Understanding Power Quality
Outline
I.
Power Quality (PQ) Definition
II. Distribution Utility Parameters & Limits
III. Types of PQ Problems
IV. Solution to PQ Problems
Power Quality (PQ) Definition
The quality of the voltage, including its
frequency and the resulting current, that
are measured in the Distribution System
during normal conditions
Power Quality (PQ) Definition
PQ is all about
electromagnetic compatibility
Equipment operates within its environment
without causing disturbance either to itself or
other equipment, or back to utility source
End-use equipment (load) rating matches
supply voltage rating and variations
Mismatch can be avoided right from the
design stage
Power Quality (PQ) Definition
PQ is all about
electromagnetic compatibility
Utility service standards must be considered
before purchase of end-use equipment for
compatibility of ratings
A mismatch is costly in terms of bridging
incompatibility
Parameters and Limits
Power quality begins with knowing the characteristics of the distribution
utility, its capabilities and limitations.
Customers must take note of the following parameters in determining
the appropriate equipment and system design for their facilities.
Parameter
Limit/s
Frequency Variations
Frequency shall be 60 Hz, with allowable
variation of 59.7 to 60.3 Hz
Service Voltages
Plus/Minus 10% of RMS Voltage
Secondary Nominal Voltages
230 Volts, 400 Volts, 460 Volts
Primary Nominal Voltages
13.2 kV, 13.8 kV, 34.5 kV, 69 kV, 115 kV
Voltage THD
Within 5%
Voltage Unbalance
Within 2.5%
Reference: Philippine Distribution Code
Parameters and Limits
Effect of Utility Variations on Equipment Ratings
Equipment must operate satisfactorily within the -10% to +10%
voltage variation of the Distribution Utility's nominal service
voltage
Voltage Variation
Lower Limit
Upper Limit
Nominal Service Voltage: 230 V
207 volts
-10%
253 volts
+10%
Ex. Equipment Rating: 200 V
180 volts
3%
220 volts
27%
Ex. Equipment Rating: 220 V
198 volts
-6%
242 volts
15%
Nominal Service Voltage: 460 V
414 volts
-10%
506 volts
+10%
Ex. Equipment Rating: 440 V
396 volts
-6%
484 volts
15%
Ex. Equipment Rating: 480 V
432 volts
-14%
528 volts
5%
PQ Problem Illustrated
A
Failure
Normal
Failure
PQ Problem Illustrated
Fault/s anywhere in the network may result to power disturbances of varying
magnitude and duration depending on the type and proximity of fault.
Types of PQ Problems
Voltage Unbalance
Maximum deviation from the average of the three-phase
voltages divided by the average of the three-phase voltages,
usually expressed in percent
Unbalanced distribution of single phase loads
Unstable system neutral
One-phase out power supply
Types of PQ Problems
Total Harmonic Distortion (THD)
THD is the measure of the effective value of the harmonic
components of a distorted waveform, that is, the potential heating
value of the harmonics relative to the fundamental
Types of PQ Problems
Voltage Sag
A decrease in RMS voltage between 10% to 90% of the
nominal value for duration from half cycle to 1 minute
1 minute
or less
Starting of electric motors
Switching on of large loads
Fault on either distribution, transmission or generation systems
Types of PQ Problems
Voltage Sag
Nominal Voltage: 460V
Magnitude: 88.41%
Duration: 4 cycles
Cause: Fault on the
adjacent feeder
Types of PQ Problems
Voltage Transient
A sudden, non-power frequency change of voltage or
current
Lightning
Load switching
Capacitor switching
Types of PQ Problems
Proper Grounding Practices
From IEEE Emerald Book (Recommended Practice for Powering and Grounding Sensitive Equipment), 2005
Solutions to PQ Problems
AVR vs UPS
Can handle
"fluctuations"
(between plus 10% to
minus 10% of
nominal voltage)
Can handle
"fluctuations" and
power interruptions
< 2 AC Cycles
On line
Cannot handle
voltage sags
Can handle voltage
sags and power
interruptions
Solutions to PQ Problems
UPS (Universal Power Supply)
Solutions to PQ Problems
Sag Correctors
Provides energy during voltage sag events
Small to large applications
Solutions to PQ Problems
Transient Voltage Surge
Suppressor (TVSS)
Provides protection from transient voltage
Solutions to PQ Problems
Maintenance Activities
DESCRIPTION OF ACTIVITY
CORRECTION OF OVERHEATING LINE COMPONENTS
MISSING/CUT/DETACHED POLE GROUNDING CONDUCTOR (Correction)
TREE PRUNING
FOREIGN OBJECTS / KITE STRING REMOVAL
REPLACEMENT OF PIN / CONTAMINATED INSULATORS
INSTALLATION OF BIRD SPIKE
Solutions to PQ Problems
Pole Attachments
Bird spikes
Solutions to PQ Problems
Pole Attachments
Snake cones
Solutions to PQ Problems
Pole Attachments
Snake cones
Solutions to PQ Problems
Overhead Lines
FROM
TO
Solutions to PQ Problems
MERALCO SUBSTATION
83 MVA capacity
Equipped with On-load Tap Changer (OLTC)
Solutions to PQ Problems
Problem Evaluation
Problem Category Identification
Power Measurements & Data Collection
Solution Range Identification
Solution Evaluation
Optimum Solution
Solution to PQ Problems
Solution Evaluation
LEAST COST APPROACH
Equipment
Specification
Control
Protection
1
Controls
Motors
Over-all
Protection
Inside Plant
Utility
Solution
2
3
Other Loads
INCREASING COST
Even without buying PQ conditioning equipment we may
already be paying for it from costs associated with current
problems that our equipment are dealing with.
Thank You!
