Name: Nagum, Carl Joseph, B.

Date: April 14, 2021

Course/Section: TE1-PSE2-EE32S1 Power Benchmarking Exercise Instructor: Engr. Ladero
Prepare Power Benchmarking on power quality issues of a certain manufacturing plant with the following power quality
problems:
1.) Low power factor at 75% lagging.
→Application of static capacitors
We know that the manufacturing plant uses large induction motors to maximize its productivity. Take note that large
induction motors draw a large current to the system when starting which eventually causes the decrease of power factor. One
solution is to install a static capacitor parallel to the inductive loads that affect the power factor when started running. It is
because the leading current draw by static capacitors can neutralize or correct the lagging reactive component of the load
current. This approach is feasible because static capacitors are lightweight, easy to install, have low losses, and require lesser
maintenance. The downside is that static capacitors have a shorter service life of 8-10 years.

Figure 1: Parallel installation of static capacitors

→Synchronous condenser
This setup is known as the use of a 3-phase synchronous motor. The set-up can operate under leading, lagging, or
unity power factor. The main advantage of this setup is that the condenser will be connected to the side of the load and will
act as a capacitor that will neutralize and correct the power factor. Unlike a static capacitor bank, the amount of reactive power
from a synchronous condenser can be continuously adjusted. Reactive power from a static capacitor bank decreases when
grid voltage decreases, while a synchronous condenser can increase reactive current as voltage decreases. This approach
has a longer service life that can run up to 25 years. However, the downside is that it includes high maintenance, cost, and
noise.
→Application of phase advancer
This device is only used for induction motors because the stator of the windings of the motor draws current that lags
90 degrees behind the voltage resulting in a low power factor. The phase advancer is used and connected to the rotor circuit
of the motor to reduce the amount of reactive power drawn by the motor. The application of this device is helpful because
there are some places wherein the application of a synchronous condenser is unacceptable. However, the downside of phase
advancer is that it can’t be used when the induction motors are rated below 200 HP.
2.) Voltage unbalance on the main feeder.
→Usage of industrial grade automatic voltage regulator (AVR)
In this approach, the AVR that will be used is not the common type that we usually use in small electronic equipment.
To ensure that the AVR will be functional to manage voltage unbalance in industrial applications, the AVR must be able to
prevent and correct load swings, high load inrush currents, high load harmonics, and low load power factor. AVR’s that are
commonly used in industrial applications are the Ferro resonant constant variable transformers, limited range variable
transformers, and variable transformer buck-boost V. The main function of using AVR is to control the voltage of the system
because equipment, especially large induction motors, are very sensitive when it comes to voltage variations and to reduce
the fluctuations of voltages due to sudden loss of load on the system.
→Usage of active and passive filters to reduce harmonics
One way to reduce or mitigate unbalance is to manage the harmonic current flowing in the system. Passive filters are
used to provide a low impedance path for harmonic currents so that they flow in the filter and not the supply. On the other
hand, active filters are shunt devices wherein a current transformer measures the harmonic content of the load current, and
controls a current generator to produce an exact replica that is fed back onto the supply on the next cycle. Since the harmonic
current is sourced from the active conditioner, only fundamental current is drawn from the supply. In practice, harmonic current
magnitudes are reduced by 90%, and, because the source impedance at harmonic frequencies is reduced, voltage distortion
is reduced. To sum up everything that is stated above, application of filters reduces the negative phase sequence currents by
injecting a compensating current wave.
→Usage of protective relays
As mentioned above, induction motors are very sensitive when it comes to voltage variations and fluctuations because
it may lead to inefficient performance and premature failure due to torque pulsation, increased vibration and mechanical
stress, higher losses, and motor overheating. The application of special protective relays is used to detect voltage unbalance
and protect equipment from the negative effects mentioned above. Unbalance relays are typically lightweight, low-cost
microprocessors with a variety of features including automatic or manual reset, programmable trip time, and unbalance limit
settings. Most of these devices will trigger an alarm, trip a button, or both if voltage unbalance exceeds a predetermined limit.
3.) %THD more than 5% monitored in data logger and capacitor banks malfunction.
→Reduce the harmonic currents produced by the load
Since the power quality issue is at the setup of the manufacturing plant, likely, the cause of high percentage total
harmonic distortion (THD) is caused by large motors. Therefore, adding a line reactor or transformer in series connection will
significantly reduce the harmonic currents drawn by the large motor and it also provides transient protection benefits.
