Power quality study guide - Industronic

Nowadays, with the over-demand for electrical energy in industrial environments, there can be interruptions or fluctuations that result in significant economic losses, damage to equipment and a decrease in productivity. For this reason, power quality studies have become essential for companies in Mexico.

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Remember that the quality of electrical power is fundamental to guaranteeing the correct functioning of industrial equipment and efficiency in production processes. So, having an energy quality analysis allows for the identification and mitigation of problems that can affect the continuity and reliability of the electrical supply.

What is an energy quality study?

An energy quality analysis is a detailed, real-time evaluation of the proper functioning of each parameter in an electrical installation. Using network analyzer equipment, the details of voltage, current, frequency, power, power factor, harmonics, waveform and distortions are measured, recorded and graphed.

Thanks to all the data collected in this study, it is possible to determine if there is any power quality failure and what may be causing it. To find out more about how often you should carry out this quality study and the factors to take into account, you can find out all the details here.

What are power quality studies for?

Although the main objective of a power quality study is to detect anomalies or deviations that may compromise the performance of electrical and electronic equipment, these studies are also essential to:

• Guarantee safe electrical power, adhering to the standards, technical data sheets and specialized equipment requirements indicated by the manufacturers.
• Implement solutions that avoid interruptions in production or damage to equipment.
• Minimize electrical disturbances and optimize operation to extend the life cycle of electronic equipment.

Benefits of power quality studies

Carrying out these quality studies has a positive impact on the strategic planning of companies in terms of costs, productivity, regulatory compliance and the safety of human talent. In this sense, the most outstanding benefits are:

• Reduction of costs: identifying and correcting electrical problems reduces energy consumption and the expenses associated with repairs or replacement of damaged equipment.
• Optimizing energy consumption: making facilities comply with national and international standards and regulations on power quality is vital to avoid penalties for low power factor.
• Increased productivity: a stable and quality power supply ensures the continuity of production processes, avoiding economic losses due to unscheduled downtime.
• Safety: minimizes the risk of electrical accidents, protecting both personnel and facilities.

How is electrical energy measured in Mexico?

In Mexico, electrical energy is measured by meters installed on users’ premises. These devices record consumption in kilowatt hours (kWh) and other relevant parameters. The Federal Electricity Commission (CFE) is the entity in charge of the distribution and measurement of the electricity supply in the country.

With the watt-hour meter, better known as the CFE’s electricity meter, it is possible to monitor the energy consumption of each company and also apply the corresponding tariff. These meters are classified according to their characteristics:

• Number of phases: in electromechanical and electronic, either single-phase (one phase + neutral), two-phase (two phases + neutral) and three-phase (three phases + neutral).
• Type of energy: this depends on the type of energy they register, whether it is active energy in kilowatt hours (kWh) or the measurement of active + reactive energy in kilovolt ampere hours (kVarh) + demand in kilowatts.
• By operating function: they can be electromechanical meters with a pointer register or electronic meters with a digital register, programmable to function as self-management in post-payment and remote reading by remote management.

Power quality analysis services

Beyond basic measurements, some companies offer more comprehensive power quality analysis. These services use state-of-the-art analyzers and cutting-edge methodologies to conduct accurate and exhaustive studies. They focus on identifying inefficiencies, assessing the state of the power and detecting problems that may affect equipment performance.

When contracting an energy quality study, it is crucial to consider two fundamental aspects: the measuring instruments and the team of professionals. Class A analyzers are ideal for accurate and comprehensive measurements, but their usefulness depends on expert interpretation of the data.

What are the indicators to consider for good electrical power quality in Mexico?

As mentioned above, the main parameters analyzed in power quality studies are: frequency, voltage, power, power factor, voltage variation, waveform, harmonics and distortion. However, having good power quality in Mexico is closely related to all energy efficiency practices and indicators.

In this sense, the National Commission for the Efficient Use of Energy (CONUEE) uses various indicators and tools to evaluate energy consumption and efficiency in different sectors. One of the master platforms used by CONUUE is the Base of Energy Efficiency Indicators (BIEE), which allows the exploration of data series on the main macroeconomic energy indicators, facilitating analysis and decision-making in the field of energy efficiency in different industries and sectors of the country.

The most commonly used energy efficiency indicators are:

• Energy intensity: the amount of energy consumed per subsector activity and its use (generally some economic indicator such as GDP is used).
• Energy consumption: this depends very much on the activity to which it refers, i.e. energy consumption of electrical appliances, or for heating, cooling, mass production machinery, etc.

In conclusion, power quality studies are an essential tool for companies seeking to optimize their operations, protect their equipment and ensure the safety of their personnel. In addition to enabling regulatory compliance, these analyses offer the opportunity to reduce costs and ensure the continuity of production processes, key aspects for maintaining competitiveness in today’s market.

