Power Management


Supplying the demand: Voltage optimisation


Voltage optimisation has been used as a way of reducing a high voltage power supply that outweighs the operational demands of most buildings. As the technology has been enhanced and refined, what do businesses that have adopted voltage optimisation have to say about their effectiveness? CIE finds out


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usinesses have turned to voltage optimisation, or VO, for several reasons. Some have looked to


reduce the costs of their operations, namely their energy bills, to stem the effects of a prolonged recession. Some


have employed the technology as part of an energy management programme in a bid to reduce their carbon emissions and meet energy efficiency targets, while with some it has been a combination of the two.


Tech that Dr. Alex Mardapittas 36 April 2013


EMSc (UK), the energy saving technology company behind the Powerstar range of voltage optimisation products, has installed VO solutions in businesses and buildings throughout the UK and abroad. The Powerstar system is currently the only voltage optimisation unit in the world to be granted a patent on its design. It works by reducing the voltage of a site by a set amount to reduce maximum load demand and cut a considerable portion of a building’s electrical energy consumption through optimising the voltage supply. The system provides typical annual savings of 12-15% on electricity consumption, but some installations have proven to save up to 26.1%. Each Powerstar is manufactured to match site- specific requirements; there are two variations of Powerstar available ensuring precise optimisation, the original fixed


Components in Electronics


Powerstar, which matches the existing voltage pattern, albeit dropped by a set amount, and the electronic-dynamic Powerstar MAX which sets the voltage at the optimum level and stabilises at this point.


By doing this the supply is brought in line with the actual needs of the equipment on site. There is nothing to be gained by operating equipment at a voltage higher than it was designed for, in fact it can have detrimental effects, by significantly reducing the life expectancy of equipment. Through voltage optimisation electrical loads will continue to operate efficiently, but will draw less power. By filtering out harmonics and


protecting against damaging harmonics and transients the operating temperatures of on-site equipment is lowered and as a result failures and information loss are less likely. This is a key feature for sites with critical loads, secure data and important operations that require high levels of reliability and security, such as data centres, hospitals, supermarkets and hotels.


Despite the patented and refined technology of Powerstar, the system is not


an ‘off-the-shelf’ product. Combined with EMSc’s initial survey and on-going expert consultancy service and support, it represents a complete energy saving package; ensuring the best solution is identified for the site’s operations and size.


This approach has led to a growing number of customers who, after years of proven reductions and savings, appreciate the effectiveness and success of Powerstar voltage optimisation.


Proof is in the power Polyflor, a leading international supplier of flooring, turned to EMSc to determine if voltage optimisation could form a key part of their sustainability strategies. John Whitesmith, manufacturing


director at Polyflor PLC was impressed by the initial consultation and evidence test carried out by EMSc to enable them to make an informed decision.


“By quickly identifying the waste and developing the specific solution for our company, the Powerstar team has helped us to reduce our impact on the environment and substantially lower our electricity bills” he said. Following a site survey, EMSc


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