Sie sind auf Seite 1von 124

Roadmap for Power Quality

Mitigation Technology
Demonstration Projects at
Commercial Customer Sites
TR -114240

Final Report, December 1999

EPRI Project Manager


B. Banerjee

EPRI 3412 Hillview Avenue, Palo Alto, California 94304 PO Box 10412, Palo Alto, California 94303 USA
800.313.3774 650.855.2121 askepri@epri.com www.epri.com

THIS DOCUMENT WAS PREPARED BY THE ORGANIZATION(S) NAMED BELOW AS AN


ACCOUNT OF WORK SPONSORED OR COSPONSORED BY THE ELECTRIC POWER RESEARCH
INSTITUTE, INC. (EPRI). NEITHER EPRI, ANY MEMBER OF EPRI, ANY COSPONSOR, THE
ORGANIZATION(S) BELOW, NOR ANY PERSON ACTING ON BEHALF OF ANY OF THEM:
(A) MAKES ANY WARRANTY OR REPRESENTATION WHATSOEVER, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, (I)
WITH RESPECT TO THE USE OF ANY INFORMATION, APPARATUS, METHOD, PROCESS, OR
SIMILAR ITEM DISCLOSED IN THIS DOCUMENT, INCLUDING MERCHANTABILITY AND FITNESS
FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE, OR (II) THAT SUCH USE DOES NOT INFRINGE ON OR
INTERFERE WITH PRIVATELY OWNED RIGHTS, INCLUDING ANY PARTYS INTELLECTUAL
PROPERTY, OR (III) THAT THIS DOCUMENT IS SUITABLE TO ANY PARTICULAR USERS
CIRCUMSTANCE; OR
(B) ASSUMES RESPONSIBILITY FOR ANY DAMAGES OR OTHER LIABILITY WHATSOEVER
(INCLUDING ANY CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES, EVEN IF EPRI OR ANY EPRI REPRESENTATIVE
HAS BEEN ADVISED OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH DAMAGES) RESULTING FROM YOUR
SELECTION OR USE OF THIS DOCUMENT OR ANY INFORMATION, APPARATUS, METHOD,
PROCESS, OR SIMILAR ITEM DISCLOSED IN THIS DOCUMENT.
ORGANIZATION(S) THAT PREPARED THIS DOCUMENT
EPRI PEAC Corporation

ORDERING INFORMATION
Requests for copies of this report should be directed to the EPRI Distribution Center, 207 Coggins
Drive, P.O. Box 23205, Pleasant Hill, CA 94523, (800) 313-3774.
Electric Power Research Institute and EPRI are registered service marks of the Electric Power
Research Institute, Inc. EPRI. POWERING PROGRESS is a service mark of the Electric Power
Research Institute, Inc.
Copyright 1999 Electric Power Research Institute, Inc. All rights reserved.

CITATIONS
This report was prepared by
EPRI PEAC Corporation
830 Corridor Park Blvd.
Knoxville, TN 37932
Principal Investigators
A. Mansoor
M. Howard
This report describes research sponsored by EPRI.
The report is a corporate document that should be cited in the literature in the following manner:
Roadmap for Power Quality Mitigation Technology Demonstration Projects at Commercial
Customer Sites, EPRI, Palo Alto, CA, 1999. TR-114240.

iii

REPORT SUMMARY

Power quality has emerged as an important issue for the commercial customer segment.
Historically, power quality issues have been the domain of electric utilities, which focussed on
reducing or eliminating power outages. However, the recent proliferation in office use of
electronic equipment and microprocessor-based controls has caused electric utilities to redefine
power quality in terms of the quality of voltage supply rather than availability of power. This
document provides a screening tool for utilities that want to demonstrate a power conditioning
technology at a commercial customer site.
Background
According to the Energy Information Association, the United States commercial sector spends
approximately $90 billion in annual utility bills and represents an important customer base for
electric utilities. Power quality concerns continue to be an important factor in the electric supply
for commercial facilities. Advanced energy-storage technologies and power electronics
conversion topologies are providing new alternatives for power quality mitigation that may be
increasingly attractive from an economic perspective. Field demonstration of these technologies
is the most direct way to increase application understanding and build confidence in products. By
gaining first-hand experience through field demonstrations, utilities will have the unique
advantage of providing value-added service. In the future, this experience may be crucial for
utilities competing both to retain customer accounts and attract new ones.
Objectives
To provide a roadmap for utilities conducting technical and economic evaluations; to implement
a power quality mitigation demonstration project at a commercial customer site; to describe
procedures for screening potential applications; to provide guidelines for specification,
procurement, and installation; to determine technology effectiveness by planning for pre- and
post- site monitoring; and, to determine financial implications of a chosen technology versus
competing technologies by performing a cost-benefit assessment.
Approach
The project team first identified potential commercial segments for applying emerging power
quality mitigation and energy-storage technologies. Team members also identified power quality
concerns associated with these customer groups. To ensure a successful demonstration project,
the team developed a comprehensive systems approach. EPRI technical reports on power quality
mitigation and power conditioning were identified to help utilities understand the characteristics
of emerging energy-storage and power quality mitigation technologies. To help utilities conduct
some of the technical analyses for a power quality mitigation demonstration project at a
commercial customer site, the team identified several potentially useful EPRI software tools.

Results
Demonstration of emerging energy-storage and power quality mitigation technologies requires a
careful screening of potential applications based on power quality protection needs. Such a
screening also requires a comprehensive guideline for specifying, procuring, and installing the
specified technology, an elaborate plan for pre- and post- site monitoring to determine the
technologys effectiveness, and, eventually, a cost-benefit assessment to determine financial
implications of the chosen technology versus competing technologies. An effective
demonstration project requires very close coordination between all involved parties. These may
include the utility, end-use customer, EPRI, electrical contractor, and equipment vendor.
Management of project activities should be based on the project-team concept. The parties
involved must have a clear understanding of what the project is to demonstrate. A key criterion
for a successful demonstration project is a written record of all potential issues and how they
were resolved during the installation, commissioning, and performance-verification stage of the
power quality mitigation equipment. Gaining first-hand knowledge of application issues related
to implementing new energy-storage and power quality mitigation equipment will enable utilities
to successfully use that equipment at other customer locations.
EPRI Perspective
By providing utilities with a clear roadmap for using commercial sector power quality mitigation
technologies, EPRI is enabling utilities to better service one of their key customer segments. Due
to their understanding of electric service power quality characteristics, utilities are in a unique
position to help customers understand and use these new power quality mitigation technologies.
Widespread acceptance of new power quality mitigation technologies will ultimately benefit
utilities and their customers by providing an opportunity to obtain specified levels of power
quality from standard service distribution systems.
TR-114240
Keywords
Power quality
Power conditioning
End-use mitigation systems
Energy storage
Power electronics

vi

ABSTRACT
According to the Energy Information Association, the United States commercial sector spends
approximately $90 billion in annual utility bills and represents an important customer base for
electric utilities. Power quality concerns continue to be an important factor in the electric supply
for commercial facilities. New energy-storage technologies and new power electronics
conversion topologies are providing new alternatives for power quality mitigation that may be
increasingly attractive from an economic perspective. Field demonstration of these technologies
is the most direct way to increase application understanding and build confidence in products.
Demonstration of power quality mitigation technologies requires a careful screening of potential
applications based on required power quality protection needs, a comprehensive guideline for
specification, procurement and installation of the specified technology, an elaborate plan for preand post-monitoring of the site in order to determine the effectiveness of the technology, and
eventually a cost-benefit assessment to determine the financial implication of the chosen
technology versus other competing technologies.

vii

CONTENTS

1 INTRODUCTION.................................................................................................................. 1-1
The Electrical Environment ................................................................................................. 1-1
EPRI Distribution Power Quality Project ............................................................................. 1-2
Paradigm Shift from Battery- to Non-Battery-Based Solutions ............................................ 1-4
Advances in Energy Storage and Power Electronics Technologies .................................... 1-5
The Need for Demonstration Projects from Utility Perspective............................................ 1-7
Purpose of This Report....................................................................................................... 1-7
Intended Use of This Report ............................................................................................... 1-8

2 POWER CONDITIONING OPPORTUNITIES: COMMERCIAL CUSTOMER


SEGMENT .............................................................................................................................. 2-1
Classification of Commercial Customer Segment ............................................................... 2-1
Major Activities in Commercial Buildings............................................................................. 2-1
Energy Sources ............................................................................................................. 2-3
Major Uses of Energy in Commercial Buildings.............................................................. 2-3
System Requirements for Commercial Buildings............................................................ 2-4
Power Quality Impact on Commercial Customers............................................................... 2-5
Opportunities for Commercial Sector Power Quality Mitigation Technology
Demonstration .................................................................................................................... 2-7
Overview of Emerging Power Quality Mitigation Technologies Applicable to
Commercial Customers ...................................................................................................... 2-8

3 SYSTEMS APPROACH TO POWER QUALITY MITIGATION TECHNOLOGY AND


ENERGY-STORAGE DEMONSTRATION .............................................................................. 3-1
What Is a Systems Approach?............................................................................................ 3-1
Facility-Level Versus Equipment-Level Solutions................................................................ 3-1
Conducting PQ Audits at Customer Sites ........................................................................... 3-3
Level I Audit - Preliminary .............................................................................................. 3-4
Checklist.................................................................................................................... 3-5

ix

Level II Audit - Detail ...................................................................................................... 3-6


Checklist.................................................................................................................... 3-6
Developing Specifications for Power-Conditioning Equipment ............................................ 3-7
General Electrical Specifications .................................................................................... 3-8
Input Specifications: Normal Service Conditions ........................................................... 3-8
Compatibility with public low-voltage supplies............................................................ 3-8
Rated values and characteristics ............................................................................... 3-9
Output Specifications ..................................................................................................... 3-9
Steady-state and dynamic output voltage characteristics .......................................... 3-9
Output characteristic - Sinusoidal output voltage ..................................................... 3-10
Output characteristic - Non-sinusoidal output voltage .............................................. 3-10
Rated output values and characteristics .................................................................. 3-10
DC link energy-storage specifications...................................................................... 3-12
By-pass switch specification .................................................................................... 3-12
General Ambient Service Conditions............................................................................ 3-12
Normal environmental and climatic service conditions............................................. 3-12
Altitude .................................................................................................................... 3-13
Ambient service temperature................................................................................... 3-13
Relative humidity ..................................................................................................... 3-13
Ambient Storage and Transportation Conditions .......................................................... 3-13
Altitude .................................................................................................................... 3-13
Transportation and storage temperature.................................................................. 3-13
Relative humidity ..................................................................................................... 3-14
Unusual service conditions ...................................................................................... 3-14
Mechanical Conditions to be Identified ......................................................................... 3-14
Safety Instructions and Documentation ........................................................................ 3-15
Equipment Safety......................................................................................................... 3-15
Maintenance isolation provision............................................................................... 3-15
Emergence power off (EMO) switch ........................................................................ 3-15
Audible Noise............................................................................................................... 3-15
Optional Items.............................................................................................................. 3-15
Bid Evaluation and Contract Negotiation........................................................................... 3-16
Requests for Proposals................................................................................................ 3-16
Reliability................................................................................................................. 3-16

Maintenance............................................................................................................ 3-16
Operation ................................................................................................................ 3-17
Single-point failures ................................................................................................. 3-17
System ground constraints ...................................................................................... 3-18
Warranties............................................................................................................... 3-18
Codes...................................................................................................................... 3-18
Contracts................................................................................................................. 3-18
Schedules ............................................................................................................... 3-18
Critical Criteria for Evaluating Competitive Bids ........................................................... 3-18
Advance planning for the RFP evaluation process .................................................. 3-18
The pre-proposal (RFP) conference ........................................................................ 3-19
Site visits ................................................................................................................. 3-19
Bid evaluation.......................................................................................................... 3-19
Comparing Life Cycle Costs for Competing Bids.......................................................... 3-21
Analysis method ...................................................................................................... 3-22
Contract Negotiation .................................................................................................... 3-23

4 PROJECT MANAGEMENT ................................................................................................. 4-1


Establishing Roles and Responsibilities, and Preparing the MOU....................................... 4-1
Memorandum of Understanding ..................................................................................... 4-2
Definitions ................................................................................................................. 4-2
Purpose..................................................................................................................... 4-2
Understanding ........................................................................................................... 4-3
Statement of Work..................................................................................................... 4-4
Agreement................................................................................................................. 4-6
Establishing Time Line and Schedule ................................................................................. 4-6
Manpower Requirement ..................................................................................................... 4-7
Finalizing Budget ................................................................................................................ 4-7

5 INSTALLATION, ACCEPTANCE TESTING, AND PERFORMANCE MONITORING


PLAN ...................................................................................................................................... 5-1
Site Preparation and Installation Checklist.......................................................................... 5-1
Safety ............................................................................................................................ 5-1
Site Safety ..................................................................................................................... 5-1
Environment .............................................................................................................. 5-1

xi

Temperature ......................................................................................................... 5-1


Ventilation............................................................................................................. 5-2
Acoustics .............................................................................................................. 5-2
Floor Loading, Space, and Accessibility .................................................................... 5-2
Other Considerations................................................................................................. 5-2
Power Distribution System ............................................................................................. 5-3
Circuit Protection............................................................................................................ 5-4
Factory Acceptance Testing Plan ....................................................................................... 5-4
Visual Inspection............................................................................................................ 5-4
Output Voltage Regulation ............................................................................................. 5-4
Bypass Switch................................................................................................................ 5-5
On-Site Start-up and Acceptance Testing Plan................................................................... 5-5
Dummy Load Tests (If Available) ................................................................................... 5-5
Output voltage regulation .......................................................................................... 5-5
Energy storage .......................................................................................................... 5-6
Bypass switch............................................................................................................ 5-6
Instrumentation, controls, and indicators ................................................................... 5-6
System ground .......................................................................................................... 5-6
Serviceability ............................................................................................................. 5-6
Live Load Tests.............................................................................................................. 5-7
Output voltage regulation .......................................................................................... 5-7
Bypass switch operation............................................................................................ 5-7
Long-term run............................................................................................................ 5-7
Safety........................................................................................................................ 5-7
Environment .............................................................................................................. 5-7
Instrumentation, controls, and indicators ................................................................... 5-8
Performance Monitoring and Data Analysis Plan ................................................................ 5-8
Data Presentation/Organization for Performance Verification ............................................. 5-9
Maintenance Considerations ............................................................................................ 5-12
Final Project Cost-Benefit Analysis ................................................................................... 5-13
Economic Analysis Criteria ............................................................................................... 5-15

6 RESOURCES FOR POWER QUALITY MITIGATION TECHNOLOGY


DEMONSTRATION................................................................................................................. 6-1
Introduction......................................................................................................................... 6-1

xii

EPRI Software Resources .................................................................................................. 6-1


EPRI Online Power Conditioning Database ................................................................... 6-1
Power Quality Database ................................................................................................ 6-2
Power Quality Toolbox: Wiring and Grounding Analysis Tool......................................... 6-2
Power Quality Diagnostic System .................................................................................. 6-3
Analysis and Simulation Module, Capacitor Switching Simulator ............................... 6-3
Analysis and Simulation Module, Lightning Surge Simulator ..................................... 6-5
Analysis and Simulation Module, Economic Assessment Module.............................. 6-5
Analysis and Simulation Module, Harmonic Simulator ............................................... 6-6
Analysis and Simulation Module ................................................................................ 6-6
Event Identification Module........................................................................................ 6-6
Analysis and Simulation Module, Motor Starting Simulator ........................................ 6-7
Analysis and Simulation Module, Measurement Module............................................ 6-7
Analysis and Simulation Module, Voltage Sag Case Reporter................................... 6-8
Analysis and Simulation Module, EMTP Simulation Support ..................................... 6-8
Analysis and Simulation Module, Case Study Investigator......................................... 6-9
EPRI Technical Document Resources .............................................................................. 6-10
Applicable Standards........................................................................................................ 6-11
Reference Documents ...................................................................................................... 6-13

A APPLICATIONS SCREENING POWER QUALITY MITIGATION TECHNOLOGY


DEMONSTRATIONS AT COMMERCIAL CUSTOMER SITES ...............................................B-1
Summary ............................................................................................................................B-1

B POWER QUALITY INVESTIGATION METHODOLOGY .....................................................B-1


Instrumentation Planning ....................................................................................................B-5
Documentation Planning.....................................................................................................B-6
Site Inspection Process ......................................................................................................B-6
Monitoring Instrument Operation.........................................................................................B-7
Compilation of Project Data ................................................................................................B-7
Data Analysis......................................................................................................................B-8
Evaluate Solution Options...................................................................................................B-8
Solution Recommendations ................................................................................................B-9
Solution Implementation ...................................................................................................B-10
Performance Verification...................................................................................................B-10

xiii

C GENERIC CHECKLIST DESCRIBING THE ESSENTIAL SPECIFICATION &


INSTALLATION ISSUES ........................................................................................................C-1
Defining and Selecting a PQ Mitigation Equipment .............................................................C-1
Determining Power Rating .............................................................................................C-2
Site Selection......................................................................................................................C-2
Power Distribution...............................................................................................................C-2
Requests for Proposals ......................................................................................................C-3
Proposed Evaluation...........................................................................................................C-4
Acceptance Tests ...............................................................................................................C-4
Installation ..........................................................................................................................C-4
Total System Acceptance Tests..........................................................................................C-4

D SUGGESTED CHECKLIST OF RESPONSIBILITIES .........................................................D-1

xiv

LIST OF FIGURES
Figure 1-1 Histogram of Duration versus Magnitude for Voltage Sags and Interruptions
(One-Min Aggregation 6/1/93 to 6/1/95, Treated by Sampling Weights, All Sites) ............ 1-3
Figure 1-2 Histogram of Duration versus Magnitude for Oscillatory Transients (3/1/95 to
9/1/95, Treated by Sampling Weights, All Sites) .............................................................. 1-4
Figure 1-3 Voltage THD and Individual Harmonics (6/1/93 to 3/1/95, All Sites) ....................... 1-4
Figure 1-4 Energy-Storage Technologies ................................................................................ 1-6
Figure 1-5 Comparison of Different Energy-Storage Technologies Regarding Peak
Power and Specific Energy Characteristics ..................................................................... 1-6
Figure 2-1 Percent of Commercial Floorspace by Type of Activity........................................... 2-2
Figure 2-2 Distribution of Commercial Buildings by Size of Buildings ...................................... 2-2
Figure 2-3 Energy Source in Commercial Sector..................................................................... 2-3
Figure 2-4 Energy End Uses in the Commercial Sector........................................................... 2-4
Figure 2-5 Power Quality Mitigation Market in Industrial, Commercial, and Residential
Sectors ............................................................................................................................ 2-7
Figure 2-6 Application for Energy-Storage Technologies for the Telecommunications
Market ............................................................................................................................. 2-8
Figure 3-1 Options for Power Quality Mitigation at Different Levels ......................................... 3-2
Figure 3-2 Control Power Derivation in Early Drive Designs.................................................... 3-3
Figure 3-3 Drive-Enable Signal from MCR............................................................................... 3-3
Figure 5-1 Example One-Line Diagram ................................................................................... 5-3
Figure 5-2 Voltage Regulation Performance of PQ Mitigation Device .................................... 5-10
Figure 5-3 Capacitor Switching Mitigation Capability Performance of PQ Mitigation
Device ........................................................................................................................... 5-10
Figure 5-4 Line-Side Harmonic Current Mitigation Capability Performance of PQ
Mitigation Device ........................................................................................................... 5-11
Figure 5-5 Load-Side Harmonic Voltage Mitigation Capability Performance of PQ
Mitigation Device ........................................................................................................... 5-11
Figure 5-6 Power Factor Improvement Capability Performance of PQ Mitigation Device....... 5-12
Figure 5-7 Voltage Sag Mitigation Capability Performance of PQ Mitigation Device .............. 5-12
Figure 6-1 Model for Economic Impacts of Power Quality Variations....................................... 6-5
Figure B-1 Power quality problem solving flow chart ..............................................................B-4

xv

LIST OF TABLES
Table 1-1 Categories of Power Quality Variation IEEE 1159-1995 ....................................... 1-2
Table 1-2 Average Frequency Distribution for Voltage Sags and Interruptions (OneMinute Aggregation, 6/1/93 to 6/1/95, Treated by Sampling Weights, All Sites) ............... 1-3
Table 2-1 Impact of Power Quality Disturbances on Commercial Sector Electrical
Equipment ....................................................................................................................... 2-6
Table 3-1 Compatibility levels for individual harmonic voltages in low-voltage networks (extract from IEC 61000-2-2) ........................................................................................... 3-8
Table 4-1 Project Schedule Milestone Chart............................................................................ 4-6

xvii

1
INTRODUCTION

The Electrical Environment


Power quality has emerged as an important issue for the commercial customer segment.
Historically, power quality issues have been the domain of electric utilities, which focussed on
reducing or eliminating power outages. However, the recent proliferation in office use of
electronic equipment and microprocessor-based controls has caused electric utilities to redefine
power quality in terms of the quality of voltage supply rather than availability of power. In this
regard, IEEE Std. 1159-1995 Recommended Practice for Monitoring Electric Power Quality has
defined a set of terminologies and their characteristics to describe the electrical environment in
terms of voltage quality. Table 1-1 shows the categories of power quality disturbances with
spectral content, typical duration, and typical magnitude.

