Tech Talks: Reduce Electrical energy Losses in Buildings; Proven Ways

   REDUCE ELECTRICAL LOSSES IN    BUILDINGS:

  As savings in terms of costs are the main concern for the operators, the first          approach is to try to reduce electrical energy losses in buildings.

Let’s observe three proven ways to reduce electrical energy losses in buildings:

1. Improve the power factor
2. Reduce the harmonic ratio
3. Reduce heat losses on the electricity supply network

1. Improve the power factor:

Reactive power is consumed in the magnetic circuits of loads such as motors and by non- compensated fluorescent lighting. If not corrected, the current circulating in the conductors increases although the same level of active power is being used.

Reactive power generators (capacitors)

The solution to this problem is to install reactive power generators (capacitors), either closest to the loads which consume it (local compensation) or at selected points on the electricity supply network (central compensation).

2. Reduce the harmonic ratio

“Harmonics” (currents or voltages with a frequency which is a multiple of the 50 or 60 Hz operating frequency) are generated by certain “non-linear” equipment, in particular those containing electronic components: domestic equipment, computers, inverters, variable speed drives, etc. They are superimposed on the current or voltage in the electricity supply network.

Preserving the quality of electrical power (wave form, frequency, etc.) requires that these harmonics be reduced or eliminated: to do this, anti-harmonics filters are installed which are adapted to the network and the equipment in the building: their design requires highly specialized study.

3. Reduce heat losses on the electricity supply network

These losses are produced by current flowing through all parts of the electricity supply network in the building (the Joule effect).

The replacement of old apparatus or equipment by more modern hardware can significantly reduce these losses:

1. Distribution transformers (up to 3 MVA)

Technological developments in materials and in particular laminations can reduce no-load losses from 15% to 20% irrespective of whether the transformer is of the oil-filled or dry type.

2. UPS (Uninterrupted Power Supply)

Inverter efficiency varies according to the characteristics of the load supplied (in particular the power factor): modern technologies have allowed a significant improvement in inverter efficiency (which rises in importance as the power factor increases) of about 10% to 15% compared to older systems.

Thanks Folks!!!

Yogesh

Please comment below if you want any Specific Blog on Electrical 

 Engg.