→ Usage of active and passive filters to reduce harmonics
Passive filters are used to provide a low impedance path for harmonic currents so that they flow in the filter and not
the supply. On the other hand, active filters are shunt devices wherein a current transformer measures the harmonic content
of the load current, and controls a current generator to produce an exact replica that is fed back onto the supply on the next
cycle. Since the harmonic current is sourced from the active conditioner, only fundamental current is drawn from the supply.
In practice, harmonic current magnitudes are reduced by 90%, and, because the source impedance at harmonic frequencies
is reduced, voltage distortion is reduced. To sum up everything that is stated above, application of filters reduces the negative
phase sequence currents by injecting a compensating current wave.
→Modify the frequency response of the system
Adding shunt filters, reactors, and capacitors are used to manage the harmonic current in the system. A shun filter is
used for blocking harmonic currents to the system to make sure that the percent total harmonic distortion is low resulting in a
higher power factor and efficient electrical system of the manufacturing plant. Adding reactors to stabilized the current
waveform to manage the harmonic distortions. Lastly, the installation of capacitors as a power factor correction device. Take
note that the relationship between power factor and total harmonic distortion is inversely proportional. Therefore, it is
necessary to increase the power factor to decrease the value of total harmonic distortion resulting in lower electric bills of the
manufacturing plant and efficient consumption of energy.
4.) Voltage sag on different feeders during starting of 50 HP motors.
→Application of static voltage regulator (SVR)
This system simply controls the voltage to equipment operating levels using static tap changers. Static tap changers
are designed to react instantly by selecting the appropriate voltage tap on a sub-cycle basis, rather than requiring the user to
cycle through a series of lower voltage taps. This type of device can correct voltage sag conditions in a quarter of a cycle that
even allows the most sensitive manufacturing equipment to ride through voltage sag conditions that are caused by faults.
Also, one of the advantages is that this device is designed to be installed outdoors to save manufacturing space for large
motors.
→Application of magnetizing synthesizers
Magnetic synthesizers can accommodate three-phase loads and provide better voltage sag support and control. It
stores energy in resonant circuits made of nonlinear inductors and capacitors, modifies the voltage waveform with pulsating
saturation transformers, and filters out harmonic distortion. Large computer installations, computerized medical imaging
equipment, and industrial processes, such as 3-phase AC induction motors, all benefit from the application of magnetic
synthesizers because they shield them from voltage sags. They protect sensitive loads from voltage sags, transients,
overvoltage, under-voltage, and voltage surges, among other things. They are, however, bulky and noisy.
→Application of hybrid uninterruptible power supply (UPS)
A hybrid uninterruptible power supply (UPS) is designed to protect equipment from voltage dips and momentary
power loss. Battery backup power systems are often used by utilities to provide an uninterruptible supply of electricity to power
substation switchgear and backup power systems. By providing backup and ride-through during power outages, they also
improve power quality and efficiency for residential, commercial, and industrial customers. The lead-acid battery is the most
common type of battery used in energy storage applications. For instance, the hybrid UPS senses a decrease in voltage
during the starting of 50 HP motors then it will transfer the motor load to battery-based inverter. Take note that in this approach
hybrid UPS can only supply power as long as the batteries have stored energy and which can only supply power up to 3-20
minutes depending on the load.
5.) Nuisance tripping of circuit breakers during plant light loads.
→Perform basic circuit breaker maintenance
This approach is necessary to check if the circuit breakers incurred damages, cracks, or loose-fitting which can be
the cause of nuisance tripping during plant light loads. In this approach, it is advisable to determine the circuit of each breaker
controls by using a circuit breaker finder. This can be helpful to determine which specific load is causing the nuisance tripping
of a circuit breaker. Lastly, this approach advises cleaning any dirty stains or spots located in the breaker and panel using a
dry cloth.
→Check if the grounding system is proper
Grounding is said to be essential in an electrical installation to ensure safety and avoid serious consequences to both
the personnel and equipment. The benefit of having a correct connection of grounding is that it provides the currents with a
safe route and prevents it from finding unwanted routes that could cause damage to equipment and premature failure to
protective devices such as nuisance tripping of circuit breakers.
References:

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Jeewan Garg June, & Jindal Rectifiers July. (2017, March 17). What is Automatic Voltage REGULATOR? MEANING, working
principle & applications. Retrieved April 14, 2021, from https://circuitglobe.com/automatic-voltage-regulator.html

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