With a Fluke Series Three-phase Power Quality Analyzer in your tool bag, you’ll never miss a critical power quality event. Capture fast transients up to 8 kV, harmonics up to 30 kHz, dips, and swells, as well as the voltage, current, and power measurements that enable you to characterize your electrical system.

But there are a lot of uses and features packed into this tool, how do you get started finding the power quality issues you need to mitigate? Learn how to make the measurements needed to find the most common power quality issues using a power quality analyzer.

Issue 1. Finding harmonics issues

Measure with: harmonic evaluation and analysis of the electrical system or surveys

When downloading data from the Fluke Series Power Quality Analyzers, Energy Analyze Plus software can do the work to compare measured voltage and current harmonic statistical data to different standards. Follow the steps on the screen to determine if any of your measurements exceed compliance limits.

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Energy Analyze Plus is a powerful predictive maintenance feature that enables current harmonics to be observed before distortion appears in the voltage. In turn, this allows you to prevent unexpected failures or situations where you’re out of compliance and allows you to increase your system uptime.

Issue 2. Wasted energy

Measure with: energy surveys evaluating energy consumption

As you’re working with your Series Analyzer, you can easily evaluate energy consumption. Once you’ve downloaded the data, the Energy Analyze Plus software can help analyze, track, and report the energy data you’ve captured. Following the on-screen prompts, you can compare your results to historical values, benchmark against industry norms, compare measured data to local conditions, and create a more complete picture of what’s occurring across your facility.

Using the Live View, you can even begin viewing this information while the data is still being collected.

Issue 3. Overloaded panels

Measure with: load studies

Tracking your assets over a period of time can help you identify if the current panel is overloaded or if a load can be added without costly upgrades. The series is designed with Logger Mode to help ensure you don’t need extensive training to find potential problems.

The system will guide you through the setup process, showing what to plug in where, and which buttons to push as you move along. The analyzer is also set up with built-in event triggers, based on power quality standards. Though these settings are fully customizable, you don’t actually need to go in and modify unless you want to make changes from a standard.

Load study reports

Once your load study is complete, you analyze the information and build out a report. Go through and analyze the details of energy consumption you’ve measured and logged with an automated report. Seamlessly view your power quality state-of-health without learning any additional software. The one-touch automated reporting creates standardized reports that fit the global measurement standards and guidelines.

Issue 4. Capture electrical disturbances

Measure with: PQ Meter Mode and advanced transient capture technology

The Fluke and Fluke Power Quality Analyzers incorporate advanced transient capture technology to help you clearly identify high-speed voltage transients so you can install the necessary mitigation to prevent damage to your equipment.

Setting up your analyzer to capture these transients is designed to be quick and easy. Once you enter PQ Meter Mode, the instrument will walk through the actions you need to take. The screen will even show any potential issues in your setup, so the data collected is as accurate as possible.

Power Quality Analyzer verification screen. The Start button remains Orange until the problem is solved.

Beyond this, the series has the ability to not only identify wiring problems, but with a single button press, can auto correct or fix the wiring problems. This removes the need to manually adjust the clamp and cable position. When an issue is detected, the Start button will turn Orange. In order to fix it, simply tap Auto Correct at the bottom of the screen. When the Start button turns green, the recording can start without worrying there could be a wiring problem or voltage setting problem.

Issue 5. Uncover additional issues

Measure with: power quality surveys

Whether you know the specific issues you’re looking for or not, the Series Power Quality Analyzers offer a 2-in-1 device that combine the troubleshooting functionality of a power quality meter with the robust analysis and logging capabilities of a standalone power quality analyzer—in a single, easy-to-use, handheld device.

While you’re recording data for a load study, you’re able to view it at the same time. PQ Health is a window into the quality of power you’re receiving at that moment. This view compares the data you’ve collected against a standard to show an easy-to-read color-coded bar graph.

Once you’ve completed your load study or system survey, the analyzer can create an easy-to-use report. This will make it fast and simple to capture and identify electrical problems and see them all clearly laid out in a summary report. Catch load, power factor, and harmonic issues within the data collected by the Series.

About the Series

Fluke Series Three-Phase Power Quality Analyzers are powerful tools that eliminate the complexities of power quality logging, troubleshooting, and analysis. These analyzers are engineered to be the faster, easier way to perform power quality studies, offering automatic measurements, a straightforward user interface and setup, best-in-class specifications, and a simplified reporting platform. The instrument can also be powered directly from the measurement circuit, eliminating the need to find a power outlet or use a lengthy extension cord.

The company is the world’s best Power Quality Solutions supplier. We are your one-stop shop for all needs. Our staff are highly-specialized and will help you find the product you need.