POWER FACTOR CORRECTION (PFC)
In a purely resistive AC circuit, voltage and current wave forms are considered to be in phase, as they change polarity at the same
instant during each cycle. When reactive loads are present, such as with capacitors or inductors, energy storage occurs within the
loads resulting in a time difference between the current and voltage waveforms. This stored energy returns to the source and is not
available to do work at the load. Thus, a circuit with a low power factor will have higher currents to transfer a given quantity of real
power than a circuit with a higher power factor.
For example, all linear electrical loads (i.e., motors, lamp ballasts, welding equipment, etc.) consuming alternating current (AC) power
consume both real power, which does useful work, and reactive power, which dissipates no energy in the load and which returns to
the source on each alternating current cycle. The vector sum of the real and reactive power in the apparent power. The ratio of real
power to the apparent power is the power factor, a number between zero and 1 inclusive. The presence of the reactive power
causes the real power to be less than the apparent power, and so, the electrical load has a power factor of less than 1.
Power Factor Correction (PFC) is the process of adjusting the characteristics of electrical loads in order to improve the power factor so
that it is closer to the unity (1). Power factor correction may be applied to improve the stability, efficiency and expandability of the
transmission network; or correction may be installed to reduce the costs charged by the electricity supplier. A high power factor is
necessary in a transmission system to reduce transmission losses and improve voltage regulation at the load.
Using its state of the art energy management system, the EBU automatically supplies the proper amount of reactive power of opposite
sign (for linear loads), as well as actively filtering out harmonic components (for non-linear loads). This active power factor correction
(PFC) provided by the EBU effectively smooths out the current demand over each cycle of alternating current raising the power factor
to >0.99 (typically).
In a purely resistive AC circuit, voltage and current wave forms are considered to be in phase, as they change polarity at the same
instant during each cycle. When reactive loads are present, such as with capacitors or inductors, energy storage occurs within the
loads resulting in a time difference between the current and voltage waveforms. This stored energy returns to the source and is not
available to do work at the load. Thus, a circuit with a low power factor will have higher currents to transfer a given quantity of real
power than a circuit with a higher power factor.
For example, all linear electrical loads (i.e., motors, lamp ballasts, welding equipment, etc.) consuming alternating current (AC) power
consume both real power, which does useful work, and reactive power, which dissipates no energy in the load and which returns to
the source on each alternating current cycle. The vector sum of the real and reactive power in the apparent power. The ratio of real
power to the apparent power is the power factor, a number between zero and 1 inclusive. The presence of the reactive power
causes the real power to be less than the apparent power, and so, the electrical load has a power factor of less than 1.
Power Factor Correction (PFC) is the process of adjusting the characteristics of electrical loads in order to improve the power factor so
that it is closer to the unity (1). Power factor correction may be applied to improve the stability, efficiency and expandability of the
transmission network; or correction may be installed to reduce the costs charged by the electricity supplier. A high power factor is
necessary in a transmission system to reduce transmission losses and improve voltage regulation at the load.
Using its state of the art energy management system, the EBU automatically supplies the proper amount of reactive power of opposite
sign (for linear loads), as well as actively filtering out harmonic components (for non-linear loads). This active power factor correction
(PFC) provided by the EBU effectively smooths out the current demand over each cycle of alternating current raising the power factor
to >0.99 (typically).
REDUCED TOTAL HARMONIC DISTORTION (THD)
Harmonic distortion is the change in the waveform of the supply voltage from the ideal sinusoidal waveform. It is caused by the
interaction of distorting customer loads with the impedance of the supply network. Its major adverse affects are the heating of
induction motors, transformers and capacitors, and the overloading of neutrals. This is directly related to the increased energy usage
(waste), reduction in the life of equipment, and greater maintenance costs.
For example a typical switch-mode power supply (such as those found in computers, televisions, laptops, etc.) first makes a DC bus,
using a bridge rectifier or similar circuit. The output voltage is then derived from this DC bus. The problem with this is that the rectifier is
a non-linear device, so that the input current is highly non-linear. That means that the input current has energy at harmonics of the
frequency of the voltage.
