Trend Report
HIGH VOLTAGE
DR ALEX MARDAPITTAS, MANAGING DIRECTOR OF POWERSTAR, DISCUSSES HOW ADVANCES IN VOLTAGE OPTIMISATION TECHNOLOGY CAN FURTHER REDUCE ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT
VOLTAGE OPTIMISATION (VO) OFFERS A RANGE OF BENEFITS FROM SIGNIFICANT REDUCTIONS IN ENERGY CONSUMPTION AND CARBON EMISSIONS TO EXTENDING THE LIFESPAN OF ELECTRICAL APPLIANCES. THE DEVELOPMENT OF A NEW HIGH VOLTAGE (HV) SYSTEM WITH ENHANCED ENVIRONMENTAL CREDENTIALS, ENABLING BUILDINGS TO MEET INTERNATIONALLY RECOGNISED EFFICIENCY RATINGS AND SUSTAINABILITY TARGETS.
Recent developments in energy-saving technologies have extended the options available to architects striving to design carbon neutral buildings with minimal environmental impact. For example, the incorporation of the latest VO systems will help to fulfil the criteria for sustainability assessment standards, including the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED), BRE Environmental Assessment Method (BREEAM) and the CRC
Energy Efficiency Scheme. The very latest VO systems can deliver substantial reductions in energy consumption, the associated carbon emissions and electricity costs, without impacting on the business operations of the building itself. In fact, the installation of a VO system can reduce damaging harmonics and transients from within the incoming power supply, and provide protection for onsite equipment against ‘power spikes’, therefore prolonging their lifespan. Although the advantages of VO technology have been recognised for some time it is with the most recent technological developments that the best energy efficiencies are now being realised. For example, the latest solution in the range from Powerstar, the Powerstar HV MAX, provides a super low-loss amorphous core HV distribution transformer, with integrated voltage optimisation technology to correct voltage supply issues at source through an efficient HV infrastructure. The installation of such a device can deliver average electricity
consumption savings of 17 per cent, achieved through an efficient HV transformer offering 99 per cent efficiency and up to 75 per cent reduction in standing losses in comparison conventional transformers, and additional savings attributed to the reduction of incoming voltage due to the integrated VO system. This outstanding performance is delivered by the ferromagnetic elements alloyed with a glass former, which with their high magnetic susceptibility, low coercivity and high electrical resistance; ensure low losses when subjected to alternating magnetic fields. Savings are guaranteed with every installation of a voltage optimisation system, making it an ideal energy efficiency solution for incorporation into any new build. Powerstar HV MAX is the latest product in the Powerstar range, manufactured by EMSc (UK) Ltd for 13 years, entirely in the UK. The Yorkshire-based company conducts all its research, development and sourcing within the UK. It has successfully expanded into international markets.
July 2014 Architects Choice 39
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