1-1

Introduction
Table 1-1
Categories of Power Quality Variation IEEE 1159-1995

1.0

2.0

3.0
4.0

5.0
6.0
7.0
8.0

Categories
Transients
1.1 Impulsive
1.1.1 Voltage
1.1.2 Current
1.2 Oscillatory
1.2.1 Low Frequency
1.2.2 Medium Frequency
1.2.3 High Frequency
Short-Duration Variations
2.1 Sags
2.1.1 Instantaneous
2.1.2 Momentary
2.1.3 Temporary
2.2 Swells
2.1.1 Instantaneous
2.1.2 Momentary
2.1.3 Temporary
Long-Duration Variations
3.1 Overvoltages
3.2 Undervoltages
Interruptions
4.1 Momentary
4.2 Temporary
4.3 Long-Term
Waveform Distortion
5.2 Voltage
5.3 Current
Waveform Notching
Flicker
Noise

Spectral
Content

Typical
Duration

> 5 kHz
> 5 kHz

< 200 s
< 200 s

< 500 kHz


3002 kHz
> 2 kHz

Typical
Magnitudes

< 30 cycles
< 3 cycles
< 0.5 cycle
0.530 cycles
30120 cycles
2 sec2 min
0.530 cycles
30120 cycles
2 sec2 min

0.11.8 pu
0.11.8 pu
0.11.8 pu

> 2 min
> 2 min

0.11.2 pu
0.81.0 pu

< 2 sec
2 sec2 min
> 2 min
0100th Harmonic
0100th Harmonic
0200 kHz
< 30 Hz
0200 kHz

0.11.0 pu
0.11.0 pu
0.11.0 pu

0
0
0

steady-state
steady-state
steady-state
intermittent
intermittent

020%
0100%
0.17%

EPRI Distribution Power Quality Project


The EPRI Assessment of Distribution System Power Quality (DPQ) represents power quality
data collected at nearly 300 measurement sites. These sites were selected to provide a wide
diversity of distribution system conditions. The feeders monitored ranged in voltage level from
4.16 kV to 34.5 kV and in length from 1 km to 80 km. The 27 months of monitoring resulted in a
staggering collection of data, which was statistically summarized in a three-volume EPRI report1.
The data collected during the measurement period provides a statistically valid sample of the
range of power quality events in a distribution system, although not necessarily valid at any
given site.
Table 1-1 and Figures 1-1 through 1-3 provide some results from the DPQ study. The data shows
the magnitude and duration for voltage sags, interruptions, and oscillatory transients, as well as
voltage THD and individual harmonics from all monitoring sites. Key observations from the
statistical data regarding voltage sags and momentary interruptions are:

An Assessment of Distribution System Power Quality : Volumes 1-3; TR-106294-V1, TR-106294-V2, TR106294V3.

1-2

Introduction

Approximately 50% of the events were less than 10 cycle in duration and had a remaining
voltage of at least 70%.

Approximately 90% of the events were less than 10 cycles.

There were approximately 2 events per year at each site where the remaining voltage was
less than 20% and the duration was greater than 1 second.

Results of the 1-minute aggregation indicate that 87% of the events involve a single
operation, 9% involve two operations, 2% involve three operations, and 2% involve greater
than four operations.
Table 1-2
Average Frequency Distribution for Voltage Sags and Interruptions (One-Minute
Aggregation, 6/1/93 to 6/1/95, Treated by Sampling Weights, All Sites)
Duration in Cycles (60 Hz)
>=1 and <10
>=10 and <60 >=60
25.1
6.8
2.2
6.1
1.6
0.2
2.7
1.0
0.1
1.3
0.7
2.1

Voltage Magnitude
>=0.70 and <0.9 p.u.
>=0.50 and <0.7 p.u.
>=0.50 and <0.2 p.u.
0.0 and <0.20

RMS Vo ltag e Variatio n S ag and Inte rruptio n Rate

6.0
5.0
4.0
3.0
2.0

S ag and Inte rruptio n Rate


pe r S ite pe r 365 Days

1.0

80 to 90

70 to 80

60 to 70

50 to 60

40 to 50

30 to 40

20 to 30

10 to 20

0 to 10

10 to 30 s

2 to 5 s

to 2 min

Duratio n

0.5 to 1 s

5 cyc

10 to 20 cyc

1 cyc

3 cyc

0.0

Vo ltag e (%)

Figure 1-1
Histogram of Duration versus Magnitude for Voltage Sags and Interruptions (One-Min
Aggregation 6/1/93 to 6/1/95, Treated by Sampling Weights, All Sites)

1-3

Introduction

Pe ak Mag nitude and Duratio n o f Os c illato ry Trans ie nts

1
0.9
Measurements
per Site per 30 Days

0.8
0.7
0.6
0.5
0.4
1.05

0.3

1.2
1.35

0.2
1.5

0.1
1.65

Pe a k Ma g nitude
(pu)

Dura tio n (ms)

15

13

11

1.8
7

Figure 1-2
Histogram of Duration versus Magnitude for Oscillatory Transients (3/1/95 to 9/1/95,
Treated by Sampling Weights, All Sites)

% of Fundamental

2.5
CP05

Me an
1.5

CP95

1
0.5
0
THD

10

11

12

13

Vo ltag e THD and Individual Harmo nic s

Figure 1-3
Voltage THD and Individual Harmonics (6/1/93 to 3/1/95, All Sites)

Paradigm Shift from Battery- to Non-Battery-Based Solutions


Battery-based uninterruptible power supply (UPS) technology represents the most dominant and
widely used power quality mitigation equipment. In 1999, it is anticipated that the North
American market for UPSs will reach $2.4 billion, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR)

1-4

Introduction

of 15.8% for the forecast period2. This represents almost 50% of the power quality mitigation
market, which is estimated to be $5.13 billion in 1999. The other 50% of the power quality
mitigation market is dominated by transient voltage surge suppressors (TVSSs) and traditional
power-line conditioners such as motor generators, voltage regulators, shielded isolation
transformers, power distribution units, and harmonic filters.
With a few exceptions, batteries are the primary energy-storage elements for power quality
mitigation devices. The advantages of batteries are their high degree of modularization, low
losses during float charging, and, not least, their widespread use. However, battery technology
still remains the Achilles heel of UPSs because of their reliability, maintenance, and
environmental issues related to disposal. Disadvantages of battery-based energy-storage
technologies can be categorized as following:

Almost 80% of all the lead now used in the U.S. is for the production of lead acid storage
batteries. Lead ranks second on the 1997 EPA list for all hazardous substances, and recovery
of sealed lead acid batteries represents 50% of all Superfund and hazardous waste sites
involving metal recovery.

Batteries are the number one field failure problems with UPSs.

Batteries have a finite number of charge and discharge cycles. A three-year battery is good
for approximately 200 full discharges, and a five-year battery is good for approximately 400
full discharges.

Advancement in battery technology has been slow to come, whereas other energy-storage
technologies have flourished and are becoming cost-competitive with battery-based energystorage technologies without the necessary disadvantages. One key issue that will promote nonbattery-based technology is the characteristic of typical voltage sags and momentary
interruptions. Because most of these disturbances are short duration (<1 second), battery-based
technologies are inherently inefficient to deal with these disturbances. In addition, because most
mission-critical applications in the commercial sector are protected by stand-by generators
which can be started in most cases under 10 secondsany energy-storage technology that can
cheaply provide 10 seconds of ride-through with a higher reliability than batteries can be an
attractive choice as a retrofit application for the millions of UPSs that are already installed.

Advances in Energy Storage and Power Electronics Technologies


Energy-storage technologies are primary defined in the way energy is stored in the principal
medium. This may include mechanical energy storied in a rotating mass (flywheel), chemical
energy stored in batteries or fuel cells, and magnetic energy stored in superconducting magnetic
energy storage devices (SMES). Figure 1-4 shows the principal energy-storage technologies and
the relationship between stored energy (E) and the primary variables affecting the amount of
energy that can be stored. The peak power and specific energy characteristics of these energystorage technologies are shown in Figure 1-5.
2

"North American Markets for Power Quality: The Top 50 Equipment Suppliers and Service Providers," Frost &
Sullivan Report No. 5621-27(1999),www.frost.com.

1-5

Introduction
1

Flywheels:

E= 2 I

Capacitor:

E=

SMES:

E= 2LI

L = inductance, I = current

Batteries:

E = V Ah

V = voltage, Ah = amp-hours

Fuel Cell:

Stored hydrogen

H2 +

1
2
1

I = moment of Inertia,
= angular velocity
2

C(Vi - Vf )
2

C = capacitance, V = voltage

1
2

O2

H 2O

Figure 1-4
Energy-Storage Technologies

Figure 1-5
Comparison of Different Energy-Storage Technologies Regarding Peak Power and Specific
Energy Characteristics

Detailed application criteria for these energy-storage technologies have been documented in
various EPRI technical reports and are beyond the scope of this report. Readers are referred to
EPRI technical reports (TRs) referenced in Chapter 6 for in-depth information regarding new and
emerging energy-storage technologies.
Energy storage by itself is not a power quality mitigation technology. A critical item is the power
electronics conversion required for useful use of this energy in power quality applications. Rapid
advancement in device, switching, control, and packaging technologies, as well as the downward

1-6

Introduction

trend of costs of power electronics components, have made integration of various energy-storage
technologies into power quality mitigation equipment a feasible option.

The Need for Demonstration Projects from Utility Perspective


The technical merit of demonstration projects to gain first-hand experience on application of new
technologies is always well understood. However, the recent changes in the vertically integrated
utility structure are raising new questions regarding utility involvement in customer power
quality-related matters. One line of thinking, albeit shortsighted, is that wires companies will
focus only on the utility side of the power quality spectrum and will not be involved in any
customer side issues. This approach assumes that customers will be buying electricity from a
third party and the wires companies role will be limited to transportation of electricity.
However, because the primary factor affecting power quality is transportation and the primary
impact of power quality is on end-use loads, it is unrealistic to assume that these two sides of the
power quality picture can remain isolated without cooperation. If power quality deteriorates,
customers may choose distributed generation such as fuel cells or purchase power from
independent power producers instead of purchasing power from electric utilities. In such a case,
even wires companies will be affected by loss of revenue from transportation charge.
For new utility entities such as energy service companies, which are created to explore alternate
revenue streams, the importance of demonstration projects of new energy-storage/power quality
mitigation equipment for commercial customer segments is critical. These new technologies
have the potential for replacing a large portion of existing technologies, and the revenue potential
from these technologies cannot be ignored. In addition, solution offerings of power quality
mitigation technologies can be bundled with other traditional service offerings into an attractive
package for attracting new customers.
It is very difficult to predict the changes in utility restructuring. However, whichever way this
restructuring shapes up, the need for quality power by commercial customers will increase, and
also customer service will remain as a key criterion in the future competition of electric utilities
to retain present customer accounts and attract new customers. Given this fact, the need for
demonstration of new power quality mitigation technologies will always be an important factor
for the wire side of the business as well as for energy service companies.

Purpose of This Report


The purpose of the report is to provide a roadmap to utilities to conduct technical and economic
evaluation and implement a power quality mitigation demonstration project at a commercial
customer site. This report describes procedures for screening of potential applications, guidelines
for specification, procurement and installation, planing for pre- and post-monitoring of the site in
order to determine the effectiveness of the technology, and a cost benefit assessment to
determine the financial implication of the chosen technology versus other competing
technologies.

1-7

Introduction

Intended Use of This Report


The intended audience of this report is utility account executives dealing with commercial
customers; power quality and customer service engineers who are responsible for providing
technical support to customer power quality problems; and R&D and technical applications
personnel in utilities who are responsible for demonstrating new customer technologies. This
report in conjunction with other EPRI reports described in Chapter 6 should be used to:

Understand the application issues related to new energy-storage/power quality mitigation


technologies.

Understand the opportunity for demonstration if such technologies in the commercial market
segment.

Plan for a systems approach for a demonstration project and the various technical/economic
issues related to such a project.

Assess the technical and cost-benefit implication of various mitigation schemes.

Evaluate the performance of these new technologies under field condition.

1-8

2
POWER CONDITIONING OPPORTUNITIES:
COMMERCIAL CUSTOMER SEGMENT

Classification of Commercial Customer Segment

According to the Energy Information Association, the United States commercial sector spends
approximately $90 billion in annual utility bills, including $65 billion for private commercial
sector and $25 billion for public buildings. The term commercial building encompasses all
buildings other than industrial buildings and private dwellings. It includes office and apartment
buildings, hotels, schools, and churches, steamship piers, air railway and bus terminals,
department stores, retail shops, government buildings, hospitals, nursing home, mental and
correctional facilities, theaters, sports arenas, and other buildings serving the public directly.
Buildings or parts of buildings within the industrial complexes that are used as offices or medical
facilities or for similar nonindustrial purposes, logically fall within the scope of commercial
sector. Thus, the specific use of the building in question, rather than the nature of the overall
development of which it is a part, determines the classification.

Major Activities in Commercial Buildings


Each principal building activity has its own set of characteristics (energy sources, equipment,
number of workers, hours of operation) that contribute to total energy use. Four types of activity
dominated the commercial buildings sector: mercantile and service, office, warehouse and
storage, and education, as shown in Figure 2-1. Together they comprised 67 percent of
commercial floorspace and 63 percent of commercial buildings in 1995. Mercantile and service
buildings were by far the most numerous type (more than 28 percent), but they were not as
dominant in floorspace (22 percent).

Material for this section has been compiled from research conducted by Energy Information Association (EIA) of
Department of Energy (DOE).

2-1

Power Conditioning Opportunities: Commercial Customer Segment

Figure 2-1
Percent of Commercial Floorspace by Type of Activity

Most commercial buildings were found in the smaller size categories. More than half were in the
smallest category (1,001 to 5,000 square feet), and three-quarters in the two smallest categories
(1,001 to 10,000 square feet). Less than 5 percent of buildings were larger than 50,000 square
feet, and less than 2 percent were larger than 100,000 square feet, as shown in Figure 2-2. The
mean size of all commercial buildings was 12,840 square feet.

Figure 2-2
Distribution of Commercial Buildings by Size of Buildings

2-2

Power Conditioning Opportunities: Commercial Customer Segment

Energy Sources
Electricity and natural gas were by far the most commonly used sources of energy in commercial
buildings, as shown in Figure 2-3. Electricity use was nearly universal (95 percent of buildings
and 97 percent of floorspace), while natural gas was used in 55 percent of buildings and 66
percent of floorspace. No energy source besides electricity and natural gas was used for more
than a quarter of total floorspace or 15 percent of buildings.

Figure 2-3
Energy Source in Commercial Sector

Major Uses of Energy in Commercial Buildings


The four dominant uses of energy in commercial buildings is water heating, lighting, space
heating, and cooling, as shown in Figure 2-4. All of these uses occurred in at least 60 percent of
total floorspace (and in 70 percent of buildings). The percent of total floorspace in commercial
buildings that had the capability to generate electricity increased from less than 10 percent in
1989 to more than 20 percent in 1995. No other end use showed a significant change. This
represents a growing use of standby generators in the commercial sector for protecting critical
loads that are impacted by power quality disturbances.

2-3

Power Conditioning Opportunities: Commercial Customer Segment

Figure 2-4
Energy End Uses in the Commercial Sector

System Requirements for Commercial Buildings


The systems, equipment, and facilities which must be provided to satisfy functional requirements
will vary with the type of commercial building, but will generally include some, or all, of the
following:

2-4

Lighting: Interior and exterior, both utilitarian and decorative.


Communications: Telephone, telegraph, computer link, radio, closed-circuit television, code
call, public address, paging, electronic intercommunication, pneumatic tube, doctors and
nurses call, and a variety of other signal systems.
Fire alarm and control: Fire pumps and sprinkler, fire-detection, and alarm systems.
Transportation: Elevators, moving stairways, dumbwaiters, and moving sidewalks.
Space-conditioning: Heating, ventilation, and air-conditioning.
Sanitation: Garbage and rubbish storage and removal, incinerators, and sewage handling.
Plumbing: Hot- and cold- water systems and water treatment facilities.
Security watchmen and burglar alarms, electronic access systems.
Business machines: Typewriters, computers, calculating machines, and duplicating machines.
Refrigeration equipment.
Food handling and preparation facilities.
Building maintenance facilities.
Lightning protection.
Automated building control systems.
Entertainment facilities and specialized audio-visual and lighting systems.
Medical facilities.

Power Conditioning Opportunities: Commercial Customer Segment

Power Quality Impact on Commercial Customers


Power quality variations as described in Table 2-1 affect all categories of commercial customers.
However, depending on the criticality of the equipment affected, the consequence of the
disturbance may range from minor nuisance to extensive equipment damage and loss of critical
data. For example, a momentary voltage sag may impact the operation of an elevator and may
cause it to stop at a floor where it wasnt supposed to. In most cases, this is nothing more than a
nuisance. However, the same voltage sag may cause an elevator fuse to blow and may require a
service call during which the elevator will be unavailable.
For critical data processing applications and other critical medical applications in commercial
sectors, battery-based UPSs are used extensively for momentary voltage sags and short-term
outage protection. These systems are almost invariably backed up with stand-by generators for
long-term outage protection. Table 2-2 shows the list of generic equipment used in the
commercial sector and the associated power quality symptoms and the primary power quality
disturbances affecting the equipment.

2-5

Power Conditioning Opportunities: Commercial Customer Segment


Table 2-1
Impact of Power Quality Disturbances on Commercial Sector Electrical Equipment
ELECTRICAL
EQUIPMENT
Air Conditioning
Audio System
Computerized
Cooking Equipment
Copy Machine
Digital Scale
Digital Thermostat
Energy Management
Fax Machine
Fire/Security System

HVAC Equipment
Patient Database
Computerized
System
ECG/EKG Machine
Elevators
Computerized
Reservation System
Simplex Clock
System
ATM Machine
Gamma Counter
Check Approval
System
Bar Code Scanner
EEG/EKG Machine
Data Processing
Lighting Control

Power-Problem Symptoms
Premature Compressor Failure
Unit Damage
Unit Damage
Increased Service Calls
Touchpad Damage
Increased Service Calls
Unit Damage
Lack of Control
Unit Damage
Loss of Control
Unit Damage
No or Poor Communication
False Alarms
Unit Damage
Increased Service Calls
Compressor Failure
Increased Service Calls
Data Loss/Data Error

Primary Power Quality


Disturbance Category
Voltage Variation
EMI/RFI/
Transients
Transients
Transients/EMI/RFI
Transients/EMI/RFI
Transients/EMI/RFI
Transients/EMI/RFI
Transients/EMI/RFI/Voltage
Variations
Voltage Variation
Voltage Variation

Component Damage
Erroneous Reading
Component Damage
Increased Service Call
Data Loss/Data Error

Voltage Variation/Transients

Incorrect Time

EMI/RFI

Processing Unit Damage


Incorrect Data
Unit Damage
Unit Damage
Increased Service Call
Scanner Damage
Wrong Scanning
Unit Damage
Data Loss/Corruption
Unit Damage
Brightness or Dimness in Lights
Flickering of Lights

Transients

Voltage Variation
Voltage Variation

Voltage Variation/Transients
EMI/RFI/Transients
Transients/Voltage Variation
Voltage Variation
Transients/Voltage Variation

Voltage variations such as sags and interruptions, both long-term and short-term, have the
greatest impact on commercial sector equipment. However, unlike the industrial sector, the
impact of voltage sags only is not as critical. The main reason is that mission-critical equipment
such as data processing centers are in most cases protected by UPSs and back-up generators. For
other unprotected loads, the impact of voltage sags is not as critical as in a paper mill, where
minor voltage sags can cause hours of disrupted operation. Most industrial customers have
continuous automated processes, and any part of the process, if sensitive to voltage sags, can shut
down the entire production line.

2-6

Power Conditioning Opportunities: Commercial Customer Segment

Opportunities for Commercial Sector Power Quality Mitigation Technology


Demonstration
As shown in Figure 2-5, the commercial sector represents the largest market segment in United
States for power quality mitigation equipment. This market is dominated primarily by TVSSs,
UPSs, and stand-by motor generator vendors.

500 0
4 098

450 0
400 0

1992

($ M illio n s )

350 0

1997

2710

2002

300 0
250 0
200 0

1 386
11 77

150 0
8 27
100 0

474
11 8

50 0

246

360

In d u s tria l
1 0 -y e a r
C AG R

C o m m e rc ia l
10%

11%

R e s id e n tia l
12 %

Figure 2-5
2
Power Quality Mitigation Market in Industrial, Commercial, and Residential Sectors

Opportunities for new power quality mitigation technology penetration in the commercial sector
can be broken down into the following categories listed according to priority:
x

Alternate energy-storage technology to replace or augment batteries in UPS applications.