This presents a particular problem for the power companies because they cannot compensate for the harmonic current by adding
simple capacitors or inductor, as they could for the reactive power drawn by a linear load. Many jurisdictions are beginning to legally
require power factor correction for all power supplies above a certain power level.
Standard implementations of power factor correction capacitors amplify these harmonics to unacceptable values in the presence of
harmonic distortion. Standards specify the major harmonic voltages, which can occur on the network, 5% total harmonic distortion
being typical.
Using its patented power factor correction and active filtration technology, the Energy Bank Unit mitigates harmonic distortion to below
5% (typically). This provides for reduced energy costs, improved efficiency as well as lower temperatures of connected machinery
and equipment, increased lifespan of machinery and equipment, and reduced maintenance costs.
Harmonic distortion is the change in the waveform of the supply voltage from the ideal sinusoidal waveform. It is caused by the
interaction of distorting customer loads with the impedance of the supply network. Its major adverse affects are the heating of
induction motors, transformers and capacitors, and the overloading of neutrals. This is directly related to the increased energy usage
(waste), reduction in the life of equipment, and greater maintenance costs.
For example a typical switch-mode power supply (such as those found in computers, televisions, laptops, etc.) first makes a DC bus,
using a bridge rectifier or similar circuit. The output voltage is then derived from this DC bus. The problem with this is that the rectifier is
a non-linear device, so that the input current is highly non-linear. That means that the input current has energy at harmonics of the
frequency of the voltage.
This presents a particular problem for the power companies because they cannot compensate for the harmonic current by adding
simple capacitors or inductor, as they could for the reactive power drawn by a linear load. Many jurisdictions are beginning to legally
require power factor correction for all power supplies above a certain power level.
Standard implementations of power factor correction capacitors amplify these harmonics to unacceptable values in the presence of
harmonic distortion. Standards specify the major harmonic voltages, which can occur on the network, 5% total harmonic distortion
being typical.
Using its patented power factor correction and active filtration technology, the Energy Bank Unit mitigates harmonic distortion to below
5% (typically). This provides for reduced energy costs, improved efficiency as well as lower temperatures of connected machinery
and equipment, increased lifespan of machinery and equipment, and reduced maintenance costs.
LIGHTNING PROTECTION
Lightning can strike anywhere on earth, even the North and South poles! In any U.S. Geographical location, lightning storms occur as
few as five time or as many as 100 times per year. The Northeast United States has the most violent thunderstorms in the country
because o the areas extremely high earth resistivity. High earth resistivity (the earth's resistance to conduct current) increases the
potential for lightning strikes. If struck, structures in these areas will generally sustain more damage when there is no lightning
protection system present.
Each year, thousands of homes and other properties are damaged or destroyed by lightning. It accounts for more than a quarter billion
dollars in property damage annually in the United States. Lightning is responsible for more deaths and property loss than tornadoes,
hurricanes, and floods combined, but of these violent forces of nature, lightning is the only one we can economically afford to protect
ourselves against.
In electrical systems, almost 20% of transient voltages are generated from external sources such as lightning (direct or indirect).
Transients caused by lightning can result in:
Lightning has a potential for causing severe damage and does so each year to numerous residential, commercial, and industrial
locations. The Energy Bank Unit provides electrical systems with protection against catastrophic occurrences. As part of its transient
voltage surge suppression (TVSS) system, the Energy Bank Unit does not allow lightning to pass through the electrical system and
instead routes the surge to ground.
Lightning can strike anywhere on earth, even the North and South poles! In any U.S. Geographical location, lightning storms occur as
few as five time or as many as 100 times per year. The Northeast United States has the most violent thunderstorms in the country
because o the areas extremely high earth resistivity. High earth resistivity (the earth's resistance to conduct current) increases the
potential for lightning strikes. If struck, structures in these areas will generally sustain more damage when there is no lightning
protection system present.
