Impact of electrical pollution on drive efficiency
In recent decades, the unstoppable introduction of non-linear taxes has contributed to increasing pollution in our electricity networks. And the fact that we were all customers in the past is also long gone, as the increasing integration of alternative, local, energy generation may also make us all suppliers. The degree of pollution is called Power Quality (PQ) and therefore concerns us all. In addition to reliability, the degree of harmonic distortion and grid stability is an important factor.
Network pollution is largely caused by the equipment connected to the network. This can be caused by switched-mode power supplies, PWM control of motors, dimmers, energy-saving lamps, or the switching on of high-power loads. But also power conversion electronics belonging to solar and wind energy installations do not make the situation any better, nor do lightning strikes and short circuits. The influence of all these grid loads is reflected in the form of harmonic distortion, voltage fluctuations and transients.
Drive systems account for almost 70% of the electricity consumption of Dutch industry. To improve efficiency, resulting in significant energy savings, success can almost certainly be achieved in the short term by compensating for the current distortion and instability. Subsequently, the more individual components within the drive systems can be examined for further efficiency gains.
See also the presentation of René Bos on this topic via this link.
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