Power Quality Study

From measurement data we assess harmonic distortion, voltage sags and fluctuations, and power factor and reactive power behavior, and compare the source of the problem and solution options (compensation, filters) as scenarios.

Request a technical pre-assessment

Which questions does this study answer?

Power quality problems often show up as production losses and equipment failures; the measurement data shows the source.

Are harmonic levels within limits?
Voltage and current harmonic distortion is compared with the EN 50160 voltage characteristics.
Are voltage events affecting production?
Voltage sags, interruptions and fluctuations are related, by timestamp, to load and process events.
What is the reactive power and penalty position?
Power factor, reactive ratio and the need for compensation are assessed; for a quick pre-check you can use our Reactive Power and Compensation tool.
Is compensation compatible with the harmonics?
In plants with harmonics, capacitor banks may carry a resonance risk; whether a reactor-based (filtered) solution is needed is assessed.

Required data

The assessment rests on existing power quality analyzer measurements; if there are none, a measurement plan is defined.

Power quality analyzer measurements (at least one week of records for an EN 50160 assessment)
Monthly invoice reactive energy data (inductive and capacitive)
Single-line diagram and load list (variable speed drives, rectifiers, arc furnaces, etc.)
Existing compensation and filter information

Working steps

The steps are sequential: the output of each is the input of the next.

01
Measurement data collection and validation
Existing measurements are collected; record length, measurement point and data gaps are checked.
02
EN 50160 comparison
The voltage characteristics are compared with the standard's limits.
03
Source analysis
The likely source of harmonics and voltage events is related to load and process events.
04
Solution scenarios
Compensation and filter options are compared on the same model.
05
Reporting
Results are delivered, document-controlled, together with their assumptions and limitations.

Reference standards

The frameworks below are referenced. This is a reference framework, not a certification or accreditation statement.

EN 50160: Voltage characteristics of electricity supplied by public distribution networks
IEC 61000-4-30: Power quality measurement methods
IEC 61000 series: Electromagnetic compatibility

Delivered documents

Measurement data assessment (EN 50160 comparison)
Harmonic and voltage event analysis
Compensation and filter scenarios
Statement of assumptions and limitations
Document control record (prepared by / checked by / approved by, revision)

Scope and limits

Field measurement and supply of measuring instruments are outside the scope; existing analyzer data is assessed or the required measurement is defined.
Selecting and installing filter and capacitor products is outside the scope; solution options are an engineering comparison.
Results depend on the measurement period; they must be updated when the load profile changes.

For a quick reactive power pre-check you can use the free Reactive Power and Compensation tool; it is only a pre-check and does not replace this study.

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