Feature Energy Efficiency
‘Dirty’ power systems come clean B
ender UK displayed its new range of power quality monitor- ing equipment for the first time at the recent Data Centre World at ExCel, London. The new offerings mitigate the risk to data centre power distribution systems and provides the ability to predict and prevent problems, while also reducing costs and avoiding issues caused by so-called ‘dirty’ power systems suffering from interference. Interference in modern power sys- tems can be caused by frequency con- verters, switched mode power supplies, uninterruptible power supply systems (UPS) and electronic ballasts. These units distort the sine wave of the electrical power and superimpose different frequencies on it, causing the power supply to become ‘dirty’. Systems interactions can also cause interference in neighbouring equipment. However, monitoring system qual- ity using Bender power quality moni- toring (PQM) units ensures high availability and a power supply free from interference.
Harmonic component interference The most frequent problems are caused by harmonic components on the electri- cal supply - typically produced by other items of electronic equipment. These third order harmonics build up in the neutral conductor and in extreme cases the resulting current can be greater than the individual phase currents. This leads to neutral conductor overload and if the situation goes unnoticed there can be a risk of fire.
Current regulations require overload detection for the neutral conductor if an excessive load is anticipated due to harmonics, and a protective device normally trips out to protect the neu- tral conductor. However, this safety measure simply moves the problem elsewhere and causes reduced availability due to frequent down-time. Bender’s monitoring equipment enables early detection of a potentially dangerous situation - allowing enough time to correct the problem without the need to shut down equipment. For example, less important loads can be shut down via switching signals before the protective device trips out. Power quality monitoring is particu-
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Below: Steve Mason, managing director and Jon Lyons health and safety manager of Bender UK
larly effective when combined with residual current monitoring (RCM) which detects degradation in the level of insulation in an installation or com- ponent - again improving availability by signalling the problem at an early stage before safety shutdown.
Reduced energy costs Bender’s power quality monitor device also acts as an energy meter while checking the system quality, determin- ing the energy consumption per cost centre and reducing high overhead costs. For example, it can determine how much energy is consumed by the
A commitment to safe working
Protecting data centre power distribution systems against risks ranging from reduced service life and increased energy consumption through to system failure and fire in cabling is a priority for data centres where system down-time carries heavy consequences. Bender UK has recently introduced a range of equipment to help
measures taken to prevent system inter- action, and will also show the effect of energy saving measures on the quality of the electrical supply system. The dual function of monitoring energy consumption and energy quality can therefore assist data centres in reduc- ing energy costs while at the same time delivering high availability of supply. Combining Bender’s RCM and PQM units provides comprehensive protec- tion for data centre electrical supply sys- tems in terms of safety and efficiency: Safety: RCM delivers continuous monitoring of the residual current to reduce the risk of fire while PQM
ender UK has recently celebrated achieving OHSAS 18001 (an international occupational health and safety management system specification) after six months of intensive activity driven by a determination to have the new standard in place for the start of the year. The company specialises in the development of solutions for safe handling of electrical power specifi- cally tailored to meet the needs of its customers across a wide range of sectors from healthcare, rail and marine engineering through to electric cars, data handling cen- tres and solar power generation. Health and safety manager, Jon Lyons, was given the objective by Bender UK managing director Steve Mason to obtain the safety award. However, Lyons pays tribute to the commitment and dedication of the whole compa- ny which was needed to reach the required standard, including the implementation of a health and safety working group which enhanced the bid. Lyons explained, “Bender UK has an excellent safety
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record - as you would expect from a company which is in the business of electrical safety across sectors where the power system availability is crucial, such as health- care and operating theatres, data centres, power genera- tion and high-tech manufacturing. “A large part of our service support and installation takes place on customer sites so Bender wanted to be able to show the highest safety standard by gaining OHSAS 18001, and that meant examining and if neces- sary upgrading management procedures, quality sys- tems and safety protocols within the business.” Accreditation to OHSAS 18001 will ensure that Bender UK has the relevant qualities to adhere to large contractor safety requirements and complements ‘Zero Harm’ policies which many now adopt. In addition to this award, Bender UK has just been awarded ‘Safe Contractor’ accreditation - a leading third party accredi- tation scheme which recognises high standards in health and safety management.
APRIL 2013 Electrical Engineering
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