Each year, thousands of homes and other properties are damaged or destroyed by lightning. It accounts for more than a quarter billion
dollars in property damage annually in the United States. Lightning is responsible for more deaths and property loss than tornadoes,
hurricanes, and floods combined, but of these violent forces of nature, lightning is the only one we can economically afford to protect
ourselves against.
In electrical systems, almost 20% of transient voltages are generated from external sources such as lightning (direct or indirect).
Transients caused by lightning can result in:
- Catastrophic equipment failure
- Immediate operation shutdown
- Long term disruption of business
- Expensive repair and replacement costs
- Downtime, lost business, and opportunities
- Burnt out printed circuit boards
- Frequent failure of lamps and fluorescent ballasts
- Frequent motor rewinds
- Uninterruptible power supply failure
Lightning has a potential for causing severe damage and does so each year to numerous residential, commercial, and industrial
locations. The Energy Bank Unit provides electrical systems with protection against catastrophic occurrences. As part of its transient
voltage surge suppression (TVSS) system, the Energy Bank Unit does not allow lightning to pass through the electrical system and
instead routes the surge to ground.
PHASE BALANCING
In North America distribution systems, four wire distribution feeders are made up of three-phase and single-phase sections, sometimes
with limited two-phase sections. Customers are supplied with three-phase or single phase, either from the primary feeder or from the
spur. As a consequence, the currents in the three-phase sections are never completely balanced and in many cases, can be
significantly out of balance. It is not uncommon to have as much as 50% difference in magnitude between the highest and lowest
loaded phases. Moreover, the degree of imbalance varies along the length of each feeder.
There are a number of benefits that make efficient load phase balancing a worthwhile objective. One such instance would be
increased feeder capacity. The loading of a feeder section is synonymous with the most heavily loaded phase end, and in case of
significant imbalance, feeder capacity is used inefficiently. Balancing between phases tends to equalize the phase loading by reducing
the largest phase peak while increasing the load on the other phases. This equates to releasing factor capacity that can be used for
future load increases without reinforcing feeder conductors.
Additionally, phase balancing reduces feeder losses because any phase peek reduction affects the losses for the phase as the
square of the current magnitude. A feeder section with 1-ohm resistance has the phase currents of 50A/100A/150A will have 35kw in
losses. When balanced at 100A/100A/100A, the loss reduces down to 30kw. The same effect is more evident in the reduction of the
reactive power losses because the X/R ratio of most feeder sections is greater than one.
Phase balancing also improves the voltage on a feeder by equalizing the voltage drops in each phase along the feeder. This released
feeder capacity provides more reserved loading capacity for emergency loading conditions. It is realistic to assume that the benefits in
improved use of feeder capacity and improved voltage quality are of more significance than the value of loss reduction except when
loading is already high.
Typically balancing is accomplished by selecting the phase of the supply for each load so that the total load is distributed as evenly as
possible between the phases of each section of feeder. While this may work for electrical systems, which never change, this does
not provide for typical situations where the load may vary throughout the day, or week. The EBU solves this problem, using its
proprietary control module transformer and energy management system to provide dynamic phase balancing. It accomplishes this by
constantly monitoring the load on each phase, and automatically adjusting itself to best match the current load conditions and rebalance
the phases.
In North America distribution systems, four wire distribution feeders are made up of three-phase and single-phase sections, sometimes
with limited two-phase sections. Customers are supplied with three-phase or single phase, either from the primary feeder or from the
spur. As a consequence, the currents in the three-phase sections are never completely balanced and in many cases, can be
significantly out of balance. It is not uncommon to have as much as 50% difference in magnitude between the highest and lowest
loaded phases. Moreover, the degree of imbalance varies along the length of each feeder.
There are a number of benefits that make efficient load phase balancing a worthwhile objective. One such instance would be
increased feeder capacity. The loading of a feeder section is synonymous with the most heavily loaded phase end, and in case of
significant imbalance, feeder capacity is used inefficiently. Balancing between phases tends to equalize the phase loading by reducing
the largest phase peak while increasing the load on the other phases. This equates to releasing factor capacity that can be used for
future load increases without reinforcing feeder conductors.