Low power (|1 kw), long-term energy-storage (| 3 to 5 hours) technology for DC-powered
applications in telecommunication, as shown in Figure 2-6.

Application of innovative motor generator technologies (such as Written Pole) in new


applications as an alternate to UPS and TVSS applications.

Application of alternate energy-storage technologies in the DC link of ASDs for ride-through


improvement.

Power Quality Market Assessment TR-104372

2-7

Power Conditioning Opportunities: Commercial Customer Segment

Application of short-term voltage sag mitigation technologies such as the dynamic sag
corrector for elevator controls, fire/security alarm system control, metal halide and highpressure sodium lighting panel, and other semi-critical equipment.

Active harmonic filtering for commercial facilities with a high percentage of nonlinear loads.
60 Hz
AC Input

DC Bus
Rectifier
Rectifier

Inverter or
Inverter or
Converter
Converter

Bi-directional
Bi-directional
Inverter
Inverter

AC or DC
Output

Electronics
Module

3 Ph VFAC
Flywheel
Flywheel
Energy
Energy
Module
Module

Energy Storage
Module

Figure 2-6
Application for Energy-Storage Technologies for the Telecommunications Market

A detailed market survey has been conducted by EPRI, and the results have been published in
several EPRI reports listed in Chapter 6. These documents provide a useful reference for utilities
interested in pursuing business opportunities for these technologies in the commercial customer
segment.

Overview of Emerging Power Quality Mitigation Technologies Applicable to


Commercial Customers
Emerging technologies are technologies that are either being developed or being applied in
limited applications. Some of these technologies, such as Written Pole motor generator sets, are
relatively established, but there is still room for significant advancement of the technology
through size increase or expanding the technology to solve different types of power quality
problems. Detailed descriptions of these new technologies are beyond the scope of this report.
Several EPRI reports and technical briefs describe these technologies in detail and are referenced
in Chapter 6. A list of some of the promising new technologies that have significant commercial
application is provided below:

Low-power flywheel for telecommunication applications.

Medium/high-power flywheel as DC bus source for UPS/ASD applications.

Dynamic sag corrector technology.

2-8

Power Conditioning Opportunities: Commercial Customer Segment

Supercapacitor as a DC bus source for UPS/ASD applications.

Power quality applications for fuel cells.

Large (500 kVA) Written Pole motor generator sets.

2-9

3
SYSTEMS APPROACH TO POWER QUALITY
MITIGATION TECHNOLOGY AND ENERGY-STORAGE
DEMONSTRATION

What Is a Systems Approach?


A systems approach to a power quality mitigation/energy-storage demonstration project means
an overall assessment of all relevant issues related to such a demonstration project and not just
the issues related to the specific technology that will be demonstrated. The goal of a systems
approach is to quantify the technical/economic impact of the installed equipment on the overall
system. At a minimum, a system approach should cover the following tasks in one form or
another:

Determine the characteristics of the electrical disturbance.

Understand the customer process and process equipment and the customers willingness to
solve the problem.

Evaluate the feasibility of load-level protection or bus-level protection.

Determine the available power-conditioning options.

Conduct a financial feasibility study.

Gather necessary data required for specifying the power-conditioning solution.

Procure and install the power quality mitigation equipment.

Verify the performance of the equipment under field conditions.

Appendix A provides a screening tool to be used by potential demonstration project members for
demonstration of a power-conditioning technology at a commercial customer site. The screening
tool provides a roadmap to utilities for a systematic approach to power quality mitigation/energystorage demonstration project at a commercial customer site.

Facility-Level Versus Equipment-Level Solutions


Equipment-level solutions for power quality are usually the most cost-effective method.
However, equipment-level solutions require detailed knowledge about the specific equipment to
be protected. In many cases, without cooperation from the equipment vendor, it is not practical to
implement equipment control-level solutions. On the other hand, a facility-level or bus-level
solution will require a larger power quality mitigation device, and the cost is typically more than
3-1

Systems Approach to Power Quality Mitigation Technology and Energy-Storage Demonstration

equipment-level solutions. Both of these options need to be carefully evaluated before deciding
which will be the optimal solution (see Figure 3-1).

INCREASING COST OF POWERCONDITIONING


4 - Utility Solutions

Utility
Source

3 - Overall
Protection
Inside Plant
Feeder or
Group of
Machines

2 - Controls
Protection

1 - Equipment
Specifications

1
2

CONTROLS

3
MOTORS

OTHER LOADS

Sensitive Process Machine


INCREASING KNOWLEDGE ON EQUIPMENT SENSITIVITY

Figure 3-1
Options for Power Quality Mitigation at Different Levels

For example, if the problem at a particular commercial facility is nuisance tripping of adjustablespeed-drives (ASDs), then a systematic evaluation of the following solution options should be
considered before deciding on a facility-level power quality mitigation option:

Identify ASD-controlled motors that are considered critical for the process and need to be
kept on-line during a voltage sag and where auto-restart is not a viable feature.

Evaluate the control power requirement for the ASD. If the control power for the ASD
(typically older models) is derived from the utility side as shown in Figure 3-2, then protect
the control power. If the control power for the ASD is derived from the DC bus inside the
ASD (typically newer models), then proceed to the next step.

Evaluate the sensitivity of the control system interfacing with the ASD. This system may
consist of PLCs providing the run-enable signal to the ASD or a hardwired master control
relay contact that is interfacing with the ASD. The best option is to evaluate the control
circuit that is typically powered from a small control transformer from the line side of the
ASD, as shown in Figure 3-3. In some cases, depending on the circuit arrangement, even a
simple start-stop circuit may be the weak link in an ASD application. Install proper power
conditioning if needed for desensitizing the control system that interfaces with the ASD.

After the ASD control power and the interface control system are hardened, the next step is
to determine if additional DC bus protection is required for the ASD. Determine the DC bus
under-voltage trip point for the ASD. Consult with the manufacturer to determine whether
the undervoltage trip setting can be lowered. For older-generation drives, this is not a viable
option.

3-2

Systems Approach to Power Quality Mitigation Technology and Energy-Storage Demonstration

The final stage is to consider additional energy-storage devices such as flywheel or


supercapacitors that will provide DC bus support during voltage sags and momentary power
interruptions. The size of the DC bus protection unit will depend on the loading level of the
ASD and the required duration for ride-through.

Figure 3-2
Control Power Derivation in Early Drive Designs

Figure 3-3
Drive-Enable Signal from MCR

Conducting PQ Audits at Customer Sites


The basic objectives of surveys and site power analyses are as follows:

Determine the soundness of the premises wiring and grounding system supplying the
equipment.

Determine the quality of the AC voltage supplying the equipment.

Determine the sources and impact of power system disturbances on equipment performance.

Analyze the survey data to identify cost-effective improvements or corrections, both


immediate and future.

3-3

Systems Approach to Power Quality Mitigation Technology and Energy-Storage Demonstration

To successfully resolve problems in the power system serving electric loading equipment, a
thorough analysis of the power system and loads should be conducted to define the areas of
concern as accurately as possible before attempting to solve the problem. This approach can
enable cost-effective solutions to be implemented that not only correct the existing conditions
but also minimize future problems. Appendix B1 provides a detailed guideline for the flow of
actions for a general power quality diagnostic procedure. However, the intent of a power quality
audit for the purpose of demonstrating power quality mitigation equipment at a commercial
customer site is slightly different. This audit assumes that the power quality problem has already
been identified by the customer who is looking for solutions.
Level I Audit - Preliminary
The main objective for a level 1 audit is to conduct an application screening for power quality
mitigation equipment demonstration as defined in Appendix A. During the level 1 audit, the
primary objective is to gather as much data as possible regarding the power quality problem
impacting the customer equipment, identify preliminary cost impact, define the requirement for
power quality mitigation equipment, and gather data required for planning a detailed audit during
level 2.

Coordinate with the customer contact to arrange a teleconference prior to the site audit.

Define the purpose of the site audit and request information to be sent to the audit team that
will help in the screening process. Ideally, the customer should have a copy of the screening
tool shown in Appendix A and will try to arrange as much information as possible prior to
the site visit.

Gather all relevant utility-side data (monitoring, reliability, breaker operation history, and so
on) pertinent to the feeder/distribution system serving the customer prior to the site visit.
Begin the audit process with a face-to-face meeting with the customer to understand the
customers issues and identify all relevant information that has been gathered by the
customer based on the screening tool requirement.
Review the data available from the customer site and the utility site and identify any
information gaps. Try to get answers from the customer regarding the following items:
When did the problem start?

What types of equipment malfunctions or failures are occurring (such as data loss,
lockups, and component damage)?

What type of equipment is experiencing problems (that is, type, location, and so on)?
A secondary concern to this question would be determining the sensitivity of the
device.

When do the problems occur (such as time of day, day of week, particular system
operation)?

Power Quality for Electrical Contractors, Application Guide, Volume 1: Power Quality Fundamentals, TR101536-V1.

3-4

Systems Approach to Power Quality Mitigation Technology and Energy-Storage Demonstration

Are coincident problems occurring at the same time (such as lights flickering, motors
slowing down)?

What is the possible problem sources at the site (such as arc welders, air conditioners,
and copy machines)? What is the proximity to the equipment?

Is there any existing or recently installed protection for equipment (such as transient
voltage surge suppressor and isolation transformer)? This would be necessary to
determine if the premises wiring system or the equipment is compatible with the
mitigating device.

Has the addition of protection or power-conditioning equipment alleviated the


problem or made it worse?

Are there any possible environmental concerns (such as lightning, electrostatic


discharge, RFI/EMI)?

Are there any recent changes to the premises wiring distribution system (such as
ground scheme, additional electrical service entrances, equipment relocation)?

These parameters should provide information for a preliminary analysis to decide if immediate
recommendations for remedial action can be taken.
After the preliminary meeting, the team should proceed with the technical data-gathering portion
of the power quality audit. The method for systematically collecting data during this preliminary
power quality audit should follow the procedure defined in Chapter 6 of Emerald Book, IEEE
Recommended Practice for Powering and Grounding Sensitive Electronic Equipment P-1100.
Checklist
The following checklist defines a set of goals that needs to be met after the level 1 audit:

The power quality problem category impacting the customer has been positively identified.

Some preliminary data regarding the cost impact of the power quality problem has been
gathered.

A one-line diagram of the facility and detailed diagram of the specific area in the facility that
is affected have been obtained.

The voltage level, system grounding data, and a preliminary sketch of the floor plan for the
mitigation equipment have been identified.

A preliminary size for the mitigation equipment has been identified based on either
monitoring data or from nameplate rating of the equipment.

Possible monitoring location and the availability of phone lines for remote data collection
have been identified.

3-5

Systems Approach to Power Quality Mitigation Technology and Energy-Storage Demonstration

Level II Audit - Detail


The purpose of the level 2 audit is to gather all necessary technical information that will
ultimately lead to the specification of the power quality mitigation equipment. The level 2 audit
assumes that the customer is interested in pursuing with the demonstration project and the
objectives of the level 1 audit have been fulfilled.
Checklist
The following checklist defines a set of goals that need to be met after the level 1 audit:

Loading: Maximum instantaneous kVA, minimum and maximum kW, kVA and kVAR
demand (including demand interval), maximum instantaneous line current, minimum
expected line current. Future load growth expectations. Emergency loading magnitudes.

Available Short-Circuit Current: Maximum short-circuit current (three-phase and line-to


ground) at the point of common connection for each foreseeable utility/facility configuration.

Power Factor: Recorded power factor data including daily trends in power factor, as well as
highest and lowest expected power factor.

Economic Impact of Disturbances: Impact of disturbances of various severity levels.

Disturbance Profile: Data from power quality recording equipment, fault recorders, and so
on, including: date and time of fault, type of fault such as phase-to-ground, 2-phase, or 3phase), retained voltage, duration in cycles, disturbance waveform, and location of
monitoring\. An Excel format of this information is preferred, but not required.

Harmonic Spectrum: Voltage, current, power snapshots, trends, THD.

Capacitors: Location, kVAR and voltage ratings, number of times switched per day, type of
switching control (radio, voltage, power factor, timed operation, manual).

On-Site Generation (Co-Generation and Emergency Backup): Machine parameters and


data on all generators. Under what conditions are stand-by generators brought on-line ?
How is the load transferred from and back to the utility ?

Downstream Large Motor Data: Maximum starting current, transient reactances, starting
times, starting methods (such as autotransformer, reactance, soft start), and speed control.

Equipment Sensitivity: Minimum retained voltage in per-unit for sensitive equipment to


ride through a sag (such as 0.88 pu for 10 cycles). Minimum voltage and number of cycles
for continued operation, same for swells and transients. Bus identification of sensitive
equipment.

Protective Equipment Parameters: Operations to lockout for facility substation feeder


breakers, time versus overcurrent curves, type of pole-top reclosers (manufacturer, type, 3phase/single phase, time versus overcurrent characteristics), and use of sectionalizers.

Type and Impact of Existing Power Quality Enhancements: Use of UPS, surge
suppression equipment, line conditioners, inductive chokes, harmonic filters.

Disturbance Logs: Lists of disturbances and resultant losses of production. As much


information as possible (date, time, severity of disturbance, number and type of processes
interrupted).

3-6

Systems Approach to Power Quality Mitigation Technology and Energy-Storage Demonstration

Site Information: Plan and profile views of proposed location of power quality mitigation
device, proposed source and load locations, plans showing any overhead and underground
obstructions, site plans showing areas adjacent to the proposed equipment location, location
of any weight-restricted access roads, site parameters (including maximum and minimum
temperature, altitude, dust, salt spray, and sand storm exposure), audible noise/acoustical
concerns, aesthetic restrictions.

Developing Specifications for Power-Conditioning Equipment


Whatever the specific design basis, the purpose for the power quality mitigation device is
improvement to the electrical characteristics of the voltage as seen by the connected equipment,
thereby increasing the productivity of the facility operation. This prime consideration dictates the
following requirements:

The device shall be at least as capable of surviving in the electrical environment as the
equipment used to deliver the supply to the site. This relates to BIL levels, withstand
voltages, MCOV, and other parameters traditionally associated with transformers, breakers,
insulators, surge arrestors, and traditional electrical equipment.

The device shall not cause any unacceptable decrease in the quality of supply while being
placed into or removed from service.

Failure of the device shall cause no interruption or decrease in the level of normally supplied
voltage while it automatically isolates itself from service.

The device shall be tolerant of any and all source conditions, which may be anticipated due
to utility system operation.

The device shall be tolerant of any and all loading conditions that may be expected due to
facility operation.

The device shall perform in a predictable manner for events exceeding its design capability.
It shall not cause any degraded condition that would be worse than those seen by the plant
were it not installed.

The device shall not, itself, be the source of any degradation to the utilitys distribution
system to which it is connected, or radiate any emissions exceeding established standards.

Preferably the device shall provide a degree of redundancy either in the form of multipleseries or paralleled units, whereby the loss of a single unit does not reduce the capability of
the system below that specified. The self-monitoring shall provide annunciation of the failure
so that repairs may be initiated. Ideally the power quality mitigation device should
incorporate a means of verifying its operation during events. This recorder should furnish
not only the input/output parameters but also any internal conditions, such as state of energy
storage, in order to facilitate post-event reconstruction.

3-7

Systems Approach to Power Quality Mitigation Technology and Energy-Storage Demonstration

General Electrical Specifications


Specifications are essential to purchasing a power quality mitigation product. There are a large
number of different specifications that are published by manufacturers. Some of the
specifications are of universal importance to all users, and some are of more interest in one
application than another. The procurement specifications should emphasize those specifications
of particular interest for the application. Any items that can have the specification loosened
should be treated appropriately in the procurement. This approach help to assure that the product
is the best combination of performance and price for the requirements of the particular
installation. Appendix C contains a generic checklist describing the essential specification issues
that need to be addressed for a power quality mitigation device.

Input Specifications: Normal Service Conditions


Compatibility with public low-voltage supplies
Equipment conforming to this standard shall be capable of operating in normal mode of
operation when connected to an input supply having the following conditions, if not otherwise
specified:

Input voltage variation: 10 % of nominal voltage.

Input frequency variation: 2 % of nominal frequency.

For three-phase inputs, the ratio of negative to positive sequence components shall not
exceed 5 %.

Input voltage total harmonic distortion: < 8% with the following maximum level of
individual harmonic voltages according to the table 3-1 (extract from table 1 of IEC 61000-22 for public low-voltage supplies) up to the 40th harmonic.
Table 3-1
Compatibility levels for individual harmonic voltages in low-voltage networks -(extract
from IEC 61000-2-2)
Odd harmonics
Odd harmonics
Even
Non-multiple of 3
Multiple of 3
Harmonics
Harmonic
Harmonic
Harmonic order Harmonic
Harmonic order
Order
voltage
n
voltage
n
N
%
%
5
6
3
5
2
7
5
9
1,5
4
11
3.5
15
0,3
6
13
3
21
0,2
8
17
2
>21
0,2
10
19
1,5
12
23
1,5
>12
25
1,5
>25
0,2+0,5 x 25/n
NOTE All the above harmonic levels are assumed not to occur simultaneously.

3-8

Harmonic
voltage
%
2
1
0,5
0,5
0,5
0,2
0,2

Systems Approach to Power Quality Mitigation Technology and Energy-Storage Demonstration

Rated values and characteristics


The following rated values and characteristics shall be specified for the power quality mitigation
equipment:

Rated AC input voltage

AC input voltage tolerance

Rated input frequency

Input frequency tolerance

Number of phases (if more than a single phase)

Rated input current

Maximum continuous input current (worst-case condition, including energy-storage


charging, mains tolerance, and permitted overload)

Input current total harmonic distortion

Input current individual harmonic current levels

Maximum input current (where applicable, curve of current against time)

Input power factor

Input neutral requirements

Inrush current requirements

Earth leakage current requirements

In case of three-phase inputs, the maximum allowable mains voltage unbalance

Power system grounding configurations

Output Specifications
Steady-state and dynamic output voltage characteristics
Power quality mitigation equipment conforming to this standard shall have output voltage
dynamic performance characteristics not exceeding +/- 5% under the following conditions:

Change of operating mode (such as normal, stored energy, bypass).

Application of increasing/decreasing load steps under linear and nonlinear load.

Output characteristic - Sinusoidal output voltage


The output voltage waveform is sinusoidal in both normal and stored-energy mode (if
applicable) of operation with total harmonic distortion and individual harmonics within the limits
of Table 3-1.
3-9

Systems Approach to Power Quality Mitigation Technology and Energy-Storage Demonstration

Output characteristic - Non-sinusoidal output voltage


Where the output voltage waveform exceeds the limits of Table 3-1 in any mode of operation
and where the load equipment will tolerate such waveforms, the advice of the load equipment
manufacturer should be sought for operation on this type of waveform beyond a limit of 15
minutes.
Rated output values and characteristics
The following rated values and characteristics shall be specified for the power quality mitigation
equipment (if applicable):

Rated output voltage

Output voltage tolerance

Number of phases

Rated output current for specified load power factor or power factor range - linear load

Rated output current for specified load power factor or power factor range - nonlinear load

Nominal frequency and frequency tolerance band

Maximum relative harmonic content of the output voltage at rated linear and nonlinear load

Maximum synchronized frequency range and maximum phase error

Rate of change of frequency when synchronizing

Permissible load unbalance (multi-phase only)

Relation between load unbalance and voltage unbalance

Phase angle displacement tolerance between line-to-line or line-to-neutral voltages (multiphase only)

Permissible range of load power factor

Output voltage transient deviation (RMS, time integral) and recovery time for a step change
in load current for both linear and nonlinear loads

Efficiency at rated load

Output fault clearing capability the rated fault clearing capability shall be given as
themaximum load protective device rating with which the equipment can co-ordinate under
fault conditions whilst still maintaining continuity of load power.

Overload capability: the overload is given by the ratio of overload current to rated output
current, which can be applied to the device for specified time values without exceeding the
established limitations under prescribed conditions of operation. The duration of overload
capability is valid after steady-state operation when rated load has resulted in thermal
equilibrium. The overload power factor shall be specified.

3-10

Systems Approach to Power Quality Mitigation Technology and Energy-Storage Demonstration

Current limit identification: if current-limiting circuits are provided in the equipment, the
voltage versus current characteristic shall be provided (if requested).

DC link energy-storage specifications


The following rated values and characteristics shall be specified for the DC link energy-storage
device (if applicable).

