Making the right choices when addressing power quality issues
ELECTRICAL & ELECTRONICS MEASUREMENT AND MITIGATION
CP AUTOMATION
Making the right choices when addressing power quality issues
Electrical networks are becoming increasingly complex, and so are the risks associated with poor power quality. From sags and swells to harmonics and transients, many issues develop long before their effects become apparent. Here, John Mitchell, global sales and marketing director at CP Automation, explains how a simple, structured approach to metering can help keep these issues at bay.
As electrical networks become more populated with nonlinear loads, power quality issues are appearing more frequently – and often in places least expected. The only reliable way to manage these disturbances is to ensure the right metering is in place and that the output data is managed effectively.
Measure The most important step in any power quality investigation is selecting the right meter. Engineering Recommendation G5 / 5 extended planning and compatibility levels up to the 100th harmonic( 5 kHz), yet many meters still only measure to the 50th. This creates blind spots that can easily mask the root cause of failures.
It’ s important to select a Class A meter or an advanced analyser capable of capturing highfrequency harmonics, transients and long-term trends. Whether operators opt for portable spotcheck units or permanently installed monitors, visibility across the full spectrum is now essential.
It’ s important to select a Class A meter or an advanced analyser capable of capturing highfrequency harmonics, transients and long-term trends.
Analyse Once accurate data is captured, engineers can start to paint a picture. Power quality issues can unfold over microseconds or evolve slowly over weeks.
Analysers with high sampling rates, synchronised logging and the ability to correlate events across multiple locations enables users to trace disturbances to their point of origin. Without this depth of measurement, even experienced engineers are left relying on assumptions.
Report Quality data is only useful when clearly presented. Comprehensive reporting— with time-stamped logs, trend graphs and harmonics breakdowns— enables operators to understand both what happened and why.
Importantly, Class A measurement provides the confidence needed when liaising with the distribution network operator( DNO) or demonstrating compliance with standards such as G5 / 5.
Solve Effective mitigation is only possible with accurate measurements. Whether the solution involves harmonic filters, voltage optimisation, active compensation or adjustments to on-site equipment, the right fix depends entirely on the quality of the diagnosis. With clear measurements, precise analysis and robust reporting, solving power quality issues becomes targeted rather than reactive.
For more information on power quality measurement and mitigation solutions and to speak to an experienced power quality expert, visit the CP Automation website.
www. cpaltd. net / industries / power-quality /
52 PECM Issue 78