Improving Power
To improve power, we have to analyze it. And to analyze it, we have to understand its characteristics. It is commonly accepted that quality power should have a voltage supply that is: * uninterrupted * of correct magnitude * of correct frequency * sinusoidal * balanced in 3-phase system *steady and free of kinks. Each characteristic is linked to a definite and distinct benefit. Continuous voltage supply, for instance, leads to process continuity. Sinusoidal voltage guards against harmonic heating and protects motors from damage due to oscillating torque.
Determinants of Quality Power
Power Quality is largely determined by the nature of the loads connected to the system. Conventional loads like a.c. motors, because of their inductive nature, cause flow of reactive currents in the system leading to voltage drops and low power factor. Modern industrial plants use electronic control devices and power diodes extensively. Such plants need a high level of reactive power and generate harmonic currents which flow back into the network. The result is voltage distortions.
Since consumers in an electrical system are interconnected, the behaviour of loads of one consumer can affect the quality of supply to other consumers.
Low Power Quality and Low Returns
Low voltage /low power factor results in:
High current consumption
High KVA demand
High energy losses
Overheating of equipment
Harmonic distortions result in
Capacitor overloading / failure
Negative torques in motors
Harmonic current heating
Harmonic frequency energy
losses
Quality Power – The Compulsion
Achieving quality power is both a matter of compulsion and choice. Every consumer is expected to conform to the mandatory requirements of the State Electricity Boards. L&T systems will help you meet stipulated requirements as far as containment or mitigation of harmonic generation. But this is only the beginning. There is far more that our reactive power compensation systems can do for you.
The bonus
Quality Power makes good business sense. It directly contributes to savings in two vital ways. By improving power factor, you take advantage of a bonus that your SEB offers, viz. Lower tariff slab. You can also size down much of your allied plant and systems (Including captive generating sets) with all the attendant savings in cost.
The solutions offered by L&T are in consonance with the larger social interest of environmental protection. The equipment used make no demand on resources such as fuel, water or other infrastructure. You also have the satisfaction that by improving the quality of power in the network, you are doing your bit for the social objective of reducing energy consumption.
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Larsen & Toubro - Electrical
Business Group
