The world of an engineer, particularly facilities maintenance engineer is simply a life of troubleshooting in the workplace.
Some of the common concerns or experiences include computer lock ups, malfunction, misoperation or damage. Nuisance tripping of circuit breakers, relay and contactors. Sensitive equipment malfunctioning or crashing intermittently like Programmable logic controllers (PLC’s), adjustable speed drives (ASD’s) variable frequency drives (VFD’s), loss of data, loss of synchronization of process equipment, noise interference with signals and telephones lines.
The above concerns are simply a result of poor quality of Power – Power Quality. What then is Power Quality?
Power Quality (PQ) is defined by IEEE 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 systems and their connection equipment” (IEEE std 1159-2009 recommended practice for monitoring electric power quality).
It is now important to look at the PQ problems from generation to the point of final utilization or both side of the meter (PCC). To find out the culprits, the root causes that lead to poor PQ and mitigate & eliminate them.
This is the job description of a Facility Maintenance or Power Quality Engineer.
Motor, cables and transformers overheating, malfunction or damaged, light flickers or dim and electric shocks. The root cause is Poor Power Quality (PQ).
Ultimately translating to loss of revenue, in productivity, downtime, energy loss and high maintenance costs.
They are caused by environmental & weather conditions, facility internal distribution system and specific types of loads as shown below on both sides of the Point of Common Connection (PCC) or meter.
At FullSpectrum Energy, we understand power quality, it is easy for us to advice and implement smart solutions to HELP your organization and businesses eliminate and mitigate these problems, giving you much needed competitive advantage.
Enquiries
Victor Oyedu, FNSE, FNIEEE, CPQ.
Power Quality and Energy Management Specialist.
Publisher at Afrienergyonline.com &
CEO, FullSpectrum Energy Solutions Limited, Nigeria
