With the electronic revolution and electronics playing critical roles in the business we do and in the life we live. These electronic equipment are electrically powered and susceptibility to minute variations of power quality parameters.
Now more than ever, it is no longer necessary to deliver power only ; but the need to understand power, its quality and how it influences our businesses and service delivery is significantly critical. Then what is power quality?
According to IEEE standard 1159 (recommended practice for monitoring electric power quality ) defined power quality as “the concept of powering and grounding electronic equipment in a manner that is suitable to the operation of the equipment and compatible with the premise wiring system and their connection”.
In other words power quality therefore “is a set of boundaries that allows a piece of equipment to function in its intended manner without significant loss of performance or life expectancy”.
In healthcare, the patients’ safety and operational efficiency of healthcare assets are key.
In this article, we will explore the importance of ensuring reliable electrical systems in healthcare facilities and discuss the power quality challenges they face.
The Impact of Power Quality Challenges
Power quality challenges in healthcare facilities can have severe consequences. Unreliable electrical systems can disrupt critical medical equipment, compromise data integrity, and lead to potential patient harm through wrong diagnosis.
Voltage sags, swells, harmonics, and transients can cause equipment malfunction, data loss, and even complete system shutdowns.
These not only affect patient’s care but adds financial burdens due to equipment repairs, replacements, and downtime.
How do one ensure reliable and tailor-made electrical systems for peak performance in healthcare facility ?
- Robust Electrical Infrastructure.
Healthcare facilities must invest in a robust electrical infrastructure that can handle the demands of modern medical equipment. This includes properly sized cables, transformers, well-designed electrical distribution, lightning protection and earthing systems for today’s equipment, and provide adequate emergency or backup power sources.
- Surge Protection.
Installing surge protection devices, such as surge suppressors and surge protectors, can safeguard sensitive medical equipment from voltage surges or transients. Surge protection should be implemented at both the main electrical panels and individual equipment levels.
- Uninterruptible Power Supply (UPS).
Employing UPS systems can provide backup power during voltage interruptions, allowing critical operations to continue uninterrupted. UPS systems can bridge the gap between power outages and the activation of backup generators, ensuring continuous power supply to essential medical equipment.
- Power Conditioning.
Power conditioners such as voltage filters and harmonic filters, can help reduce harmonics and other power quality issues. These devices improve the quality of power supplied to sensitive medical equipment, minimizing the risk of malfunctions or damage.
- Regular Maintenance and Monitoring.
Regular inspections, maintenance, and monitoring of electrical systems are crucial to identify potential power quality issues before they escalate. Implementing a proactive maintenance program can help detect and address problems early, minimizing the risk of system failures.
- Staff Training and Awareness.
Proper training and awareness programs for healthcare staff can help them understand the importance of power quality and how to respond to power-related emergencies. Appropriate personnel should be educated on recognizing power quality issues, emergency protocols, and the proper use of backup power systems.
Power quality significantly impact on reliability, safety and performance of electrical systems in healthcare facilities.
By prioritizing power quality, healthcare facilities can provide uninterrupted care, enhance patient safety, and minimize the risk of operational disruptions.
@Fullspectrum we understand power, its quality, and the role it plays in healthcare and industries without borders. Our solutions can help revolutionize healthcare performance and service delivery.
They include power quality resolutions and bespoke trainings that significantly guarantee safety, reliability, performance, efficiency and business competitiveness for organizations.
Whenever, wherever and whatever the power quality needs.
Fullspectrum solutions is only a call or click away!
Enquiries
Victor Oyedu, FNSE, FNIEEE, CPQ.
Power Quality and Energy Management Specialist.
Publisher at Afrienergyonline.com
CEO, FullSpectrum Energy Solutions Limited, Nigeria.