Additionally, phase balancing reduces feeder losses because any phase peek reduction affects the losses for the phase as the
square of the current magnitude. A feeder section with 1-ohm resistance has the phase currents of 50A/100A/150A will have 35kw in
losses. When balanced at 100A/100A/100A, the loss reduces down to 30kw. The same effect is more evident in the reduction of the
reactive power losses because the X/R ratio of most feeder sections is greater than one.
Phase balancing also improves the voltage on a feeder by equalizing the voltage drops in each phase along the feeder. This released
feeder capacity provides more reserved loading capacity for emergency loading conditions. It is realistic to assume that the benefits in
improved use of feeder capacity and improved voltage quality are of more significance than the value of loss reduction except when
loading is already high.
Typically balancing is accomplished by selecting the phase of the supply for each load so that the total load is distributed as evenly as
possible between the phases of each section of feeder. While this may work for electrical systems, which never change, this does
not provide for typical situations where the load may vary throughout the day, or week. The EBU solves this problem, using its
proprietary control module transformer and energy management system to provide dynamic phase balancing. It accomplishes this by
constantly monitoring the load on each phase, and automatically adjusting itself to best match the current load conditions and rebalance
the phases.
| EBU FEATURE DESCRIPTIONS |
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| THIS SECTION IS INTENDED TO HELP IN UNDERSTANDING THE VARIOUS BENEFITS THAT THE ENERGY BANK UNIT (EBU) PROVIDES |
REDUCED VOLTAGE SAG (FLICKER)
Voltage sags are caused by abrupt increases in loads such as short circuits or faults, motors starting, or electric heaters turning on, or
they are caused by abrupt increases in source impedance, typically caused by a loose connection. Typically, voltage sags are brief in
occurrence, lasting for short periods of time. Voltage swells are almost always caused by an abrupt reduction in load on a circuit with
a poor or damage voltage regulator, although they can also be caused by a damaged or loose neutral connection.
Voltage sags can arrive from the utility; however in most cases, the majority of sags are generated inside a building. For example, in
residential wiring, the most common cause of voltage sags is the starting current drawn by refrigerator and air conditioning motors.
Voltage sags are the most common power disturbance. At a typical industrial site, it is not unusual to see several sags per year at the
service entrance, and for more equipment terminals.
Different types of electrical devices respond in different ways to an undervoltage condition. Some are severely impacted while other
devices may not be affected at all. For example:
While voltage sags may not possess the same risks as voltage spikes, they provide for a multitude of potential problems with potential
risks involved. The Energy Bank Unit utilizes its energy management system and controlled capacitors to virtually eliminate the voltage
sag condition from occurring in a given electrical system.
Voltage sags are caused by abrupt increases in loads such as short circuits or faults, motors starting, or electric heaters turning on, or
they are caused by abrupt increases in source impedance, typically caused by a loose connection. Typically, voltage sags are brief in
occurrence, lasting for short periods of time. Voltage swells are almost always caused by an abrupt reduction in load on a circuit with
a poor or damage voltage regulator, although they can also be caused by a damaged or loose neutral connection.
Voltage sags can arrive from the utility; however in most cases, the majority of sags are generated inside a building. For example, in
residential wiring, the most common cause of voltage sags is the starting current drawn by refrigerator and air conditioning motors.
Voltage sags are the most common power disturbance. At a typical industrial site, it is not unusual to see several sags per year at the
service entrance, and for more equipment terminals.
