Feature: Power


The negative effects of overvoltage and


undervoltage


By James Goodby, Director, Powerdown220


V 28 February 2024 www.electronicsworld.co.uk


oltage variations may seem innocuous, but they add hidden costs that can have a profound impact on equipment and finances. Equipment developers should consider these conditions, to uncover the oſten-overlooked detrimental effects they can have on the electrical


infrastructure and energy bills.


Voltage variations Voltage variation in power systems is when the voltage deviates from its standard level, impacting power quality. Tese fluctuations are driven by the distribution of generating infrastructure across the national grid and changes in demand on the system. During high electricity usage, the voltage drops, while low demand and excessive generation leads to voltage elevation. Tese variations not only severely damage and reduce the efficiency of equipment but also lead to increased energy consumption and costs. As a result, this stresses the importance of voltage optimisation technology for localised voltage management.


Integration of renewables When we discuss the implications of voltage variations, we usually think of electricity generation in the form of traditional centralised power stations. Tis is where electricity is generated at a few large plants and distributed outward. However, the increasing use of renewable energy sources is also a factor that influences


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