Nominal DC voltage
Nominal DC current
Isolation of DC link from input and/or output
Grounding conditions of DC link
Type of energy storage
Joule rating of usable stored energy
Stored energy time
Restored energy time
Nominal DC charging voltage and tolerance band
Charging current limit value or range
DC voltage ripple-current or voltage
DC undervoltage and/or overvoltage charging protection levels
Charging regime (that is, constant voltage, constant current, boost or equalization capability,
two-state charging)
Protective device ratings, type, and number
Protection requirements (remote energy storage)
Cable voltage drop recommendations (remote energy storage)

By-pass switch specification


For switches that are not regarded as integrated parts of the equipment, such as transfer switches
and tie switches, the following values and characteristics shall be specified by the
manufacturer/supplier:

Normal service conditions

Continuous duty

Automatic or manual by-pass

3-11

Systems Approach to Power Quality Mitigation Technology and Energy-Storage Demonstration

General Ambient Service Conditions


Normal environmental and climatic service conditions
Equipment that complies with this standard shall be capable of withstanding the conditions
defined in this subclause, unless other values are agreed between manufacturer/supplier and
purchaser.
Altitude
The device conforming to this standard shall be designed to operate under rated conditions at a
height up to and including 1000 meters above sea level.
NOTE - The manufacturer can state on request a necessary derating of equipment to be
applied at a height exceeding 1000 meters.
Ambient service temperature
The equipment shall be able to operate under rated conditions in a minimum temperature range
from 0 C to + 40 C, except for indoor office ambient temperature range from +10 C to +35C.
NOTE - Using the equipment at the limit of the above-mentioned ranges guarantees
operation, but may affect the effective life of certain components, in particular, the life
endurance of the energy-storage device and its stored energy time. Refer to the
manufacturer for details on life limitations.
Relative humidity
The device shall be designed for a minimum ambient relative humidity range from 20% to 80%
(non-condensing).

Ambient Storage and Transportation Conditions


The equipment shall be able to be stored non-operating in the conditions defined in this
subclause, if no other conditions are given by the manufacturer's instructions.
NOTE - Storage duration may be limited because of recharging requirements of the
energy-storage device (if applicable). The manufacturer states these requirements on
request.

3-12

Systems Approach to Power Quality Mitigation Technology and Energy-Storage Demonstration

Altitude
The equipment shall be able to be transported by pressurized aircraft up to 15,000 meters above
sea-level in normal shipping containers or packages for a flight duration of maximum 16 hours.
Normal storage height shall not exceed 1000 meters above sea-level.
Transportation and storage temperature
The equipment shall be transportable in its normal shipping container, for example by aircraft or
by truck, in a minimum ambient temperature range from -25 C to +55 C. For stationary storage
within a building, the minimum temperature range shall be from -25 C to +55 C.
Relative humidity
During transportation and storage in its normal shipping container, the unit shall withstand
relative humidity from 20 % up to 95 %. The shipping container shall be designed adequately,
unless dry ambient conditions are guaranteed. Adequate warning labels shall mark containers
not designed for wet ambient conditions.
Unusual service conditions
The specification of the power quality mitigation device shall identify any deviations from the
normal service conditions including:

Damaging fumes

Moisture

Dust

Abrasive dust

Steam

Explosive mixtures of dust or gases

Salt air

Weather or dripping water

Extreme changes in temperature

Cooling water containing acid or impurities that may cause scale, sludge, electrolysis, or
corrosion of the converter parts exposed to the water

Strong electromagnetic fields

Radio-active levels above those of the natural background

Fungus, insects, vermin

Restriction of ventilation
3-13

Systems Approach to Power Quality Mitigation Technology and Energy-Storage Demonstration

Radiated or conducted heat from other sources

Battery service conditions

Mechanical Conditions to be Identified


The specifications of the power quality mitigation device shall identify any special mechanical
conditions including:

Exposure to abnormal vibration, shocks, tilting, or earthquakes

Special transportation or storage

Space and weight limitations

Safety Instructions and Documentation


If it is necessary to take special precautions to avoid the introduction of hazards when operating,
installing, maintaining, transporting, or storing the power quality mitigation equipment, the
manufacturer shall make available the necessary instructions to the user. The manufacturer shall
provide the user with guidance on the level of competence necessary for installation, for
example:

Operator installable: any equipment that can be safely installed by the operator.
Service personnel installable: any equipment not installed when delivered to the user, which
requires technical skill to complete the installation.

The manufacturer shall provide the user with guidance on the level of competence necessary to
operate the equipment, such as:

Can be operated by an individual with no previous experience.

Can be operated by individuals with previous training.

Equipment Safety
Maintenance isolation provision
All energized terminals, including AC, DC, and control-voltage exposed points shall be insulated
or enclosed to ensure the safety of maintenance personnel. Warning signs shall also be installed
to indicate those terminals, which are energized when the equipment is bypassed.
Emergence power off (EMO) switch
The EMO switch shall be separate from the equipment and shall disconnect all breakers,
including energy storage, input, output, and bypass breakers, when activated.

3-14

Systems Approach to Power Quality Mitigation Technology and Energy-Storage Demonstration

Audible Noise
The amount of noise that is generated varies greatly from one system to another. Depending on
the importance of noise level, any additional soundproofing or special enclosure for noise
reduction should be specified.

Optional Items
The specification should include any optional item that may be required for the power quality
mitigation equipment. A list of possible optional items includes:

Microprocessor-based diagnostics

Remote communication

Instrumentation and control panel

Power quality monitoring instrument

Alarm controls

Remote monitor panel

Bid Evaluation and Contract Negotiation


Requests for Proposals
Requests for proposals (RFPs) from potential suppliers should list the selected parameters and
provide the information called for in the specification section. The RFP should also request or
provide the information on the items described in this section.
Reliability
Reliability data will consist of data on mean-time-between-failure (MTBF) and mean-time-torepair (MTTR). If the MTBF is to be substantiated by field data, there should be enough sites on
which data is taken over an extended period of time (more than two years) for the results to be
meaningful. The supplier should then state the number of sites, duration of operational time, and
types of units.
Maintenance
There are three basic maintenance strategies the user may select from:

All maintenance to be done by the equipment supplier or its service representatives.

All maintenance to be done by service personnel employed by or contracted to the user.

3-15

Systems Approach to Power Quality Mitigation Technology and Energy-Storage Demonstration

User-service personnel to handle the regular maintenance and the majority of failure
incidents, with the supplier to handle incidents beyond the capability of the user-service
personnel.

The RFP should state the selected strategy, and, if strategy 1 or 3 is chosen, the maximum
permissible time between notification of a trouble and when the supplier service personnel are to
arrive. When selecting the strategy, consider whether the supplier will provide telephone
consultation service with full-time backup.
Strategies 2 and 3 imply training of the user personnel by the supplier. If so, the supplier should
state:

What training courses are available and what they cover.

The background level required of the personnel attending the courses.

When and where the courses will be offered.

The length of the courses.

Additional costs.

If possible, in addition to theory and inspection of the equipment, the maintenance courses
should provide simulation of maintenance problems and procedures for their resolution. Note
that very valuable experience for the maintenance personnel may be had during the installation
and acceptance testing of the system.
Maintenance documentation supporting the system, required especially with strategies 2 and 3,
should include the following:

Recommended on-site spare parts, showing quantity and part number.

Recommended on-site test equipment, be they unique supplier-provided devices or standard


off-the-shelf units.

Scheduled maintenance procedures and how often they are to be performed.

Recommended fault-isolation procedures, starting with the symptoms to the resolution.

Checks, adjustments, and replacement procedures.

Physical layout, identifying components.

Parts list.

Wiring diagrams and schematics.

Intercabling diagrams.

Operating procedures.

Theory of operation, as required to understand operating and maintenance procedures.

3-16

Systems Approach to Power Quality Mitigation Technology and Energy-Storage Demonstration

The documentation should be available during the training period to familiarize the personnel
with its contents.
Operation
The maintenance personnel will operate many installations, so the training and documentation
would be the same. If the user plans to employ separate operating personnel, the RFP should
state whether special training and documentation are required.
Single-point failures
The supplier should be requested to define any potential single-point failures within the
equipment. A single-point failure is a failure caused by a non-redundant critical circuit that,
upon its failure, would cause the entire system to malfunction because it affected the entire
system.
System ground constraints
The supplier should identify any unique ground constraints the system will impose over and
above the standard grounding techniques. Included in this is recognition of possible conflicts
between earth ground, utility or other power source grounds, equipment ground, and the power
and signal grounds in the critical load.
Warranties
The RFP should request the supplier to specify the warranties on all portions of the power quality
mitigation equipment system and the conditions incumbent upon the user to maintain them.
Codes
The user should identify and, if they are not readily available, provide as part of the RFP the
electrical, structural, and safety codes incumbent upon the proposed installation and site by local
and/or national regulations.
Contracts
Documents of understanding, terms and conditions, and/or contracts between all concerned
parties should be identified or requested. Such documents should specify performance bond,
insurance, and penalty requirements, as well as responsibilities and accountabilities. Appendix C
is a suggested checklist, showing possible assignments of responsibilities.

3-17

Systems Approach to Power Quality Mitigation Technology and Energy-Storage Demonstration

Schedules
The supplier should be requested to define the schedule for the following:

Approval of drawings and specifications.

Acceptance testing at suppliers plant.

Delivery and installation.

Total system acceptance testing at users site.

Critical Criteria for Evaluating Competitive Bids


Advance planning for the RFP evaluation process
The team leader should be responsible for determining the manner in which the evaluation of the
proposal should be conducted and the method for selecting the most responsive bidder, taking
into consideration prices and other best-value evaluation criteria listed in the proposal. In
reaching a determination, the project team should identify the significant points in the RFP to
evaluate and assign relative weights to each.
An evaluation scoring matrix should be developed for use by the evaluation team members. The
matrix becomes the scoring worksheet to be completed by each evaluation team member.
The pre-proposal (RFP) conference
It is highly recommended that the project manager schedule a pre-proposal conference. The preproposal conference provides an opportunity to:

Review the requirements.

Facilitate a clear understanding.

Promote competition.

If a pre-proposal conference is conducted, modifications to the RFP may result. Prior to the
actual conference, the project manager should meet with the team members who are responsible
for answering questions or entering discussions related to the acquisition. The meeting is used to
coordinate participation and establish ground rules so that the pre-proposal conference is
conducted in an organized, meaningful, and professional manner. It is also used to ensure that the
team members are working together to better serve the needs of the company.
The conference is a meeting of potential bidders, the company, and the companys technical
representatives. The RFP outlines administrative instructions specifying a reasonable time that
should allow as many as possible to be present. The date is usually set for about 10 days after
potential bidders have received the RFP. The administrative point of contact and location of the
pre-proposal conference is included in the RFP cover.
3-18

Systems Approach to Power Quality Mitigation Technology and Energy-Storage Demonstration

Site visits
Some projects will necessitate a site visit by bidders, such as those with installation
requirements. The point of contact for arranging a site visit is included in the RFP cover. A
general site orientation walk through may be appropriate for the pre-proposal conference with
a site visit scheduled later.
Bid evaluation
The evaluation of bids should be lead by the project manager who serves as the team leader of
the evaluation team. The evaluation team is typically a multidisciplined team that will usually
incorporate personnel from the utility, customer, and EPRI. The project manager sets the tone
through the evaluation team briefing. The project manager is responsible for: tabulating
evaluation scores, calculating values, and finally doing one of the following:

Recommending an award.

Coordinating follow-up meetings for Best and Final Offer.

Discontinuing the process.

Before individual bidder evaluations begin, the project manager should hold an evaluation
briefing with all the evaluation team members. They should be instructed on their responsibilities
including the critical nature of their non-disclosures to the integrity of the evaluation process.
The project manager should review all evaluation criteria and explain how the process will work.
It should be emphasized that team members should not discuss the proposals until the individual
evaluations are completed.
The project manager makes the determination if the bidder is responsive or non-responsive. If
the bidder does not make their proposal responsive, the proposal is eliminated from further
consideration. The RFP should include sufficient explanation and documentation to satisfy an
audit inquiry or a protest.
All team members should adhere to the established scoring criteria and instructions provided by
the project manager. Each was team member should act independently in reviewing and
evaluating each proposal. Team members should discuss their specific questions with the project
manager but not discuss their evaluation of the proposals with other team members until after the
first bid review.
Proposals should be distributed by the project manager to each evaluation member and returned
when the evaluation is completed. All evaluations should be summarized and presented to the
entire evaluation team for discussion. Scores represent an average finding of the evaluation team.
Following the initial review, the proposals should be evaluated based on the criteria developed
by the team members. Review criteria typically include three major items: (1) technical
capabilities, (2) work plan and schedule, and (3) economic analysis. Each major item then
3-19

Systems Approach to Power Quality Mitigation Technology and Energy-Storage Demonstration

receives a score between zero and six, which represents how well the bidder meets the criteria.
For example, 0-1 represent Minimally addressed requirements, 2-4 represents Meets
requirements, and 5-6 represents Exceeds requirements.
Within each three major criteria, several sub criteria may also be included. For example,
technical capabilities sub criteria may include:

Experience with power quality mitigation equipment with commercial clients.

Does the bidder demonstrate experience with clients similar to the size and scope required in
the RFP?

How clearly does the bidder detail this information?

To what extent do the references reflect technical ability?

Did the bidder provide sufficient detail to determine ability?

Technical reference checks.

Years of experience (minimum of three consecutive years).

Experience relates to the amount of time in providing the RFP service requirements, not
necessarily the time the business has been in operation.
Workplan and schedule sub criteria may include:

Completeness of descriptive narrative work plan.

Did the narrative sufficiently explain how work will be performed, identify staff, time lines,
equipment, supplies, subcontract supervision, strategies, reporting, overall quality of the
work plan?

Was the plan well organized and presented in a clear, concise, and logical manner?

Did the bidder provide sufficient detail and insight to the responsibilities?

Is the work plan clearly and explicitly defined?

Was the plan well organized and presented in a clear concise and logical manner?

Does the workplan explicitly explain how services are to be provided?

Extent of quality control, emergency procedures, and thoroughness.

Did the bidder reflect quality standards to be utilized and describe policies or procedures for
implementation?

Did the bidder clearly outline and discuss emergency contingency plans?

Are on-site tests and inspections included to verify facts presented in the proposal, whether
stated in the RFP or not?

Has the bidder agreed to allow access to their premises to very proposal offering

3-20

Systems Approach to Power Quality Mitigation Technology and Energy-Storage Demonstration

Economic analysis sub criteria may include:

Present value of the after tax cash flow.

Financial option evaluation such as lease versus purchase terms.

Comparing Life Cycle Costs for Competing Bids


An adequate economic comparison between competing power quality mitigation devices requires
an analysis of all of the costs incurred over the entire life-cycle of the equipment. In addition to
the purchase price of the device and related equipment, this includes all of the material and labor
costs required to obtain and install the equipment and put it into operation, plus all of the costs to
operate and maintain the equipment during the entire time it is expected to be in service.
The best way to determine which is the most economical system is to perform a detailed
analysis. There are no rules of thumb that will consistently and accurately predict the outcome
of an analysis. The following is an outline of elements typically included in total life-cycle cost.
The items marked with a check ( ) are the most significant items.
Procurement expenses:

Project engineering expenses of selecting and specifying the equipment.

Purchasing department expenses.

Freight and receiving expenses.

Cost of equipment and installation materials:

Controller, options, and accessories.

( ) Power quality mitigation equipment.

Operator interface equipment.

Supervisory control equipment.

Machine interface equipment.

( ) Transformer and other power distribution equipment.

( ) Wire, cable, conduit, and so on.

( ) Installation and commissioning expenses


( ) Operating expenses:

Electric power.

Periodic maintenance.

Planned downtime.

Unplanned downtime.

Repair.

Spare and/or replacement parts and equipment.


3-21

Systems Approach to Power Quality Mitigation Technology and Energy-Storage Demonstration

Analysis method
The net present value (NPV) method of investment is used for analyzing the life-cycle cost of
power quality mitigation systems. The NPV method of investment evaluations accounts for the
time value of money by discounting all cash flows to present value using the required rate of
return. NPV can be presented by the following formula.

At
NPV =
t
1
t =0 ( + r )
n

Where
At

cash flow for the period

equipment life in years

required rate of return

After the cash flow for competing systems has been transformed to NPV, a comparative analysis
could be done to assess the life-cycle cost of the system.

Contract Negotiation
A negotiations/discussion session should be held pending approval of award recommendation.
Before a negotiation session, the project manager should develop the agenda and make
assignments of specific areas or categories for which each individual team member will develop
questions and discussion objectives.
The activities of the session are directed to clarify or verify the bidders written proposal. The
bidders answers should be restricted to statements of facts. Technical discussion is encouraged,
and the bidder may change a proposal to make it compliant with the requirement or make it
more attractive through additional inducements that may enhance the bidders score in the
evaluation areas specified in the RFP.
The bidder may make changes during discussions. These changes are formalized in the content
of the best and final offer request sent to all qualified bidders. Extreme care should be taken to
preclude allowing the advertised requirement to be materially modified (significant alterations of
specifications). Care should also be taken to ensure the equality established for all bidders is not
destroyed through the discussion or response clarification process.
During the evaluation process, the team members may need certain questions answered, which
may be asked during the negotiation/discussion period. It is the responsibility of the project
manager to forward those questions to the respective bidders to be answered during the
discussion session. If answers to the questions facilitate the evaluation team process, the bidder
may be invited to make an oral presentation to explain the offer and answer questions before the
entire evaluation group. Such presentations should be restricted to gathering of information.
3-22

Systems Approach to Power Quality Mitigation Technology and Energy-Storage Demonstration

An important basis for the negotiation/discussion period is to address the non-compliant issues in
the proposal; satisfy the need for clarification and understanding of the information provided in
the bidders proposal; identify requirements contained in the RFP that should be changed in
order to allow viable best and final offers; and eliminate requirements that could result in
excessive costs. This should be done in an impartial and objective manner.
In addition, the negotiation/discussion period may be used to identify elements of cost or
requirements that may not be necessary to solve the problem described in the technical
specification.
The project manager may include in each addendum to the RFP a list of concessions or changes
to the response agreed to by the bidders during discussions. This list will facilitate bidder
verification of changes made to a proposal that made it acceptable and hopefully preclude
inadvertent retention of any issues that could disqualify the best and final offer (BAFO). While
the BAFO will, to a degree, be tailored to individual bidders, care should be taken that all bidders
remain on the same competitive level and are proposing to substantially and materially the same
conditions and requirements.
The bidder who receives the best total aggregate score by the evaluation team is recommended
for award of the contract.

3-23

4
PROJECT MANAGEMENT

Establishing Roles and Responsibilities, and Preparing the MOU


As discussed in Section 3, the first step in any power quality mitigation technology project is to
conduct a power quality audit to identify the power quality problem that potentially can be
solved using the power quality mitigation equipment and to clearly state the problem in a clear
concise format. For example, a problem statement might be, We are experiencing random
system disturbances associated with voltage sags that result in sensitive electronic equipment
shutting down. After defining the problem, the next step is to assemble the project team that
will be responsible for identifying all the feasible alternatives for solving the power quality
problem.
The management of the power quality mitigation project should be based on the project team
concept. Normally, a project team is organized by a project manager, identified early in the
problem-definition and budget-formulation phases, when it appears certain that a specific project
is required to meet a corporate power quality objective. All team members report functionally to
the project manager, who is assigned the responsibility, accountability, and authority for the
overall management of the project. Team member assignments are typically documented on a
project team roster. The project team roster shows typical functional areas assigned to project
team members. Many projects will not require full-time participation of the identified team
members, while other projects may require full-time support of specialized team members for
short periods. As a minimum, the project team should include the equivalent roles of a project
manager, project analyst, finance officer, scheduler, and cost estimator. In some cases, the team
member may fill multiple roles.
Before project initiation, the project manager should divide the project into a series of more
detailed tasks called the work breakdown structure (WBS). The WBS defines lower-level
elements and more detailed scopes of work required to solve the identified problem. Once the
WBS is developed, more detailed planning is possible because uncertainties and assumptions
used to develop the forecast baseline during the program-development phase are resolved
through studies and decisions made during the intervening period. The project manager, along
with other members of the project team, should ensure that the WBS is product-oriented and
structured in accordance in which the work is managed and the individual responsibilities.
Once the project team has been assembled and the feasible power quality mitigation alternatives
have been selected, the project manager should prepare a memorandum of understanding
(MOU). The purpose of the MOU is to define the roles and responsibilities of all parties
involved in the project. The following elements of the MOU may be used as an example.
4-1

Project Management

Memorandum of Understanding
Definitions

Project Management defines the role of an individual or organization in coordinating overall


work activities, combining and analyzing data and findings, and issuing monthly and final
reports and minutes of all meetings.

System Analysis defines the process of reviewing the application of the power quality
mitigation device from the standpoint of its impact on connected and connecting elements,
the process product, and the operating system as a whole.

Steering Committee - The purpose of the steering committee is to overview and provide
direction and council to the project team. The committee will review and approve all major
decisions. Any member of the steering committee will have the right of veto in regard to a
decision. All decisions must have unanimous approval of the steering committee. The
steering committee will consist of a representative from all parties involved including the
EPRI project manager.

System Integration defines the process of effectively applying the power quality mitigation
device as part of an overall cost/benefit, reliability, and performance enhancement project
goal. System integration considers overall system process impacts as well as process
benefits.

Project Team defines the member organizations and individuals comprising the team. The
team should include participation by all stakeholder organizations including the end user,
conditioning equipment manufacturer, installation team, and EPRI.