Different types of electrical devices respond in different ways to an undervoltage condition. Some are severely impacted while other
devices may not be affected at all. For example:
- Resistance devices vary their heat output based on the supply voltage. An incandescent lamp will dim due to the
lower head emission from the filament. No damage occurs but functionality is reduced. (Overvoltage results in a much
brighter lamp and rapid failure due to increased head emission. - Commutated electric motors (also called universal motors) vary their speed in response to voltage changes, so
they will slow down during a burnout. This does not harm the motor but will reduce the speed of the device operated
by the motor. - AC induction motors and three-phase motors will draw more amperage to compensate for the decreased
voltage, which may lead to overheating and damage of the insulation on the motor's field windings. - Linear power supplies (consisting of a transformer and diodes) will produce a lower voltage of electronic circuits,
resulting in slower oscillation and frequency rates. In a dim and fuzzy. This device will also attempt to draw more
amperage, potentially resulting in overheating. - Switching power supplies may be minimally affected if it was designed to compensate for over/under-voltage.
However this is highly design dependent, and it can malfunction and destroy itself if operated outside its normal
voltage range.
While voltage sags may not possess the same risks as voltage spikes, they provide for a multitude of potential problems with potential
risks involved. The Energy Bank Unit utilizes its energy management system and controlled capacitors to virtually eliminate the voltage
sag condition from occurring in a given electrical system.
TRANSIENT VOLTAGE SURGE SUPPRESSION (TVSS)
Transients are brief over voltages or over currents, typically lasting just microseconds, caused by external and internal events.
Lightning, power company grid switching, load switching by neighboring factories and variable speed drives are a few of the causes
of such power disturbances. Transient voltages range from just a few volts to over 20,000 volts, with surge currents in excess of
10,000 amps, as defined by ANSI/IEEE C62.41-1991, and can occur up to 432,000 time per our in extremely active industrial
environments.
Typically, about 80% of transient voltages are generated from internal load switching and the normal operation of equipment, such as
the switching and the normal operation of equipment, such as the switching on and off of copiers, air conditioning systems, etc. to
robotic assembly and welding machines. This can cause:
Voltage spikes are fast, short duration surges (over voltages) in the electric potential of a given circuit. These are often caused by
lightning strikes, although power outages, tripped circuit breakers, short circuits, and power transitions in other large equipment on the
same power line, and malfunctions, caused by a power company can also cause them.
The Energy Bank Unit includes surge suppressant components, which, in conjunction with its advanced energy management system,
effectively suppress transient voltages and currents. This provides protection for all electrical equipment, increased equipment
lifespan, prevention of lost revenue and productivity downtime caused by resulting equipment failure, as well as helping to improve the
overall reliability of the electrical system.
Transients are brief over voltages or over currents, typically lasting just microseconds, caused by external and internal events.
Lightning, power company grid switching, load switching by neighboring factories and variable speed drives are a few of the causes
of such power disturbances. Transient voltages range from just a few volts to over 20,000 volts, with surge currents in excess of
10,000 amps, as defined by ANSI/IEEE C62.41-1991, and can occur up to 432,000 time per our in extremely active industrial
environments.
Typically, about 80% of transient voltages are generated from internal load switching and the normal operation of equipment, such as
the switching and the normal operation of equipment, such as the switching on and off of copiers, air conditioning systems, etc. to
robotic assembly and welding machines. This can cause:
- Cumulative damage
- Premature Equipment Failure
- Data losses and system resets
- PLC control failures
- Downtime, lost business opportunities
- Burnt out printed circuit boards
- Frequent failure of lamps and fluorescent ballasts
- Frequent motor rewinds
- Uninterruptible power supply failure
Voltage spikes are fast, short duration surges (over voltages) in the electric potential of a given circuit. These are often caused by
lightning strikes, although power outages, tripped circuit breakers, short circuits, and power transitions in other large equipment on the
same power line, and malfunctions, caused by a power company can also cause them.
The Energy Bank Unit includes surge suppressant components, which, in conjunction with its advanced energy management system,
effectively suppress transient voltages and currents. This provides protection for all electrical equipment, increased equipment
lifespan, prevention of lost revenue and productivity downtime caused by resulting equipment failure, as well as helping to improve the
overall reliability of the electrical system.
HONEST, RELIABLE SERVICE
| CONTACT ASTERAL ELECTRIC LLC 1-877-240-4199 DAN@EBUENERGY.COM |
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