Power quality engineering service

One of the first strategies when addressing power quality (PQ) issues is to offer effective engineering services.

For rules and regulations on connecting equipment to our electrical system, read Power Quality Specification (PDF, 241 KB).

Included with basic customer service

Investigation

If a power quality (PQ) problem/issue is identified and you feel that our utility may be the source, monitoring is installed by us at the Point of Common Coupling (PCC). This is used to determine if there is a problem and then to help find the source and nature of the PQ problem. A brief feedback report is supplied that identifies the magnitude of the PQ issue at the reference point (PCC).

Benchmark

Once you have installed or if you’re planning to install a significant non-linear load or a power factor correction capacitor bank, we will offer to establish the baseline power quality (PQ) characteristics of your electrical service at the Point of Common Coupling (PCC). Monitoring is then installed to determine consumption and PQ characteristics.

Information supplied includes the following:

  • system data (if required);
  • short circuit MVA at PCC and harmonic limits for voltage and current distortion;
  • impedance spectrum at PCC (if applicable);
  • supply transformer nameplate (if applicable);
  • measured data;
  • voltage and current profiles and Total Harmonic Distortion (THD);
  • power consumption, power factor, and load characteristics.

A basic report is prepared presenting the results but without a detailed engineering analysis. As in the case of a power quality (PQ) Investigation, this service is considered a valuable benefit and is performed at no cost. It anticipates PQ issues and can help find a solution that will benefit everyone involved.

Additional services for a fee

Assessment

The basic power quality (PQ) survey beyond the Point of Common Coupling (PCC) and extending into your electrical distribution network seeks to determine the plant’s electrical characteristics and other PQ issues. Monitoring is installed at the PCC and possibly at lower voltage levels to try to identify the source and magnitude of any PQ problems.

A report is produced with a complete engineering analysis of the monitoring data and will include recommendations for PQ mitigation.

Audit

An audit includes an in-depth power quality (PQ) survey the electrical distribution and grounding system. Extensive monitoring of various electrical parameters at the major load centres is included, as well as analysis of results and a detailed engineering report complete with recommendations.

The scope of work is tailored to your needs and described in a formal proposal outlining the amount of detailed analysis and survey procedures required. The final engineering report includes the following components:

  • measurement of critical PQ characteristics including voltage, current, power harmonics (snapshot and trending), and disturbance events at all major points of transformation within the plant (PCC to low voltage level);
  • analysis and reporting of recorded data at each point of transformation;
  • preparation and analysis of any of our metering information on load shaving and power utilization of plant operation;
  • identification of PQ concerns at power centres and points of end use and possible implications of operation;
  • if applicable, an analysis of performance impact of any existing or proposed power factor correction system on your plant and on our system, and occurrences of unacceptable over voltage increased harmonic distortion and possible resonance conditions are identified;
  • evaluation of mitigation options for identified PQ concerns (such as load balancing, harmonic cancellation, and reduction of voltage surge or sags) and potential opportunities for enhancement of the site operation.

Information services

This power quality (PQ) service will encompass the work done with/for you in the following areas:

  • evaluation of new technologies involving the mitigation of plant PQ-related problems;
  • advisory services with respect to integrating your load with our utility transmission grid;
  • evaluation of new or advanced non-linear equipment with respect to PQ issues within your plant.