Purpose
The purpose of this memorandum is to describe the roles and responsibilities of the project team
members. The team is charged with bringing together the required expertise and resources to
provide and install power quality mitigation device. The project will identify issues and benefits
that occur from using the power quality mitigation device, thereby promoting market
transformation for the technology introduction.
The cooperation is to include non-confidential information exchange on equipment operation
before and after the installation of the power quality mitigation device. Measurements will be
taken to determine the degree of effectiveness in avoiding production process impact due to
power quality events.
The represented parties have mutual interest in the successful application of energy storage to
protect manufacturing processes. The energy storage will permit the process to continue
operating through brief voltage sags and voltage interruptions.

4-2

Project Management

Understanding
To accomplish the desired cooperation, each party will have a specific role in completing tasks
as outlined by the defined statement of work. The objective of the work is to demonstrate the
performance of the power quality mitigation device under monitored field conditions. The roles
defined for each team member are as follows:
Member Utility
The member utility will provide project funding for monitoring equipment, site coordination
management, and EPRI services through an EPRI tailored collaboration (TC) project agreement
and will provide an individual to serve on the project team and steering committee. Details of
the project activities to be completed by the member utility are as follows:

Provide system information.

Identify the host demonstration site.

Provide site coordination management.

Gather information on the application that may be used in conjunction with the electrical
performance measures.

Contribute information for the EPRI report.

Facilitate project workshop and production of an Innovators.

End-Use Customer Team


The end-use customer will provide an individual to serve on the project steering committee and
provide a site for the installation of the new power quality mitigation device. Detailed
contribution to the project will be as follows:

Provide system information.

Install the power quality mitigation device.

Provide access to site for installation and service.

Provide a data service telephone line.

Provide local assistance with data collection.

Allow reasonable access to the installation for interested observers.

Assist with the economic information.

Contribute to the project report.

Power Quality Mitigation Device Manufacturer


The power quality mitigation device manufacturer will provide the following information on the
power quality mitigation equipment:
4-3

Project Management

Provide detailed specification.

Supply equipment that meets the specification requirement

Arrange witness testing at manufacturers site.

Assist with startup.

Assist with information collection and review.

Contribute specialized sections of the EPRI report covering the power quality mitigation
device design.

Contribute to the production of EPRI Publications.

EPRI Role
EPRI will act as overall project manager for the project and will maintain control of the project
budget. EPRI will:

Manage the project.

Publish a report and Innovators.

Facilitate a workshop.

Engineering Consulting Team


The engineering consulting team will be responsible for the overall technical project
management, data collection, data analysis and facilitate project review meetings and provide
meeting agendas and histories. The engineering consulting team will also be responsible for:

Project schedules.
Project budget monitoring.
Ordering instruments.
MOUs.
Collect data before and after the power quality mitigation device installation.
Data analysis.
Writing the project final report and tech transfer documents.
Integrate comments into the report.

Statement of Work
Background

4-4

Discussion on the power quality problem impacting the customer.


Overview of the proposed power quality mitigation device

Project Management

Objectives

To demonstrate the performance of the power quality mitigation device under controlled field
conditions.

To quantify the cost-benefit analysis associated with the retrofit of the power quality
mitigation device to an existing industrial power system.

To prepare a comparative analysis with competing solutions both at MV and LV.

To demonstrate the benefits in terms of the reduced number of events at the chosen site.

To identify broad and generic assessment of the site that can be published.

To determine the system benefits from the power quality mitigation system:

To establish a methodology for the demonstration of the new system.

To provide transfer of technical information on the project to EPRI members through:

One-day Workshop

Project Innovator

EPRI Technical Report


Tasks

Task 1 :

Project technical coordination.

Task 2 :

Preparing specification, RFP, bid evaluation, developing factory witness testing


plan.

Task 3 :

Engineering instructions for installation and site preparation and coordinate


system commissioning at the end-user facility.

Task 4:

Developing plan for pre- and post- monitoring for performance verification

Task 5:

Data collection and data analysis

Task 6:

Final report and associated EPRI tech transfer documents.

4-5

Project Management

Agreement
Based on the operational needs of each team member, the team will establish and define a
mutually agreeable schedule for completion of the work. The Agreement set forth in this
Memorandum of Understanding is not binding on the parties, but every reasonable means will be
used to carry out the intent of the Memorandum of Understanding.
Accepted this _____________ day of __________________ , 2000 by:
[List Parties to this Agreement]

Establishing Time Line and Schedule


The project schedule or timeline is based on the WBS and is a series of tasks with duration and
interrelationships within a specified period. A baseline schedule is developed within the
framework of the WBS and in a hierarchical manner such that those activities at the lowest level
of the hierarchy can be summarized and traced through successively higher levels.
Along with a project timeline, the project costs are estimated at the lowest level of the WBS. The
project team estimator, based upon the following information, should develop the cost estimates
based on the (1) scope of work, (2) work breakdown structure, (3) schedule, (4) participants, and
(5) project assumptions. The project manager should validate the schedule against the work
breakdown structure and project deliverables.
The customer or end user should be part of the project planning team. Getting the end user
involved in the decision process early in the planning stages will assure that all important issues
involved in satisfying the project needs are meet. In addition, the end user should be involved in
developing the WBS and the schedule to make sure the project is coordinated with the
production requirements of the end user. Example project schedule milestone chart is shown in
Table 4-1.
Table 4-1
Project Schedule Milestone Chart

Project Task Description


1. Initial customer contact
2. Level 1 PQ Audit
3. Level II PQ Audit
4. Preparing Equipment Specification
5. Preparing RFP
6. Evaluating RFP and Awarding Bid
7. Equipment Manufacture
8. Factory Acceptance Testing
9. Installation, Commissioning and Start-up
10. Performance Verification
11. EPRI Final Report and Tech Transfer

4-6

Weeks From Start


1-2
3-4
5-8
9-10
11-12
13-16
17-28
29-30
31-35
36- 60
61- 68

Duration in Weeks
2
2
4
2
2
4
12
2
5
25
8

Project Management

Manpower Requirement
The manpower requirements identifies the resources required for each task as outlined in the
work breakdown structure and the project milestone chart shown in Table 4-1 and agreed to in
the MOU. Each member of the project team identified in the MOU should determine the
required resources necessary to accomplish the desired tasks given the project schedule. It may
be necessary to refine the manpower requirements during the project lifecycle depending on the
progress made toward accomplishing the tasks and schedule. The manpower requirements will
also change depending on the task.

Finalizing Budget
Once the Work Breakdown Structure is finalized, the financial plan should be prepared that
provides the monetary authorizations and allotment of funds for obligations by fiscal period. The
Financial Plan authorizes project funding and work should not proceed until the Financial Plan is
approved by all parties involved. The schedule of budget disbursements in the Financial Plan
should correspond to the milestone task discussed earlier.
The Project Manager and the finance staff is responsible for preparing the funds status report for
each task. The report shows amounts authorized for projects based upon the Financial Plan and
all internal funding currently allocated through work orders. The work orders are budgeted based
upon the control account plan for a project. The funds status report is a mechanism to help keep a
project from becoming over-spent.

4-7

5
INSTALLATION, ACCEPTANCE TESTING, AND
PERFORMANCE MONITORING PLAN

Site Preparation and Installation Checklist


The actual installation should be coordinated with the site preparation, such as heating,
ventilation and/or air conditioning, and equipment deliveries. Parts of the electrical installation
may have to be done prior to the placement of the power quality mitigtaion system, with the
balance completed after placement of the units. The entire installation should be in full
compliance with the applicable codes, regulations, drawings, and specifications.

Safety
Electrical safety is the overriding concern of all electrical design work. All other aspects of the
job should be of secondary importance to this issue of safety. Safety is basically governed by the
electrical codes and standards as adopted by the government agencies, commercial entities, and
good judgement on the part of designer.

Site Safety
The location of power quality mitigation device will be influenced by many factors.
Environment
Temperature

The maximum ambient temperature of the room is a limiting factor established by the
components in the equipment. It is desirable to maintain a lower temperature than the maximum
to provide thermal margins for overload and system reliability. The lower temperature limit is
established to avoid system adjustments caused by component drift characteristics. Sudden
temperature swings should be avoided.

5-1

Installation, Acceptance Testing, and Performance Monitoring Plan

Ventilation

Maximum-load heat losses should be requested from the supplier, because the losses affect the
ambient temperature and, thus, ventilation requirements. Consideration of future expansion
should be given in planning the ventilation system.
The particular mitigation equipment design and heat rating will establish the need for ducting
and/or exhaust fans to remove hot air from the room. Where ducting may not be required, there
can be a requirement on ceiling height to allow for air exhaust from the equipment (if applicable)
into the room. The supplier should be requested to state such requirements.
Acoustics

The supplier should be requested to provide typical ambient noise levels at all faces of the
equipment. Ambient noise levels in the installation site depend not only on the generated noise,
but on other factors, such as wall absorption and reflection. The users acoustical requirements
and/or local codes will establish the need for insulation and soundproofing materials to reduce
the noise levels.
Floor Loading, Space, and Accessibility
The weight of the power quality mitigation system may require special structural considerations.
The floor loading of the units should be requested from the supplier, and the requirements of the
codes applicable to site location should be adhered to.
Movement of the equipment to the installed location, physical space required, and access to the
units should be considered. Additional room height may be required for cabling space, ducting,
and/or ventilation. The layout drawings should show these dimensions.
The storage space for the test equipment and spare parts should permit quick access by
maintenance personnel; preferably, the space should be part of the equipment room. Locked
rooms or cabinets should provide adequate security.
Other Considerations
Further, consideration should be given to:
1. Growth.
2. Lightning protection.
3. Earthquake conditions, including using earthquake-proof construction if required.

5-2

Installation, Acceptance Testing, and Performance Monitoring Plan

Power Distribution System


The power-distribution system is the basic starting point for planning the entire installation. A
preliminary single-line electrical system diagram as shown in Figure 5-1 should be prepared.
Existing and proposed equipment, power source(s), impedances, voltages, transformer locations,
and other electrical planning details should be shown, together with considered alternatives. The
requirements of the codes applicable to the site location should be adhered to.
Branch
Feeder

Alternate
Source

NonSensitive

Reclosing Circuit
Breaker
15 MVA

2 MVA

Large
Motors

Critical
Load

Distribution
Feeder
Utility Substation

Fuse

Customer
Service
Entrance

NonCritical
Load

Figure 5-1
Example One-Line Diagram1

The single-line diagram showing the basic system components and configuration should be used
to develop a connection diagram for the equipment and the associated power system. This
diagram, in conjunction with detailed specifications, should define the electrical requirements in
sufficient detail to enable interpretation, procurement, and installation of the complete system.
The connection diagram should show the types, power ratings, voltages, impedances, insulation
levels, and approximate locations of all interfacing transformers. The ratings, overcurrentprotective characteristics, and proposed locations of supporting (building) switchgear and
feeders, whether existing or new, should be included.
Interconnecting electrical cables, specified as copper or aluminum, conduit, electrical metallic
tubing, and/or wireway should be sized and used in accordance with the applicable codes. Lowimpedance busway may be used to achieve maximum installation flexibility in lieu of cable or
conduit, in some cases. Where interconnecting distances are large, busway of this type can be
used to keep the voltage drop to a minimum. The size and routing of all cable or busway runs
should be selected to keep the voltage drop to a practical minimum. All cable and busway
termination information for the equipment, transformers, switchgear, panel boards, battery, and
so on should be given to the suppliers to ensure compatibility.
1

Active Power Line Conditioning Technologies Application Guide Volume 1, TR 106535.

5-3

Installation, Acceptance Testing, and Performance Monitoring Plan

Circuit Protection
After the distribution system is defined, overcurrent-protective devices and switchgear
comprising circuit breakers, fusible switches, and disconnects may be specified. The short-circuit
ratings can be derived from the connected source transformer and conductor capacity and
impedance parameters. The impedance of the input power source, be it from utility mains, a total
energy system, or other type of generator, should be obtained for use in determining the input
voltage harmonics and maximum available short-circuit current at the input terminals of the
power quality mitigation equipment. The total impedance would include the sum of the
impedances of local building substation transformers, the voltage conditioning transformer (if
any), and the interconnecting feeders.
Specific circuit-breaker-fault-trip ratings and conventional or current-limiting fuse characteristics
should be reviewed and chosen to provide the maximum selectivity possible. Care should be
taken to ensure that the circuit breakers and/or fuses selected for the distribution or branch circuit
panel boards are capable of safely interrupting fault currents. Faults should be localized enough
to prevent the mitigation equipment from current limiting or the bypass circuit breakers or fuses
from opening. Whenever fusible devices are used, they should be the type that opens or clears all
poles of the switch when one or more of the fuses open.

Factory Acceptance Testing Plan


The acceptance tests to be performed at the supplier's plant should be of sufficient scope and
depth to ensure that the design and performance characteristics are within the limits outlined in
the specification. The tests should include, at a minimum, the parameters in the following
categories.

Visual Inspection
The unit and components should be visually inspected to see that the cabinets are of adequate
strength to withstand the stresses of transportation and installation. Components should be of
high quality and properly mounted to assure mechanical security and adequate heat transfer. The
wiring should be of the proper rating, properly terminated, and secured to prevent damage.

Output Voltage Regulation


Output voltage regulation should be demonstrated under the following conditions:

Loss of input AC power, if batteries are available.

Load changes.

Load current unbalances.

Input voltage and, if possible, frequency variations.

Fault in one paralleled inverter.

5-4

Installation, Acceptance Testing, and Performance Monitoring Plan

Disconnecting and connecting one paralleled power module.

Transfers to and from bypass operation.

Ambient temperature variations. If necessary, heat-run data on similar design units may be
acceptable.

Bypass Switch
Performance of the bypass switching and synchronizing circuitry should be shown in various
modes:

Manual switchover.

Automatic switchover, such as simulating an inverter failure.

Switchover inhibitions.

In addition, a combination of any number of the following tests should be conducted based on
the type of power quality mitigation technology:

Load tests.

Transfer tests.

Synchronization tests.

Efficiency tests.

Load imbalance tests.

Overload capability tests.

Harmonic loading tests.

Voltage sag performance tests.

On-Site Start-up and Acceptance Testing Plan


The range of final acceptance tests of the complete mitigation system installation at the users site
is limited by the availability of suitable test equipment at the users site. Visual inspection upon
receipt of the unit is the first priority. The system as a whole and the components should be
checked to verify if there is any sign of visual damage that may have happened during shipment
of the unit. Following is a list of start-up tests that can be considered for a power quality
mitigation system.

5-5

Installation, Acceptance Testing, and Performance Monitoring Plan

Dummy Load Tests (If Available)


Output voltage regulation
Output voltage regulation should be demonstrated under the following conditions:

Loss of input AC power.

Load changes.

Load current unbalances.

Input voltage and, if possible, frequency variations. *

Transfers to and from bypass operation.

Energy storage
The energy-storage unit (if applicable) should be discharged (and recharged) for the specified
duration at full load at least twice. Output AC voltage regulation of the unit should be monitored
throughout all cycles.
Bypass switch
Performance of the bypass switching and synchronizing circuitry should be shown in various
modes:

Manual switchover.

Automatic switchover, such as simulating an inverter failure.

Switchover inhibitions.

Forced switchover to utility mains during momentary overload.

Instrumentation, controls, and indicators


Satisfactory operation of all meters, controls, and indicators, visual and aural, should be verified.
System ground
The integrity of the system ground may be ensured by following the applicable codes and
regulations, the supplier recommendations, and established procedures.

The E-G may provide the means of showing the effect of input frequency variations on output voltage regulation.

5-6

Installation, Acceptance Testing, and Performance Monitoring Plan

Serviceability
The supplier should demonstrate the service aids and supplier-furnished equipment.

Live Load Tests


Having satisfactorily tested the system with a dummy load, the user may now connect the load
system to the power quality mitigation equipment output power distribution system. The intent
of following test guides is to record and minimize the transients that may occur during total
system operation.
Output voltage regulation
Specified output voltage parameters should be maintained under the following conditions:

Loss of input AC power.

Dynamic load changes that may be created by cycling off and on part of the load.

Bypass switch operation


Proper system operation and output voltage parameters are maintained during both manual and
automatic switchover.
Long-term run
All facets of the system should be proper and within defined parameters during an extended
operational period of not less than 24 hours.
Safety
Compliance with all safety codes and regulations should be verified.
Environment
Previous, certified data obtained from a similar design power quality mitigation equipment may
be used to show satisfactory performance with respect to:

Temperature variations.

Humidity.

Altitude.

Acoustics.

EMC.
5-7

Installation, Acceptance Testing, and Performance Monitoring Plan

Overtemperature protection may be tested by obstructing the airflow through the unit.
Instrumentation, controls, and indicators
Satisfactory operation of all meters, controls, and indicators, visual and aural, should be verified.

Performance Monitoring and Data Analysis Plan


One key aspect of a demonstration project is to adequately quantify the performance of the
power quality mitigation device under field conditions. Monitoring both the line side and load
side of the power quality mitigation device is essential for accurately quantifying the impact of
the device on the electrical system and end-use load. The key aspect of any performancemonitoring program is monitoring and database management.
For the monitoring aspect, IEEE Std. 1159-1995 Recommended Practice for Monitoring Electric
Power Quality is a good reference document for a power quality mitigation technology
demonstration project. Some key issues regarding performance monitoring are:

The number of measurement points that will be selected for the performance monitoring. In
most cases, the preferred option is to have one monitor to measure the input and output
voltages and currents simultaneously. In addition to measuring the phase conductors, the
monitor should have enough channels to measure the voltages and currents of the neutral and
ground conductors. In some cases, the DC bus voltage and some other key points within the
device may need to be monitored. For example, demonstration of a DC bus energy-storage
device for a UPS ideally requires the following monitoring points:

Three-phase voltage and current on input and output (six voltage channels and six current
channels).

Neutral and ground current and neutral-to-ground voltage on input and output (four
current channels and two voltage channels).

DC bus voltage (one voltage channel).

For effective performance verification, the functionality of the monitor needs to meet the
specific requirements of the monitoring site, such as type of expected electrical disturbances.
The monitoring equipment should be capable of monitoring the following quantities:

Voltage and current harmonics, up to the 15th harmonic at least.

Voltage sags and momentary interruptions.

Capacitor switching transients.

Lightning/load switching transients.

Steady-state voltage, current, real, apparent, and reactive power and power factor.

5-8

Installation, Acceptance Testing, and Performance Monitoring Plan

Remote data collection from the monitor using telephone line or Ethernet is the preferred
option. Because the monitoring period may extend up to a year, manual download of data is
not an effective way for collecting this data. Almost all major vendors of power quality
monitoring instruments provide capability for remote monitoring. The facility where the
monitor will be installed needs to have a telephone line or Ethernet connection available for
this purpose. If a dedicated telephone line is not available, an existing telephone line can be
used for the monitoring by using telephone-sharing devices that are readily available in the
market.

In addition to the power quality monitoring, many power quality mitigation devices may
have their own monitoring and self-diagnostic capability that may be accessed via remote
communication, either through telephone line or Ethernet. The performance verification plan
should be implemented in such a way so that all monitoring data can be correlated with a
time stamp or other method.

Monitoring database management becomes critical, especially because the amount of data
collected during a six-month or one-year monitoring period can easily exceed 1 Giga bytes.
Many power quality monitoring equipment have their own proprietary software that is a good
platform for database management. However, it is preferred that the monitoring software be
able to provide monitoring data in the PQDIF (Power Quality Data Interchange Format)
format so that data analysis can be done using an open platform such as EPRI PQ
Measurement module or any other software that can analyze PQDIF format data.

It is possible that during the performance verification project, there will be instances where
all the parties involved need to be involved to solve any hardware/performance issues during
the verification period. A chain of command needs to be established with personnel, with
responsibilities clearly defined. The key person during the performance verification period is
somebody who has day-to-day responsibility of data collection and analysis. In addition,
personnel from the customer, utility, power quality mitigation equipment vendor, and
monitoring equipment vendor need to be identified and their roles defined during this
verification period.

Data Presentation/Organization for Performance Verification


After the performance verification, the results of the performance verification need to be
compiled into a report. The report should identify the following issues:

A comprehensive analysis of any hardware/software/performance deviation that was


observed during the monitoring period. If there were any equipment problems, then the
report should identify the nature of the problem and how it was resolved.

A summary of the power quality monitoring data both from the line side and the load side of
the power quality mitigation equipment to establish the baseline performance of the
equipment.

