The term Power Quality identifies the ability of electrical energy to properly supply equipment. Although there is no single definition, Power Quality is generally understood as the interaction between the electrical distribution system and the connected loads. Power Quality issues arise when deviations in voltage, current, or frequency occur, conditions that may cause malfunction or failure of powered equipment.
An insufficient level of Power Quality negatively affects motors, drives, lighting systems and IT networks, generating service interruptions, loss of productivity, equipment damage and financial risks such as unexpected energy costs and penalties for network pollution. Furthermore, Power Quality disturbances present in a system may extend to connected users, compromising the ability of substations to maintain adequate supply parameters.
Since each piece of equipment requires a power supply with characteristics that match the manufacturer’s specifications, it is essential to promptly identify and correct anomalies, ensuring a stable and disturbance-free supply. The use of appropriate protection devices is essential to prevent failures and extend the service life of equipment.
IREM solutions to solve Power Quality problems
- Voltage stabilisers: suitable for any type of load, they ensure a “true RMS” stabilised output voltage, even in the presence of high harmonic distortions on the line.
- Line conditioners: they provide the highest level of protection for equipment connected to lines subject to sudden voltage variations, high-frequency noise and impulsive overvoltages.
- Integrated power supplies: they offer advanced protection against various electrical phenomena and ensure rational power supply for radio transmission equipment and telephone communications.
- Isolation transformers: they provide galvanic separation between the network and the load, implement overvoltage protection, enable the creation of systems with isolated neutral and can adapt the voltage to the functional values of the installation.
- Passive harmonic filters: they reduce the total harmonic distortion (THD) of current in variable-speed drive applications and, more generally, wherever a six-pulse rectifier is used.
- Motor protection passive filters: they transform steep-front PWM signals into attenuated-edge (VTF) or smoothed (SWF) waveforms.
- Active filters: they automatically eliminate current harmonics present in the network over a wide range of frequencies, without requiring design costs for sizing.
- Uninterruptible power supplies (UPS): they ensure high performance thanks to a perfectly sinusoidal output waveform.
- Voltage Dip Compensators: they guarantee correct power supply during voltage dips and keep the system operating in compliance with the SEMI F47 standard.
