MONITORING & METERING
SIMPLIFYING POWER QUALITY AUDITS
A power quality audit is a process that evaluates the electrical health of your facility. Although seemingly complex, it can be
clearly divided into four phases - planning, measuring, monitoring, and analysing. Together, these stages provide a strong foundation for maintaining consistent power quality over time. Jim Newell, Fluke Power quality application engineer, comments
- HVAC systems - Heavy machinery
• Establish baseline data: The measurements collected in this phase serve as the baseline for future audits, so ensure to record all relevant data for future reference.
Phase Three: Monitoring Purpose: Track power quality over time to identify potential issues that may not be immediately apparent or arise intermittently. • Continuous monitoring: Use data logging equipment to record power quality measurements over an extended period. This is useful for catching problems that only occur at specific times or under certain operational conditions. - For commercial spaces, monitor when equipment is running, particularly HVAC and lighting systems, to identify issues.
- For industrial facilities, track the performance of motor-driven equipment or large machinery, which are prone to fluctuations in power quality.
• Track energy usage: Measure energy consumption across different parts of the facility to pinpoint where electricity is being wasted.
P
ower quality refers to the consistency and reliability of electrical power supplied to your
facility. It is critical to ensuring that voltage, current and frequency remain stable and within the specifications that your equipment requires to operate optimally. Poor power quality can lead to a range of problems, from equipment damage to increased energy costs.
THE STEP-BY-STEP APPROACH TO POWER QUALITY AUDITS A power quality audit involves four key phases: Planning, Measuring, Monitoring and Analysing. These phases form the foundation for understanding and improving your facility’s electrical health. Each phase serves a specific purpose and is designed to provide you with the insights necessary to keep your equipment running smoothly.
Phase One: Planning Purpose: Laying the groundwork for a successful audit by gathering information and setting goals, while understanding your facility’s specific needs and challenges posed by the type of space (commercial vs. industrial). • Review documentation: Collect utility bills, electrical diagrams, operating schedules, and any other relevant data.
• Conduct a preliminary walkthrough: This allows you to identify obvious signs of inefficiency, such as equipment left on when not in use, visible wear on HVAC systems, or outdated insulation. - For commercial spaces: Look for inefficient
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lighting, improperly maintained HVAC systems, or areas with unused equipment drawing power unnecessarily.
- For industrial environments: Pay attention to large, complex, or specialised equipment that may have higher energy demands or be more sensitive to power quality.
• Identify key personnel: Consult with workers to gather insights on previous electrical issues, power-related incidents, or specific concerns.
“For commercial
Phase Four: Analysing Purpose: Analyse the data collected from the previous phases to identify trends and implement corrective actions. • Use analysis software: Process the data collected during earlier phases with software tools that provide insights into power quality issues.
Phase Two: Measuring Purpose: Capture data on the power quality entering and within the facility to establish a baseline for future monitoring and analysis. • Measuring incoming power quality: Begin by measuring the electrical power coming into your facility. Ensure that voltage, current and frequency levels don’t show signs of instability.
spaces, monitor when equipment is running, particularly HVAC and lighting systems, to identify issues”
• Identify patterns: Look for recurring issues, such as voltage fluctuations or harmonic distortion that could indicate systemic problems within the facility’s electrical system. • Generate actionable insights: Based on the analysis, develop a plan for addressing the most critical issues, which could include correcting voltage imbalances or implementing harmonic filtering solutions. • Communicate findings: Share the results with relevant stakeholders to ensure that corrective actions are implemented.
WHY POWER QUALITY SHOULD NEVER BE OVERLOOKED
• Check for external power issues: Verify whether power quality problems are stemming from the utility supply or from within the facility itself.
• Measure internal circuits: Take readings within the facility to assess the performance of internal systems, identifying any imbalances or issues within the circuits that could affect equipment performance. Pay attention to: - Lighting systems
Conducting regular power quality audits is an essential part of maintaining an efficient, reliable facility. By following the four phases, you can ensure that your electrical systems are running optimally, identify areas for improvement, and take proactive steps to avoid costly downtime and equipment failure. Whether your facility is commercial or industrial, addressing power quality issues will improve energy efficiency, reduce operational costs, and extend the lifespan of your equipment.
Fluke
www.fluke.com
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