5-9

Installation, Acceptance Testing, and Performance Monitoring Plan

Figure 5-2 through Figure 5-6 show how the monitoring data was organized and presented
during the Active Power Line Conditioner (APLC) demonstration project2 at the Museum of
Television & Radio in New York, NY. EPRI and Empire State Electric Energy Research
Corporation (ESEERCO) jointly conducted this project with Consolidated Edison Company.
This example shows an effective way of presenting performance verification data from a power
quality mitigation technology demonstration project.
126
124

Voltage (V)

122
120
Line
118

Load

116
114
112

06/28/95
09:30:58

06/25/95
13:31:57

06/21/95
20:32:35

06/19/95
06:31:26

06/17/95
13:31:07

06/15/95
08:30:39

06/13/95
01:30:27

06/11/95
03:30:27

06/06/95
04:31:25

06/03/95
21:31:59

06/01/95
05:32:46

110

Figure 5-2
Voltage Regulation Performance of PQ Mitigation Device

Line Side

Load Side

Figure 5-3
Capacitor Switching Mitigation Capability Performance of PQ Mitigation Device

EPRI Report, Active Power Line Conditioning Technologies Application Guide, TR-106535

5-10

06/28/95
09:30:58

06/25/95
13:31:57

06/21/95
20:32:35

06/19/95
06:31:26

06/17/95
13:31:07

06/15/95
08:30:39

06/13/95
01:30:27

06/11/95
03:30:27

06/06/95
04:31:25

06/03/95
21:31:59

06/01/95
05:32:46

Voltage THD (%)

06/28/95
09:30:58

06/25/95
13:31:57

06/21/95
20:32:35

06/19/95
06:31:26

06/17/95
13:31:07

06/15/95
08:30:39

06/13/95
01:30:27

06/11/95
03:30:27

06/06/95
04:31:25

06/03/95
21:31:59

06/01/95
05:32:46

Current THD (%)

Installation, Acceptance Testing, and Performance Monitoring Plan

80

70

60

50

40
Line

Load

30

20

10

Date/Time

Figure 5-4
Line-Side Harmonic Current Mitigation Capability Performance of PQ Mitigation Device

4.5

3.5

2.5
3
Line

2
Load

1.5

0.5

Date/Time

Figure 5-5
Load-Side Harmonic Voltage Mitigation Capability Performance of PQ Mitigation Device

5-11

Installation, Acceptance Testing, and Performance Monitoring Plan

1
0.9
0.8
Power Factor

0.7
0.6

Line

0.5

Load

0.4
0.3
0.2
0.1
06/28/95
10:30:59

06/25/95
14:31:58

06/21/95
21:32:35

06/19/95
07:31:18

06/17/95
14:31:08

06/15/95
09:30:40

06/13/95
02:30:28

06/11/95
04:30:28

06/06/95
05:31:25

06/03/95
22:32:00

06/01/95
06:32:38

Date/Time

Figure 5-6
Power Factor Improvement Capability Performance of PQ Mitigation Device

Line Side

Load Side

Figure 5-7
Voltage Sag Mitigation Capability Performance of PQ Mitigation Device

Maintenance Considerations
Maintenance is essential to proper operation. The installation should be designed so that building
personnel can perform most of the maintenance with a minimum need for specialized services.
Design details should provide proper space and accessibility so that equipment can be
maintained without difficulty and excessive cost.
It is generally accepted that equipment with moving parts requires periodic maintenance in order
to assure reliable operation. Such items as cleaning, lubrication, and adjustments for wear are
common upkeep of mechanical equipment. What may not be obvious is that power electronic
5-12

Installation, Acceptance Testing, and Performance Monitoring Plan

equipment require periodic maintenance as well. A proper schedule of periodic inspections will
enhance the equipments reliable operation.
The following list outlines some of the operations that are performed during preventive
maintenance of a power quality mitigation equipment:

Check security of all electrical connections.

Replace air filters.

Lubricate components as required.

Visually check power connections and components for signs of overheating, swelling,
leaking, and so on.

Perform calibration of meters and alarm levels as required.

Functionality check the operation of all components.

Perform system performance checks.

The following list is for illustration only. The manufacturers recommendation should be
followed strictly. By performing this type of maintenance on a scheduled basis, it is possible to
find and remedy potential problems before the systems operation is affected.

Final Project Cost-Benefit Analysis


In general, cost-benefit analysis is not the only justification for a power quality mitigation
demonstration project at a commercial customer site. The main objective of a demonstration
project is to evaluate the new technology and gain field experience so that the technology can be
applied at other locations properly. The demonstration projects provide a market leadership
position for the utilities involved by understanding the application, limitations of the technology,
support requirements, and areas for improvement. However, the motivation in demonstrating a
new technology is that it will provide customers with a cost-effective solution compared to
existing technologies.
For this reason, once a demonstration project is completed, a cost-benefit analysis should be
conducted using the fair market value (existing or anticipated) of the mitigation system. This
cost-benefit analysis should not include the costs of research, development, and technology
transfer associated with such demonstration projects.
The cost elements that should be included in order to determine the annualized value of the net
investment should include:

Fair market value of the power quality mitigation system.

Installation cost including material and labor.

Annualized cost including maintenance, rent, HVAC, warranty, and so on.

5-13

Installation, Acceptance Testing, and Performance Monitoring Plan

The other part of the cost-benefit equation is to quantify the benefit of installing the mitigation
system. This is usually the most difficult data to gather because customers do not document the
financial impact of power quality and therefore are not able to provide good data to ascertain the
benefit of the power quality mitigation system.
IEEE 1346 Recommended Practice for Evaluating Electric Power System Compatibility with
Electronic Process Equipment provides a methodology for quantifying the cost of power quality
disturbances. Key elements of the cost items relevant to the commercial sector are summarized
below:
Downtime Related
Lost work
Idled labor
Disrupted process (man-hours, unloaded labor rate)
Starved process (man-hours, unloaded labor rate)
Makeup Labor
Overtime labor + premium
Overtime operating cost
Expedited shipping premiums
Late delivery fees
Cost of recovery
Secondary equipment failures (treat as repairs)
Recovery labor inefficiency
Rework cost
Labor
Manufacturing supplies
Replacement parts
Miscellaneous
Customers dissatisfaction
Lost business
Avoided customers due to longer lead time
Fines and Penalties
Other
TOTAL

5-14

Installation, Acceptance Testing, and Performance Monitoring Plan

Economic Analysis Criteria


Once the data for total power quality mitigation system cost and annualized benefit to the
customer has been quantified, the next step is to conduct an economic analysis to determine the
cost effectiveness of the power quality mitigation system. The net present value (NPV) described
in Chapter 3 is considered the standard economic investment measure. Other common economic
investment criteria include: future value, annual equivalent, internal rate of return, Solomons
average rate of return, modified internal rate of return, aggregate benefit/cost (B/C) ratio, netted
B/C ratio, Lorie-Savage ratio, and project balance.

5-15

6
RESOURCES FOR POWER QUALITY MITIGATION
TECHNOLOGY DEMONSTRATION

Introduction
The EPRI power quality business area has developed numerous tools that enable utilities to more
effectively conduct a power quality mitigation demonstration project. These tools include market
research, technology development, software, and other information resources in the area of
power quality, power electronics, and energy storage. The purpose of this chapter is to provide
an overview of EPRI tools that will help utilities better mange a power quality mitigation
technology demonstration project at a commercial customer site.

EPRI Software Resources


EPRI Online Power Conditioning Database
http://pcdatabase.epriweb.com
The EPRI Online Power Conditioning Database is a web-based tool that analyzes a power
quality problem and suggests solutions. Solutions are made available in a timely manner, as
needed and when needed. Moreover, the information about the solution is based on EPRI knowhow, acquired through years of equipment testing and customer site investigation experience.
Users can search the database for specific power conditioning equipment. Results not only
include which manufacturers to contact and how to contact them but also provide detailed,
objective, and expert information about the specific device you are interested in. The database
offers two additional search engines based on expert know-how. The first searches for equipment
to handle power disturbances specified by the user, and the second searches for equipment to
protect specific loads.
The database currently includes approximately 100 manufacturers and 250 products for initial
market testing. Starting January 1, 2000, only companies with products that have been tested by
EPRI PEAC Corporation will be listed in the database. Manufacturers will be informed about
this requirement and asked to contact EPRI PEAC directly. The main factor that will
differentiate the database from competing products is EPRIs commitment to provide an
objective, thorough, and expert evaluation of power conditioning equipment that cannot be easily
obtained elsewhere.
6-1

Resources for Power Quality Mitigation Technology Demonstration

Some of the main features of the database are:

Provides 24/7 online access to power quality and power conditioning information, providing
on-demand self-help.

Offers 3 power and user friendly search engines, which novice and expert users will find easy
to use.

Contains objective, detailed information about power conditioning products.

Provide in-depth, expert know-how in the form of test protocols and installation guidelines.

Power Quality Database


AP-106028, Version 1.0
The Power Quality Database (PQ Database) System is a database management system used
to store and retrieve information related to power quality investigations. It is designed to help
evaluate power quality problems on electric utility systems and within end-use facilities. It
provides examples of power quality case studies in a variety of different categories, along with a
variety of additional reference information to facilitate the investigation and reporting process.
The database contains results from numerous power quality projects and evaluations conducted
by the Electric Power Research Institute (EPRI).
PQ Database is intended to

Serve as a training tool for new engineers dealing with power quality problems.

Reduce the investigation time required for a power quality problem by providing background
information on all types of power quality problems, equipment characteristics, actual
examples from other investigations, and descriptions of standards that apply to the solutions.

Provide alternatives for solving the problem, including information on power-conditioning


technologies.

Facilitate reporting on power quality investigations by providing general information on


similar problems and solutions that can be cut and pasted directly into standard reports.

Provide up-to-date information on the latest developments in power-conditioning


technologies, equipment characteristics, and problems experienced by customers nationwide.

Provide a vehicle for utilities to maintain their own power quality information.

Power Quality Toolbox: Wiring and Grounding Analysis Tool


Production Version 1.0, CD-109128
The Power Quality (PQ) Toolbox Wiring and Grounding Analysis Tool provides an easy-to-use
framework for collecting information for commercial and light industrial power systems. This
information, including equipment nameplate data, panel wiring practices, and voltage and current
measurements, provides a database that can be automatically searched to detect conditions that

6-2

Resources for Power Quality Mitigation Technology Demonstration

can degrade equipment power quality. The software runs on a PC computer and helps engineers
perform wiring and grounding power quality analysis for their customers.
The PQ Tool Box Wiring and Grounding Tool includes basic applets such as K-Factor Applet,
Neutral Applet, and Ampacity Applet. These applets assist field service personnel with
performing site surveys. Each applet is a stand-alone, one-screen program. Each applet can be
run from the PQ Tool Box Wiring and Grounding Tool using the keyboard or mouse. The tool
also has a detailed, on-line help system that contains wiring and grounding reference
information. The application is on a CD-ROM that also contains sample data files and a users
manual.

Power Quality Diagnostic System


Version 1.1
The Power Quality Diagnostic System (PQDS) is a complete system of tools designed to help
engineers and technicians develop optimal solutions to power quality problems. System
capabilities include data collection from measurement equipment, data processing, database
management, waveform recognition technology to identify disturbance causes, libraries of
example cases to identify previous similar cases, analytical tools to verify causes and develop
possible technical solutions, economic analysis to identify optimum solutions, and report writing.
The following sections provide a functional overview of all the relevant tools in the power
quality diagnostic system software:
Analysis and Simulation Module, Capacitor Switching Simulator
The Capacitor Switching Simulator evaluates two important concerns associated with capacitor
switching operations on the utility system: magnification of the switching transient voltages and
nuisance tripping of loads within customer facilities.
The Capacitor Switching Simulator provides the means to characterize the utility capacitor
energizing transient using a time domain simulation method. Mitigation options are available for
user simulation and evaluation, and detailed reports provide simulation results and related
information in a concise format.
The solution engine utilizes a time domain method similar to the EPRI/DCG Electromagnetic
Transients Program (EMTP). The EMTP is a general-purpose computer program for simulating
high-speed transient effects on electric power systems. The program features an extremely wide
variety of modeling capabilities encompassing electromagnetic and electromechanical
oscillations ranging in duration from microseconds to seconds. Examples of its use include
switching and lightning surge analysis, insulation coordination, shaft torsional oscillations,
ferroresonance, and HVDC converter control and operations. EMTP benchmark data files are
provided for each transmission voltage class available in the Capacitor Switching Simulator.
Utility transmission and distribution capacitor energizing transients are simulated via a userdefined switching sequence and mitigation selection. Sample data cases provide typical system
6-3

Resources for Power Quality Mitigation Technology Demonstration

and equipment parameters in each of the available voltage classes. The potential for voltage
magnification and nuisance tripping are evaluated at two customer low-voltage buses.
Modeling capabilities include the following:

Variable source strength and transmission line lengths.

Variable transmission and distribution system load levels.

Variable transmission capacitor bank rating and switching preference.

Variable distribution capacitor bank rating and switching preference.

Variable feeder lengths, loading and capacitors.

Variable secondary configurations (including load and compensation levels).

Distribution and customer MOV arrester status.

Variable adjustable-speed drive parameters.

Transmission and distribution capacitor switching options include the following:


1. Normal energizing (switched without control at system peak voltage).
2. Energizing with a pre-insertion device (user-defined value).
3. Energizing with synchronous closing control (user-defined timing error).
4. Energizing with user-specified switching times.
Power quality mitigation options include the following:
1. Energizing the capacitor bank using a pre-insertion device.
2. Energizing the capacitor bank using synchronous closing control.
3. Distribution and customer MOV arresters.
4. Harmonic filters (to reduce voltage magnification).
5. AC choke (on the ASD).
Modeling requirements include both the hard coding of the distribution voltage level and
extensive data validation to assure accurate and reasonable simulation results. The distribution
system is set at 13.2 kV, and the transmission source voltage can be set to one of the following:
230 kV, 161 kV, 138 kV, 115 kV, or 69 kV. The calculations are for a 60 Hz system on a 100
MVA base.

6-4

Resources for Power Quality Mitigation Technology Demonstration

Analysis and Simulation Module, Lightning Surge Simulator


This program simulates lightning surges entering a customer facility. It can simulate the effects
of grounding and surge protection on both the utility and customer side of the transformer.
Analysis and Simulation Module, Economic Assessment Module
The software of the Economic Assessment Module runs on a PC computer. It helps power
quality engineers perform cost/benefit analyses for various power quality improvement
technologies. The CD-ROM contains the Economic Assessment Module application software,
sample data files, and users manual.
To develop an automated approach that calculates annualized expenses, investment payback
time, and cost/benefit ratios for various power quality improvement technologies selected for a
specific customer power quality problem.
The Economic Assessment Module uses a systems perspective to evaluate the economic aspects
of different power quality improvement options. This means evaluation of options for improving
power quality at all possible levels of the systemdistribution system, customer service
entrance, group loads, and individual loadsand evaluating the costs and benefits at the system
level associated with each option. The module utilizes a relational database structure to compare
costs for various power quality problems against costs and effectiveness ratings for power
quality solutions.
The model used for this module is shown schematically in Figure 6-1. The basic idea of the
module is one utility substation supplying a group of customers (one or more customers), each
with one or more processes that are susceptible to power quality variations. The level of power
quality is characterized and the costs associated with that level of power quality are characterized
for both the customers and the utility, individually, as well as combined.

Figure 6-1
Model for Economic Impacts of Power Quality Variations

6-5

Resources for Power Quality Mitigation Technology Demonstration

The module focuses heavily on costs and options associated with voltage sags and
interruptionspower quality problems that have the most prevalent impact on industrial and
commercial customers. Impacts of solutions to harmonic and transient problems are evaluated as
well.
Analysis and Simulation Module, Harmonic Simulator
The harmonic analysis application will calculate voltage and current harmonic levels in a facility
and at the interface with the electricity supplier, based on the characteristics of the facility and
the nonlinear loads that are being used. A simple two-bus representation is used for the facility
model, with a step down transformer from the electricity supplier. Usually, this two-bus
representation will be used to evaluate the 480-volt and 120-volt systems within a facility.
The application will evaluate the impact of nonlinear loads within the facility. A library of
nonlinear load characteristics will be maintained with typical harmonic-producing
characteristics. Alternatively, the user can supply known harmonic current characteristics for
specific systems or loads (such as from actual measurements). The program evaluates the
following concerns:

Harmonic current injection into the utility system vs. IEEE 519 limit.

Voltage THD at each bus.

Transformer loading versus maximum permissible loading after transformer is de-rated in


accordance with IEEE C57.110.

Neutral conductor overloading in systems supplying computers and other single-phase


electronic power supplies.

Capacitor kV, kVAR, and current duties versus IEEE Std 18 limits.

Filter reactor current duties.

The program will also allow the evaluation of the system frequency response with and without
power factor correction to identify possible resonance problems. Frequency scans are used for
this purpose.
Analysis and Simulation Module, Event Identification Module
The Event Identification Module (EIDM) is designed to provide a prediction of a power quality
event cause. The Event Identification Module is one of several modules associated with the
Power Quality Diagnostic System. It is a module that includes automated procedures for
providing an initial assessment of the probable cause and impact of a power quality variation.
The module incorporates advanced waveform recognition technology based on artificial neural
networks.

6-6

Resources for Power Quality Mitigation Technology Demonstration

Analysis and Simulation Module, Motor Starting Simulator


The purpose of this application is to evaluate the potential impacts of motor starting operations
on the surrounding system and loads. The evaluation includes the expected voltage drop across
the system during motor starting and an evaluation of the flicker impacts of multiple motor starts
over time.
The motor starting characteristics are dependent on the system characteristics and the motor
characteristics. For instance, newer high-efficiency motors can draw as much as 12 times their
normal load current during starting. More conventional induction motors draw about six times
their normal load current. The motor inrush characteristic will be used in conjunction with the
system impedances to derive the voltage drop characteristics. The frequency of motor starts can
then be used to evaluate flicker concerns using a number of different standard flicker sensitivity
curves, such as the GE curve (IEEE 446). The duration of the voltage dips can also be quantified.
The motor starting program has two modes of operation: snapshot and dynamic. The program
runs in the snapshot mode anytime that the Integration Time Step is equal to zero. It runs in a
full dynamic mode for any other value of Integration Time Step. The snapshot mode calculates
the voltages at only two points in time: prior to starting the motor and immediately after the
motor is energized. The full dynamic mode calculates the voltages and motor speed at each time
step point from time = 0 to time = Maximum Simulation Time. The motor is always assumed
to be energized at time = 0 seconds.
Analysis and Simulation Module, Measurement Module
The Power Quality Data Manager (PQDM) of the Measurement Module is the program
responsible for performing database creation, loading, and editing tasks. These include the
following:

Creating power quality databases.

Editing site information.

Characterizing disturbance and steady-state data collected by power quality monitoring


devices .

Loading the characterized data into power quality databases.

Editing power quality data.

Performing database maintenance tasks.

One of PQDMs primary functions is to characterize data files logged by measuring instruments.
PQDM processes the data from these instruments into characteristics suitable for analysis.
It then stores the characterized data from these instruments in a power quality database. The
resulting power quality database (PQDB) can then be used by the Power Quality Data Analyzer
(PQDA) to generate reports and perform other types of data analysis. The Power Quality Data

6-7

Resources for Power Quality Mitigation Technology Demonstration

Analyzer (PQDA) provides reporting and analysis functions using data in power quality
databases. The data is imported into the database by the Power Quality Data Manager (PQDM).
Analysis and Simulation Module, Voltage Sag Case Reporter
The Voltage Sag Analysis Tool of the EPRI Power Quality Toolbox is a program for the power
quality engineer to predict the number and magnitude of voltage sags that affect an end users
equipment. This Voltage Sag Case Reporter of the EPRI Power Quality Diagnostic System
(PQDS) Analysis and Simulation Module provides the power quality engineer a method to
maintain a database and to compare various cases.
Analyzing voltage sags involves a number of factors that affect performance. The utilitys fault
statistics, the available generation pattern, and the end users connections of the load equipment
will all impact this performance. In particular studies, the utility power quality engineer will
want to compare these effects. For example, the engineer might want to compare the effect of the
utilitys fault performance for different years (say 1996 versus 1997 fault history), or consider
the pattern of available generation on the overall performance. Maybe the engineer wants to
evaluate the effect of different transformer connections to the load. This Voltage Sag Case
Reporter provides a convenient and organized method for these comparisons to be performed.
The program also allows the engineer the ability to plot the results of various cases on a single
graph.
To perform voltage sag analysis for a customer, the utility PQ engineer first uses the Voltage Sag
Analysis tool to evaluate the effect of utility faults on the customer. The engineer may perform
various cases, evaluating various load connections or utility fault performance statistics.
Analysis and Simulation Module, EMTP Simulation Support
The simplified analysis applications included in the Analysis and Simulation Module of the
Power Quality Diagnostic System are designed to help evaluate a number of the most common
power quality problems. There are many problems that cannot be conveniently fit into one of
these categories. However, simulations are still very useful in evaluating the problems and
evaluating different solutions to help identify the optimal approach. These more detailed
simulations will often be performed using either the Electromagnetic Transients Program
(EMTP) or a specialized harmonic analysis program, like the HarmFlo+ Workstation.
Although it is beyond the scope of the Analysis and Simulation Module to actually embed these
sophisticated analysis tools within the system, they can be used in conjunction with the PQDS to
complete more sophisticated analysis. This help file was designed to assist this effort by
providing an overview of a number of modeling and simulation subjects:
1. Modeling guidelines for system representation in transient studies.
2. Modeling guidelines for system representation in harmonic studies.
3. Example representations for different types of nonlinear loads.
6-8

Resources for Power Quality Mitigation Technology Demonstration

4. Guidelines for solutions to evaluate for typical problems.


5. Example cases (transients and harmonics) for different types of problems.
This file provides an overview and guidelines for transient modeling and simulation using a
digital computer program. The introduction to the EMTP Simulation Support section includes an
overview of the Electromagnetic Transients Program (EMTP), including examples of program
inputs and outputs, and a suggested study procedure.
The Modeling and Simulation Guidelines section summarizes the computer simulation process,
and provides guidelines regarding the following system aspects of modeling and simulation:
1. Computer Simulation Process
2. Developing a System Model
3. Data Collection and Initial Model Development
4. Time Step and Simulation Time Selection
5. Frequency Ranges for EMTP Simulations
6. Simulation Model Verification
7. Suggested Study Procedure
8. Evaluation and Presentation of Results
The transient analysis section includes several of the more common transient concerns, including
capacitor switching and the low-side current surge phenomena. Finally, case studies are provided
to illustrate several of the more important transient events. The case studies are intended to
involve the user in an active learning process. This document is not intended to replace other
EMTP-related literature and documentation, but rather to be used as a supplement to this
reference library.
Analysis and Simulation Module, Case Study Investigator
The Case Study Investigation Processor (CSI) was designed to assist the power quality field
investigator in determining or assessing problems. This module guides you to other PQDS
modules and simulators based on power quality symptoms. These modules, in turn, provide the
investigator with different solutions to power quality problems.
The CSI module of the PQDS provides an interface that guides you through a power quality case
study. CSI is a driver module that leads you to other PQDS modules, which represent
investigation steps in a case study, and that prints the investigation results.

