passive filters, and phase-shifting transformers.

Features we observe during power quality services

  • Harmonic Analysis
  • The Analysis of Power Factor, Current, Voltage, Energy (KWH),
  • Unbalance - v, i, w
  • Power & energy
  • Sags and Swells Analysis
  • Power and Energy Analysis
  • Transient Inrush Current Analysis
  • Mains Monitoring and Mains Analysis
  • Power inverter efficiency
  • Flicker( according to IEC 61000-4-15)
  • Motor torque & Motor Speed
  • Motor mechanical load, Motor efficiency
  • Recognizes disturbances originating with the electric utility
  • Identifies wiring and grounding improvements

Why Choose Iconic for Your Power Quality Analysis Needs

Iconic Engineering is one of the leading power quality testing companies in Bangladesh. For over 8 years, Iconic Engineering has been providing power quality analysis services to various industries including manufacturers, Power plants, RMG, governments, and various other national & multi-national companies in Bangladesh. We are following international standards while doing measurements such as the IEEE1459 standard for power measurement, and IEC61000-4-30 for measurement performance and Nominal frequency. To learn more about our services you can talk with our expert.