6-9

Resources for Power Quality Mitigation Technology Demonstration

A case study investigation will consist of a series of standard steps for a given event. An event
can be a power quality problem such as a flicker or a power quality assessment such as a
customer-site survey or a compliance evaluation.
CSI will provide a block diagram that correlates to each step in a given event investigation. This
block diagram will direct you through each step and launch the appropriate PQDS module for
related data entry. The first step of an investigation will gather background information and
therefore will be the responsibility of CSI.
Each investigation step block in the diagram will have a status. The status of each investigation
step block will have its status indicated by color. The possible states for an investigation step
block are not applicable, not started, in-progress, and complete.
CSI provides a printable case study report that will become part of the PQDSs Power Quality
Database (PQDB). The case study is a set of reports, structured for consistency with PQDB,
which correspond to each completed step in an investigation.
Additionally, CSI provides a free-text dialog to allow you to record interpretations of the case
study report (that is, causes of problems, impacts on facility, possible solutions, and
recommendations) prior to running the report for the PQIT.

EPRI Technical Document Resources


1. Written-Pole Motor Generator Technologies Application Guide TR-111036
2. Active Filter Application Guideline, TR-109904
3. Power Quality Workbook for Utility and Industrial Applications TR-105500
4. Power Quality for Electrical Contractors, Application Guide, Volume 1: Power Quality
Fundamentals, TR-111762-V1
5. Flywheel Battery Commercialization Study TR-113541
6. Fuel Cells as Power Quality Solutions TR-113469
7. Flywheel Power Systems Market Analysis TR-109911
8. Technology Assessment and Business Planning for Power Conditioning Technologies TR109896
9. Active Power Line Conditioning Technologies Applications Guide TR-106525
10. ASD Ride-Through Technology Alternatives and Development TR-109903
11. An Assessment of Distribution System Power Quality (Vols. 1-3) TR-106294

6-10

Resources for Power Quality Mitigation Technology Demonstration

12. Active Power Line Conditioning Methods A Literature Survey TR-105168


13. Power Quality for Electrical Contractors Applications Guide Vol. 2 TR-101536-V2
14. Power Quality for Electrical Contractors Applications Guide Vol. 1 TR-101536-V1
15. Power Quality Market Assessment TR-104372
16. Market Assessment Study for the Single-Phase Written Pole Motor TR-104072
17. Assessment of Active Power Line Conditioning Technologies TR-102026
18. Power Quality Considerations for CNC Machines: Grounding BR-107170
19. Power Electronics End-Use Systems and Power Quality Business Areas BR-108122
20. Power Quality in the Healthcare Industry BR-108466
21. Single-Phase Written-Pole Motor. High Horsepower, Efficient Electric Motor Opens up
Rural Markets to Electric Utilities BR-106507
22. Impacts of Voltage Sags on Customer Loads BR-105763
23. Power Quality in Commercial Buildings BR-105018
24. Power Quality Considerations for Power Factor Correction Applications BR-105017

Applicable Standards
1. ANSI C84.1-1989, American National Standard for Electric Power Systems and
EquipmentVoltage Ratings (60 Hz).
2. ANSI/NFPA 70-1993, National Electrical Code.
3. ANSI/NFPA 75-1992, Protection of Electronic Computer/Data Processing Equipment.
4. ANSI/NFPA 77-1988, Recommended Practice on Static Electricity.
5. ANSI/NFPA 780-1992, Lightning Protection Code.
6. IEEE Std C57.12.00-1987, IEEE Standard General Requirements for Liquid-Immersed
Distribution, Power, and Regulating Transformers (ANSI).
7. IEEE Std C57.12.01-1989, IEEE Standard Requirements for Dry-Type Distribution and
Power Transformers Including Those with Solid Cast and/or Resin-Encapsulated Windings.
8. IEEE Std C62.41-1991, IEEE Recommended Practice on Surge Voltages in Low-Voltage
AC Power Circuits (ANSI).
6-11

Resources for Power Quality Mitigation Technology Demonstration

9. IEEE Std 142-1991, IEEE Recommended Practice for Grounding of Industrial and
Commercial Power Systems (IEEE Green Book).
10. IEEE Std 446-1987, IEEE Recommended Practice for Emergency and Standby Power
Systems for Industrial and Commercial Applications (IEEE Orange Book).
11. Federal Information Processing Standards Publication 94: Guideline on Electrical Power for
ADP Installations, Sept. 21, 1983.
12. CFR (Code of Federal Regulations), Title 29, Part 1910: Occupational Safety and Health
Standards (OSHA).
13. CFR (Code of Federal Regulations), Title 29, Part 1926: Safety and Health Regulations for
Construction (OSHA).
14. IEEE Std 81-1983, IEEE Guide for Measuring Earth Resistivity, Ground Impedance, and
Earth Surface Potentials of a Ground System.
15. IEEE Std 449-1990, IEEE Standard for Ferroresonant Voltage Regulators (ANSI).
16. IEEE Std C57.110-1986, IEEE Recommended Practice for Establishing Transformer
Capability When Supplying Nonsinusoidal Load Currents (ANSI).
17. IEEE Std C62.36-1991, IEEE Standard Test Methods for Surge Protectors Used in LowVoltage Data, Communications, and Signaling Circuits.
18. IEEE Std C62.41-1991, IEEE Recommended Practice on Surge Voltages in Low-Voltage
AC Power Circuits (ANSI).
19. IEEE Std 141-1986, IEEE Recommended Practice for Electric Power Distribution for
Industrial Plants (Red Book) (ANSI).
20. IEEE Std 399-1990, IEEE Recommended Practice for Industrial and Commercial Power
Systems Analysis (Brown Book) (ANSI).
21. IEEE Std 519-1992, IEEE Guide for Harmonic Control and Reactive Compensation of Static
Power Converters (ANSI).
22. ANSI/IEEE C37.20.2 Standards for Metal-Enclosed Switchgear
23. FCC Part 15 Class B Electromagnetic Interference Emission Level
24. ANSI C63.12 1987 Electromagnetic Compatibility Limits Recommended Practice

6-12

Resources for Power Quality Mitigation Technology Demonstration

Reference Documents
1. Allen, G. W. and D. Segall, "Monitoring of Computer Installations for Power Line
Disturbances," IEEE Winter Power Meeting Conference Paper, WINPWR C74 199-6, 1974
(abstract in IEEE Transactions on PAS, Vol. PAS-93, Jul/Aug 1974, p. 1023).
2. Arrillaga, J. et al., Power System Harmonics, New York: J. Wiley & Sons, 1985.
3. Boyce, C. F., Ch. 25: "Protection of Telecommunication Systems," Vol. 2, Lightning
Protection, In Lightning, R. H. Golde (ed), Academic Press, 1977.
4. Carter, G. W. The Electromagnetic Field in Its Engineering Aspects, London, New York, and
Toronto: Longmans, Green and Co., 1954.
5. The Dranetz Field Handbook for Power Quality Analysis, Edison, NJ: Dranetz Technologies,
Inc., 1991.
6. Allen, G. W. and D. Segall, Impact of Utility Distribution Systems on Power Line
Disturbances, IEEE Summer Power Meeting Conference Paper, SUMPWR-76, A76-338-4,
1976 (abstract in IEEE Transactions on PAS, Vol. PAS-95, Nov/Dec 1976, pp. 176061).
7. Goldstein, M. and P. D. Speranza, The Quality of U. S. Commercial ac Power, INTELEC
(IEEE International Telecommunications Energy Conference), 1982, pp. 2833 [CH1818-4].
8. Key, T.S. Diagnosing Power Quality Related Computer Problems, IEEE Transactions on
Industry Applications, Vol. IA-15, No. 4, July/Aug 1979.
9. Kleronomos, Chris C. and Edward C. Cantwell, A Practical Approach to Establish Effective
Grounding for Personnel Protection, IEEE Industrial and Commercial Power Systems
Technical Conference (I &CPS), 1979, pp. 4957 [CH1460-5].
10. Martzloff, F. D. and T. M. Gruzs, Power Quality Surveys: Facts, Fictions, and Fallacies,
IEEE Transactions on Industry Applications, Vol. 24, No. 6, Nov/Dec 1988, pp. 100518.
11. Lai, J. S. and F. D. Martzloff, Coordinating Cascaded Surge-Protective Devices,
Proceedings, IEEE/IAS Annual Meeting, October 1991, pp. 181219.
12. Martzloff, F. D., Coupling, Propagation, and Side Effects of Surges in an Industrial
Building Wiring System, IEEE Transactions on Industry Applications, Vol. IA-26, No. 2,
March/April 1990, pp. 193203.
13. Morrison and Lewis, Grounding and Shielding for Facilities, J. Wiley & Sons, 1990.
14. Zavadil, R., M. F. McGranaghan, G. Hensley, and K. Johnson, Analysis of Harmonic
Distortion Levels in Commercials Buildings, Proceedings, PQA 91, First International
Conference on Power Quality: End-Use Applications and Perspectives.
15. Clemmensen, Jane M., Power Quality Site Survey Instrumentation and Measurement
Techniques, IEEE I&CPS (1990), Paper No. 90CH2828-2/90/000-0126.

6-13

A
APPLICATIONS SCREENING POWER QUALITY
MITIGATION TECHNOLOGY DEMONSTRATIONS AT
COMMERCIAL CUSTOMER SITES

Summary
Field demonstrations of technologies are the most direct way to increase application
understanding and build customer confidence in products. Such demonstrations uniquely
position participants as leaders in providing solutions to their commercial customers. The
collaborative nature of a demonstration project also lowers risk for all parties involved. A 500kVA Written-Pole motor-generator set and other ride-through equipment such as flywheels and
supercapacitors have been developed and demonstrated in limited applications. Further field
demonstration of these emerging technologies target participants needs while, developing
confidence and better understanding of these new products.
This document provides a screening tool to be used by potential demonstration project members
for demonstration of a power conditioning technology at a commercial customer site. This
document is designed in two parts. The first part suggests Utility Considerations that should be
discussed and strategies decided upon internally before contacting the customer with a
demonstration site proposal. Once the Utility Considerations have been worked through the
second part may be detached and the General Considerations may be offered to and discussed
with a potential end-user.
The Utility Considerations are of a strategical nature. They address what the purpose and
business objective of the demonstration might be. These considerations should involve
determining the potential commercial markets for the particular technology and determine
appropriate customer contacts to propose the project to. Of course the Utility should also be
concerned with establishing a strategy of how the project should be financed prior to
approaching the end-user. The Utility should also consider what has already been done to
support the end-users needs while looking for the most economical solution.
After the Utility has determined its project strategies, the General Considerations can be
detached and offered to the potential End-user. All parties involved in the commercial
demonstration project should be of each others roles. Typically, a demonstration project should
be viewed as a partnership between all parties involved for a common good. Load process
requirements should be considered with electrical supply issues to determine how the
demonstration equipment may be best supplied. Final considerations should be given to
monitoring to prove the performance of the commercial demonstration equipment and End-user
A-1

Applications Screening Power Quality Mitigation Technology Demonstrations at Commercial Customer Sites

satisfaction should be determined. These final considerations could very well lead to equipment
improvements or additional equipment sales.

Utility Considerations
1) What is the purpose of the demonstration?

Demonstrate capabilities of selected mitigation


equipment

Expose technology to real world conditions

Work out problems with first of its kind device

Provide insight and working knowledge of device

Prove favorable economics of solution

Provide leading edge example for marketing


purposes

2) What is the business objective for the demonstration


project?

Fix system problem

Starting equipment sales and/or leasing program

Customer retention incentive

New customer incentive

3) What are the potential Commercial customer


segments that may use the power conditioning
technology being considered?

Banking

911

Hospitals

Television studios

Telecom, etc.

Data Storage

4) Who is the appropriate customer contact to propose


a demonstration project to?

Hospital facility engineer, department director,


doctors utilizing end-use equipment

A-2

National & International distributed facilities may


have centralized engineering staff

Bank director and office managers

These essentials are provided in 2 sections.


The first section "Utility Considerations" should
be addressed prior to approaching customer.
After evaluation detach the first section and
discuss the General Considerations section with
the proposed demonstration site customer.
******
The shaded blocks below are reserved for
answers providing essential information on your
project.

Applications Screening Power Quality Mitigation Technology Demonstrations at Commercial Customer Sites
5) How are project costs going to be financed?

Vendor donation

Direct purchase by utility or customer

Custom power contract

Leasing agreement

Tailored collaboration (YC) funding with EPRI

6) Have more economical solutions been explored?

Improvements to service or distribution system

Power quality monitoring to characterize power


delivery

End-use equipment compatibility testing

End-use equipment de-sensitization

DETACH HERE: Review remaining questions with potential demonstration site customer.

A-3

Applications Screening Power Quality Mitigation Technology Demonstrations at Commercial Customer Sites

General Considerations
Questions
Part 1, Initial Considerations, 1.1 - 1.3
Part 2, Relate to Load or Process, 2.1 - 2.4
Part 3, Relate to Electrical Supply, 3.1 - 3.3
Part 4, Relate to Demo. Equipment, 4.1 - 4.6
Part 5, Final Considerations, 5.1 - 5.2
Further explanations or supplementary questions are given
in each section.

Part1

Initial Considerations

1.1 Who are the Project Partners and what are their
interests?
Customer / End-User
Realize benefits from technology being
demonstrated
Sponsoring Utility
Show customer focus
R & D Showcase
Equipment Vendor
Product sales
Product improvement for commercialization
EPRI
Facilitate commercialization of new technologies
1.2 What are the Partnering Roles?
All partners should share in the cost of the project to facilitate
ownership and the desire for a successful implementation
All partners should be willing to share knowledge and
experiences associated with project demonstration equipment
EPRI should act as overall project manager working between
all partners involved but primarily interfacing with Utility and
Equipment Vendor.
Sponsoring Utility should act as the End-users project
manager on site providing local engineering and staffing
support as required by the project.
End-user should invest staffing time and facility support as
required by the project

A-4

The purpose of these Questions is to


provide guidance to individuals considering
a Power Quality Mitigation Technology
Demonstration Project. These questions
provide an overview only. More detailed
explanations will be provided in the project
final report, available 12/31/99.
******
The shaded blocks below are reserved for
answers providing essential information on
your project.

Applications Screening Power Quality Mitigation Technology Demonstrations at Commercial Customer Sites

1.3 What are the system benefits to be obtained from


the demonstration?
Some examples of benefits are:
Reduced product loss
Improved product quality
Extended life of load equipment
Reduced down time
Increased equipment availability / reliability
Reduced maintenance cost
Reduced cost per unit of product
Part 2

Load and Process Concerns

2.1 What reliability is required of the demonstration


system?
Process requirements
Bypass available
Redundancy requirements
2.2 What safety features are required in the
demonstration equipment?
Good requirements for:
People
Process
Equipment

2.3 What are the dynamic electrical requirements of


the load?
Power consumption and power factor
RMS inrush current
Peak instantaneous current
Harmonic current spectrum
Voltage sag sensitivity
Sag Magnitude
Sag Duration

A-5

Applications Screening Power Quality Mitigation Technology Demonstrations at Commercial Customer Sites

2.4 What are the symptoms or concerns being


experienced with load equipment?
Equipment drops off line, locks up or resets
Equipment damage
Inconsistent results or poor product quality
Operation of load equipment adversely affects operation
of other equipment
Economic Impacts
Part 3

Electrical Supply Considerations

3.1 What is the rating of the electrical supply?


Transformer KVA, Short Circuit Levels, %Z, Voltages,
Connection Type
Power Factor Correction Capacitors
What are the ampacity and fault current capabilities of
panel boards and conductors supplying load?
What are the power quality characteristics of the
present electrical supply?
Interruption rate
Sag magnitude and duration rates
Transient type, frequency and magnitude
Flicker
3.3 What levels of voltage distortion exist on the
power system before the demonstration equipment is
installed?
What is the magnitude of distortion on the sinusoidal supply
voltage? (i.e. waveform, spectral content, and THD)
Does this magnitude vary with time? (i.e. THD trends)
Part 4

Demonstration Equipment Issues

4.1 Where is demonstration equipment to be


installed?
Sketch of floor/site plan with dimensions and obstacle
locations
Sketch of equipment transport path with stairwell and
doorway dimensions
Elevator capacity and dimensions

A-6

Applications Screening Power Quality Mitigation Technology Demonstrations at Commercial Customer Sites

4.2 What are the expected electrical losses of the


mitigation system?
This will require evaluation of the entire mitigation
system.
If auxiliary equipment is used or added, this equipment
should be considered as well.
4.3 What heat rejection occurs in the demonstration
equipment? How are these losses removed from the
equipment and surrounding area?
The heat generated within the devise is usually removed
by air or water cooling
Will the equipment be installed in an air-conditioned
area?
What auxiliary equipment is necessary?
Will exhaust equipment be required?
4.4 What audible noise level is acceptable in the area
where the equipment is to be installed?
Noise from cooling fans and equipment vibration can be
excessive in conditioned office spaces.
Special consideration should be given to rotating
equipment and internal combustion equipment.

4.5 What voltage range on the electric supply to the


demonstration equipment will support trouble free
operation of the load?
Consider steady state voltage regulation
Input Voltage sag magnitude, duration, and frequency
Input Voltage transients

4.6 What information is available from the device


vendor for system operations and maintenance? What
self-diagnostic tools are included or available?
Training available
Operation and maintenance manuals?
Warranty considerations?

A-7

Applications Screening Power Quality Mitigation Technology Demonstrations at Commercial Customer Sites

Part 5

Final Considerations

5.1 What are the results of post installation monitoring?


This will require simultaneous monitoring of the
input/output of the entire mitigation system.
If auxiliary equipment is used or added this equipment
should be monitored as well
Mitigation performance should be considered along with
efficiency performance.
Operational availability and reliability of the demonstration
system should also be considered
5.2 What is End-users opinion of the new technology?
Satisfied with installation?
Satisfied with performance?
Does the demonstration equipment provide a cost
affective solution
End-user problem comments and improvement
suggestions

A-8

B
POWER QUALITY INVESTIGATION METHODOLOGY

The first step in any power quality investigation should be the agreement between the client and
all investigating resources regarding the scope of work. This determines the objective for the
investigation, what activities will be undertaken, what resources will be involved, the specific
locations for investigation, the time frame for the investigation, and the estimated project
expenses. One of the key factors is the nature of the power quality problem experienced by the
client. Information which will affect the project scope includes the location of the equipment
affected, the number of devices affected, the time the problem is experienced, the duration of the
problem, the total cost of this problem (direct and indirect costs), and the nature of the electrical
system.
A number and range of resources will be required to effectively diagnose any power quality
problem. These resources might include the facility owner, process operator, process
manufacturer, electrical system designer, electrical system installer, utility representative,
mitigation equipment representative, and consultants. These resources, as part of a project team,
can best identify critical power quality issues and cost effectively diagnose the problem. Figure
B-1 shows a flow chart that identifies the critical elements in a power quality investigation.
Data collected as part of the investigation effort must be compared to the known electrical
requirements of the affected equipment. It is important to have as much information as possible
on the susceptibility of the critical process equipment to power quality disturbances. In many
cases the necessary information will not be available in the equipment installation manuals, but
will only be available from the manufacturers factory engineers.
The final scope of work should not be considered set until an initial walk through of the project
site is completed. This allows all resources to review the site, the process equipment, the
operating practices, and general site conditions to verify the intended scope of work.

Power Quality for Electrical Contractors Applications Guide Vol. 1 TR-101536-V1

B-1

Power Quality Investigation Methodology

Setting Survey Project Scope


Identify Impact and Objective
Identify Resources
Electrical Specifications
Site Walk-through
Survey Plan & Responsibilities

Instrumentation Planning
Selecting Instrumentation
Locating Instrumentation
Programming
Site Management

Documentation Planning

Establish Format & Procedures

Assign Responsibility

Site Inspection Process


Key Locations
Measured Data
NEC Issues
Power Quality Issues
Documentation
(A)

B-2

Power Quality Investigation Methodology


(A)

Monitoring Instrument Process


Installation
Coordination
Programming & Adjustment
Documentation

Compilation of Project Data


Inspection Notes
Instrument Data
Operating Logs & Specifications

Data Analysis
Disturbance Characterization
Load Susceptibility Evaluation
Evaluate Correlation
Identify Possible Sources & Test

Evaluate Solution Options


Modifications to Source
Wiring/Grounding Options
Conditioning Options
Power Supply Options
Modifications to Load
(B)

B-3

Power Quality Investigation Methodology


(B)

Solution Recommendations
Level of Effectiveness
Relative Costs
Short vs. Long Term
Manufacturer Requirements

Solution Implementation
Wiring/Grounding Design
Equipment Specifications
Installation Specifications
Installation Management

Performance Verification
Installation Verification
Performance Testing
Maintenance Planning

Figure B-1
Power quality problem solving flow chart

The project manager should conclude this effort with a formal, written site survey plan. This plan
should identify the objective of the project, the equipment and electrical system for evaluation,
the resources (labor and equipment) required, the time frame for implementation, and the
responsibilities delegated to the project resources.

B-4

Power Quality Investigation Methodology

Instrumentation Planning
For most power quality investigations there will be a need to document the actual electrical
system performance over a period of days or weeks. For power quality purposes the
instrumentation required for this effort must be capable of providing accurate data for multiple
cycle and fractional cycle disturbances. These two requirements lead to the use of instruments
known as power line disturbance monitors. There are a number of manufacturers of this type of
equipment, but care must be taken in determining which device should be used. Each of these
devices has differences in the way in which data is collected, the accuracy of the data, the way
the data can be manipulated for reporting, the method of programming, and the amount of data
that can be recorded.
The location of the instruments on the electrical system will have an impact on the amount, and
nature of the data collected. The location(s) should be chosen based on the location of the
affected equipment, the location of possible disturbance sources, the layout of the site electrical
distribution system, and the objective of the evaluation. For example, if the objective is to simply
determine if power is a possible source of operating problems, a single instrument can be
installed and programmed to capture data at the affected equipment. If the objective is to identify
the actual source of power quality disturbances, it may be necessary to gather data at several
locations on the electrical distribution system in order to identify the source.
Some instrument programming may be required for the instruments to capture data over an
extended period of time. The amount of programming required will depend on the instruments
chosen for the project. Two key issues should be considered regarding instrument programming.
First, the programming limits set will determine the amount of data that will be captured for a
given site. If the programmed limits are set too wide, it is possible that little or no data will be
captured. If the programmed limits are set too tightly, it is likely that a large amount of data will
be captured, but only over a very short time frame due to the memory limitation of the
instrument. This can result in a project intending to capture a weeks worth of site data, actually
capturing only a few minutes worth of data on the first day of the investigation. The second issue
has to do with the documentation of the programming and connection to the electrical system. In
many projects data is analyzed well after the field work is completed and instruments have been
removed from the site. If the actual instrument programming and connection information has not
been clearly documented, it will be very difficult to properly interpret the data provided by the
instrument.
When used to capture data over an extended time frame, very expensive instrumentation will
have to be left unattended on the site, and it will be connected to live electrical systems. A word
of caution is warranted regarding the securing of the instrumentation and restricting access to the
live electrical system. It is prudent to lock and secure all instruments to reduce the possibility of
theft, unauthorized program modifications, or disconnection. Since it is often difficult to access
live electrical components for measurement and then restore the component to its original state
while the data is collected, additional effort will be required to ensure that the installation
remains safe.

B-5

Power Quality Investigation Methodology

Documentation Planning
The diagnosing of a power quality related problem requires the analysis of a large amount of site
inspection and instrument data. The ability to draw concise conclusions from this data will be
dependent on the attention to detail taken in the documentation of this data. Formats and
procedures for the capture and documentation of all site project data must be well defined and
strictly adhered to. For many projects it will be useful to give one project management resource
the responsibility for ensuring that all data is captured and documented correctly.

Site Inspection Process


Power quality monitoring instrumentation alone usually will not identify all of the potential
power quality problems. An inspection of the electrical system is usually necessary to verify the
data captured by the monitors, and to identify additional aspects of the electrical system that can
affect the system performance now, and in the future.
Due to the sensitivity of many micro-processor based loads to even minor variations in voltage
and current on the power, and the grounding systems, it is possible for wiring and grounding
system problems located far form the critical loads to affect their performance. A comprehensive
site electrical system inspection will involve all components between the service entrance switch
gear and the critical load.
For each electrical component to be inspected, it is useful to measure the instantaneous voltage
and current using true RMS hand held instrumentation. This information may quickly identify
obvious electrical problems without the need for extended power quality monitoring, and it may
help determine the location for installation, and programming limits of the power quality
monitors. Again, recording this data in a suitable format will save confusion when the analysis is
started.
The actual visual inspection of individual electrical components can identify a number of
different issues, but it might be useful to divide these potential issues up into two distinct
categories. The first should be those conditions or practices which are interpreted to be in
violation of the latest National Electrical Code (NEC) or applicable local codes, the second
should be those conditions or practices which do not meet enhanced power quality wiring and
grounding guidelines. In many cases the code related issues will require site changes in order to
be approved by the local electrical inspectors. The power quality related wiring and grounding
improvements will be required in order to assure the short term and long term electrical system
performance.
The documentation for the site inspection process includes: hand held instantaneous instrument
measurements, interpreted code issues, performance wiring and grounding issues, and relevant
physical information on each component location inspected (size, fed from, feeds to, etc.)

B-6

Power Quality Investigation Methodology

Monitoring Instrument Operation


Once the locations have been chosen for the monitoring instruments, you must decide on the
need for voltage measurements, current measurements, or both, and the specific points of
connection to the electrical system.
Some instrumentation provides for both voltage and current measurements simultaneously,
others will require that a decision be made between voltage or current measurements. For
diagnostic purposes it is useful to have both the voltage and current measured for critical
locations. It is possible to diagnose many power quality issues using only voltage data, but there
will be less accuracy in many cases.
Most power quality monitoring instruments record the voltage differential between any two
points in the electrical system. Each pair of measurement points and the associated data is
organized by the instrument into channels (either A, B, C or 1, 2, 3). Since it is possible for loads
to be affected by disturbances on the hot conductor or the ground conductor, it is important that
both combinations of conductors for a location are measured. This will make it possible to
determine on which conductor the disturbance was being carried.
For correct interpretation of data during the analysis phase of a site survey project it is useful to
coordinate the time clocks on the individual instruments with the process being investigated and
with any other instruments used on the investigation. This will allow easy correlation between
the data collected form the various instruments and the process trouble logs.
If the monitors are set-up and programmed early in the site visit and are allowed to operate to
capture data while part of the site inspection is being completed, then the monitors can be
checked before leaving the site to verify that the appropriate level and detail of data are captured.
If too little or too much data is being collected the parameters can be adjusted before leaving the
equipment for extended data collection.
Documentation for the monitoring instruments should include instrument connection diagrams,
programming parameters, installed location information, and any know problem events.

Compilation of Project Data


At the close of a site survey project, and before leaving the site, all data collected during the
investigation should be reviewed to ensure that it is understandable, properly documented, and
complete. If gaps in the data are detected, there is an opportunity to capture the necessary
information before leaving the project site. This review should include the instrument data,
inspection notes, trouble logs, other instrument measurements, and all documentation.

B-7

Power Quality Investigation Methodology

Data Analysis
There are a number of different approaches that can be taken to the review and analysis of all the
data collected. The following are some of the methods that can be used in the data analysis
process.
A basic review of the instrument data should verify that all information is available and
reasonable, and it should provide an initial characterization of the types of disturbances captured.
Many instruments can provide data summaries on a single report that will allow a quick
assessment of problems encountered, and the relative times at which they occurred. In many
cases the waveform of the disturbance can provide a clue regarding the source of the disturbance.
There are a number of references available to assist with this method of diagnosis. Be aware that
a profile type of diagnosis may not be definitive and needs corroboration.
Based on the information gathered early in the project on the susceptibility of the affected
equipment, it is now possible to identify any disturbances that appear to be clearly outside of the
manufacturers limits for acceptable power. It can be useful to provide the manufacturer with
copies of the instrument data for their review and comment, although many manufactures cannot
or will not provide susceptibility information.
The majority of the analysis effort involves the search for correlation between equipment
malfunctions and disturbances documented, between observed events and equipment
susceptibility profiles, and between disturbances which occur in a regular pattern and the
operating cycles of equipment suspected of causing disturbances. Rather than attempting to draw
specific conclusions from individual correlations, it may be better to document correlations when
identified, and wait until all data has been reviewed before attempting to draw conclusions.
Following the review of all of the project data, and based on the identified correlations,
disturbance profiles, utility operations data, and equipment schedules, it should be possible to
compile a list of known or suspected disturbance sources. This exercise may require input from
the clients operating staff, equipment manufacturers, and utility resources. Once compiled, the
list may suggest a number of remaining questions that require investigation. Most of these
questions will be related to testing the potential disturbance source theories. In many cases
additional site investigation at this point is suggested as a means of verifying the suspected
disturbance sources.

Evaluate Solution Options


At the close of the analysis phase there should be available a listing of known or suspected
disturbance sources, interpreted code issues, and performance wiring and grounding issues. From
this information it should be possible to make recommendations on actions to be taken to resolve
the power quality problems documented by the investigation.
There are three general approaches that can be taken with power quality solutions and they are:
to eliminate or modify the source of the disturbances, to eliminate or modify the path for the
disturbances between the source and the affected equipment, or to protect the affected
B-8

Power Quality Investigation Methodology

equipment. The most cost effective solution will likely be found in a combination of these
approaches.
If it is possible to relocate or modify either the source of the disturbances or affected process
equipment, or eliminate the source entirely, then these actions might prove to be far more cost
effective than any effort to protect the affected equipment.
Wiring and grounding issues should always be considered a high priority since they can easily
affect mitigation equipment performance as well as causing problems for the critical equipment.
Code based considerations should be addressed to correct safety problems and meet local codes,
while performance based issues should be considered based on the cost of the improvement vs.
the expected benefits.
If it becomes necessary to use mitigation equipment it is important to match the mitigation
technology carefully to the type of disturbance, and to the requirements of the affected loads.
There are two broad categories of mitigation technologies; power conditioning technologies
which are designed to modify the characteristics of the existing AC power (filters, surge
suppressors, power conditioners, etc.), and power supply technologies which are designed to
supply power to the loads when it is not available from the normal source (UPS equipment,
generators, standby power systems, etc.).
In general the electrical performance specifications for mitigation equipment should be weighed
against the intended application, the types of disturbances present, any available mitigation
equipment test information, the clients solution budget, and the nature of the process operation.
Unfortunately there is no single mitigation technology that can assure protection from all of the
potential power quality problems that might affect critical process equipment.

Solution Recommendations
The solution recommendations provided to the client should be the one that achieves the best
balance between the cost of implementation and level of protection. For each option
recommended, it is valuable to indicate the level of improvement that can be expected in the
power quality problems. This is particularly important if the options presented have widely
differing costs. The level of improvement expected can be referenced to manufacturer claims,
past experience with the technology, or test results. The client may be able to take the projected
level of improvement offered for each option and derive the dollar benefit for each option by
computing the cost savings of the number of equipment malfunctions eliminated.
The relative cost of each of the solution options will be important to the client and should include
the capital cost of the solution, the installation costs, the cost of any testing that might be
required, and the maintenance and operating costs for the technology recommended.
In many cases the client may be torn between an apparent low cost solution with positive short
term performance but long term performance concerns (operating costs, maintenance, life
expectancy, growth potential, etc.), and a solution option with higher initial costs, but a much

B-9

Power Quality Investigation Methodology

better long term performance. It is helpful to present solution options to the client in a format that
clearly offers both the short term and the long term cost considerations for each option.
All of the solution options recommended to the client should be compared with the clients
critical equipment electrical specifications, installation requirements, and other manufacturer
requirements to ensure that the installation of a solution option does not result in a warranty issue
between the client and the process equipment manufacturer.

Solution Implementation
Effective implementation is the last of the steps necessary to solve the clients power quality
problems. Ineffective implementation is not normally done by intent, but rather results from poor
communication, or time and cost constraints.
In an effort to make all communications as clear as possible, and ensure that all expectations
regarding the solution are met, the following may be helpful.
If wiring and grounding modifications or additions are part of the chosen solution, it is valuable
to clearly specify the materials to be used, the methods and procedures to be used, and the
ultimate expectations for the completed system. If these are clearly documented for the installing
resources, the installation should be done correctly.
For mitigation equipment it will be necessary to specify the desired product, any options to be
provided by the vendor, delivery requirements, method of shipment, and the key performance
requirements based on the manufacturers specifications. This documentation can help to ensure
that the vendor understands the expectations for the equipment, and again provides the client
with a basis for the evaluation of the performance of the solution.
Most mitigation equipment manufacturers provide their products with installation requirements
and, in many cases, additional installation directions are necessary to ensure that the clients final
performance expectations are met. The installation specifications will provide the installing
resources with the necessary direction to ensure that all equipment is installed to meet the
manufacturers expectations, and the clients expectations.

Performance Verification
The obvious intent of a power quality solution is to eliminate or improve power quality problems
affecting the clients equipment.
If a solution is implemented and no verification of performance is done, the client will be left to
gauge the performance of the solution based solely on the incidents of malfunction for his
equipment. There are two key things troubling about this approach. If a problem does reoccur,
the client may easily be very disturbed since an investment has just been made to eliminate these
problems. This can create serious problems for the project management, vendors, and the
installing resources. The second concern relates to the fact that problems for sensitive electronic
B-10

Power Quality Investigation Methodology

equipment may occur only through repeated exposure to power quality problems over some
extended period of time. Since the impact will not be immediate the client may easily have the
impression that all of the power quality problems have been corrected when this is not the case.
If the completed solution were subjected to a carefully designed verification, it would be possible
to demonstrate to the client that the installed solution does perform as expected. An effective
verification may include the inspection of the installed systems and any wiring and grounding
modifications, and it should include testing for performance of any mitigation technology
installed on the project. As a result of the verification either modifications can be made to
achieve the desired performance, or the client can be presented with proof that the solution is
indeed performing as originally intended.
It is also beneficial to leave the client with a clear understanding of the maintenance
requirements for the electrical system and any mitigation technologies, and the message that the
performance of the installed systems can only be assured through continual attention to these
requirements.

B-11

C
GENERIC CHECKLIST DESCRIBING THE ESSENTIAL
SPECIFICATION & INSTALLATION ISSUES

This appendix provides a suggested checklist to ensure that the minimum points in planning a
power quality mitigation installation have been addressed.

Defining and Selecting a PQ Mitigation Equipment


Output Power Characteristics
Power rating: ___kva.
Steady-state voltage: ___V RMS.
Voltage transient and recovery: +___%, - ___%, ___second.
Frequency limits: ___Hz, ___Hz.
Line-to-line voltage unbalance: ___%.
Load unbalance ratio: ___:1.
Voltage modulation: ___%.
Waveform deviation factor: ___%.
Total harmonic content: ___% RMS.
Phase angle: ___.
Overload: ___%, ___ seconds.
High momentary loads: ___amperes, __-second.
Current limit.
External fault clearing.
Internal fault clearing.

Other Requirements
Audio noise level.
Growth provision to: ___kva.
Automatic bypass operation.
EMC.
Input voltage harmonics: ___% RMS.
Efficiency.
Reliability and maintainability.
___MTBF: _____ hours.
___MTTR: ___-hours.
Safety.

C-1

Generic Checklist Describing the Essential Specification & Installation Issues

Determining Power Rating


Present system load: ___kva.
Planned additions: ___kva.
Long-range expansion: ___kva.
Critical lighting: ___kva.
Other critical loads: ___kva.

Optional Features
Remote console.
Emergency power-off interconnection.
Special EMC requirements.
Lighting and cooling during outage.
Nonstandard input power voltages.
Special acoustic or aesthetic requirements.
Automatic start of and transfer to E-G.
Smoke detectors.
Additional spare parts and test equipment.

Site Selection
Temperature: ___C to ___C (___F to ___F).
Relative humidity: ___% to ___%.
Altitude: ___meters ( ___ feet)
Ventilation and/or air conditioning.
Acoustics.
Safety.
Floor loading.
Space.
Accessibility.
Growth.
Lightning protection.
Earthquake conditions.

Power Distribution
Single-line electrical diagram.
Input power source impedance.
Connection diagram.
Independent mains bypass feeder.
Circuit Protection.
_____ Input .
_____ load.
_____ Energy Storage Device
_____ Input to load (bypass).

C-2

Generic Checklist Describing the Essential Specification & Installation Issues

Requests for Proposals


Parameters and information in first four sections.
Reliability.
_____ Average utility failure rate: ____
_____ Average utility failure
duration:
_______
Maintenance.
_____ Strategy 1 (all supplier
provided) or
_____ Strategy 2 (all user-provided) or
_____ Strategy 3 (parts of 1 and 2).
_____ Time between notification and
arrival of service personnel:
_____________.
_____ Training.
_____ Maintenance documentation.
Operator training.
Single-point failures.
System ground constraints.
Warranties.
Electrical codes.
Structural codes.
Safety codes.
Contracts.
Schedules.
Input power.
_____ Maximum: _____kva.
_____ Power factor: ___.
_____ Voltage harmonics: ___% RMS.
Energy Storage
_____ Voltages.
_____ Float: _____V.
_____ Equalization: _____ V.
_____ End: _____ V.
_____ Rated dc current at full load:
_____ amperes.
_____ Maximum available dc shortcircuit current: _____ amperes.
_____ Ride-through time at full load..
_____ Projected life: ___ years
_____ Operating temperature ___C,
___C (___F, ___F).

C-3

Generic Checklist Describing the Essential Specification & Installation Issues

Proposed Evaluation
Compliance statements.
Deviation statements.
Visits.

Acceptance Tests
Output voltage regulation.
bypass switch.
PQ mitigation performance
Environment.
Instrumentation, controls, and indicators.

Installation
Compliance with codes, regulations, drawings, and specifications.

Total System Acceptance Tests


Dummy load tests.
_____ Output voltage regulation.
_____ Energy Storage.
_____ Static bypass switch.
_____ Instrumentation, controls, and
indicators.
_____ System grounds.
_____ Serviceability.
Live load tests.
_____ Output voltage regulation.
_____ Static bypass switch.
_____ Long-term run.
_____ Safety.

C-4

D
SUGGESTED CHECKLIST OF RESPONSIBILITIES

Documents of understanding, showing responsibilities and accountabilities, should be requested


before any procurement and installation work commences. The following checklist shows some
possible responsibility assignments.
Item
1. Providing size and weight of mitigation system components.
2. Obtaining structural analysis of installation site to determine whether
reinforcing is required.
3. Defining packing and shipping method.
4. Access and modifications, if required, from unloading area to
installation room.
5. Moving components from unloading area to installation area.
6. Providing termination point for output power and signal cables.
7. Providing adequately rated input power terminations, suitable for
equipment input.
8. Installing mitigation and separate switchgear
interconnections.
9. Supplying adequate ground in building switchgear for equipment
grounding.
10. Providing data on equipment generated heat.
11. Providing for lights, service outlets, and ventilation of installation area.
12. Locating, installing, and wiring of remote monitor panel.
13. Providing walls, fences
14. Supplying equipment acoustical data.
15. Defining and providing maintenance services, plans, or contracts; also,
spares and test equipment requirements.
16. Providing space for spares and test equipment.
17. Training user personnel, if requested.
18. Providing factory and user site acceptance test plans.
19. Conducting acceptance tests.
20. Defining average failure rate and duration of local utility mains.
21. Defining the electrical, structural, and safety codes.

Suggested Responsibility
User
Supplier
Note
X
X
X

Data Provided to
User
Supplier
X

X
X

2
X

X
X
X

X
3
X

X
X

X
X

X
X
X
X
X
X

X
X
X
X

Notes:
1. Electrical connections may be made by a separate electrical contractor; user and supplier responsibilities should
be defined.
2. There may be a requirement for separate electrical (power) and signal grounds.
3. Responsibility may be contracted to a consultant, architect, or contractor.
4. The user, or his consultants, should approve and make any necessary modifications to the test plans before they
are implemented.

D-1

Das könnte Ihnen auch gefallen