Power Quality Matters involve detecting phase imbalances and ensuring that all phasors have equal magnitudes and are symmetrically phase-shifted by 120 degrees relative to each other.
Peruse this document for a more comprehensive understanding of the subject addressed in this paper. While power electronics equipment can enhance efficiency and control, they can also cause distortions in the power system, leading to power quality issues. Harmonics, which distort the standard sinusoidal waveform of power, can result in various problems such as equipment […]
How do Power Quality Affect Client’s Billing Read More »
What could possibly prompt Eskom or any power distribution companies to look into issues of unbalanced power networks? Could it be the threat of legal proceedings? I understood that a representative from Eskom was notified about potential network imbalances at the Modderbee municipal substation, but it might have been disregarded as unlikely. However, since I
Unbalanced Network Conditions—What Are the Gains from Poor Network Conditions Read More »
The modern power network stands at a crossroads, grappling with an unprecedented shift in energy dynamics. As the global push for sustainability accelerates, traditional grids are being challenged by the rise of decentralized, renewable energy sources, unpredictable demand patterns, and evolving technological advancements. The power network is in flux—requiring innovative solutions to balance intermittency, ensure
How to Balance the Unbalanced Power Networks Read More »
On the 2nd of October 2023, I published an article with the heading “Phase Imbalance in Distribution Networks” in which I stated that “In a recent unrelated “survey”, I came across a 10-minute averaged voltage unbalance of 327% between Phase 2 and Phase 1”. I also asked the question: is Eskom aware what is happening
Contravention of Fiduciary Duties Read More »
It is a known fact that there is a growing shift towards renewable energy sources as well as buying and selling electrical power which most often necessitates the use of HVDC transmission systems. Both the solar power generation and HVDC transmission systems make extensive use of power electronics devices. In future, more-and-more grid-forming converters (GFMCs)
Compensating For Power Quality Issues Caused by Power Electronics Devices Read More »
On September 24, 2023, I posed an article in which I explained how poorly maintained switchgear could lead to long-lasting power quality issues. In that article, which was based on an actual incident in Benoni, Gauteng, South Africa, I mentioned that the voltages of two of the three phases increased by more than 51% while
What Is the Attitude Towards Power Quality Read More »
In the latest newsletter which would be published on November 14, 2023, I am making another attempt, this time, to catch the attention of accountants and financial officers explaining to them how unbalanced voltages, phase-shift variations, and harmonics disturbances would result in enormous economic losses. But first, I must go back to a previous blog
Cost of Complacency Read More »
In the mid-1980s, I embarked on a mission to resolve persistent “power failure” complaints from the National Accelerator Centre (NAC) in Faure, Western Cape, now known as iThemba LABS—the largest accelerator facility in the Southern Hemisphere. Invited for private tours, I delved into their operations, even entering the high-stakes environment of the operating room. Witnessing
Consequence of Weaknesses in Power Quality Read More »
Throughout my time in the power transmission and distribution industry I have probably had experiences that many others may never have. In a previous post, I talked about the current and voltage unbalances and how a large factory in the Western Cape in South Africa was severely affected by negative phase sequencing. In this post
Power Network Disturbances Read More »
To mitigate the effects of Load-Shedding, many homeowners have decided to install PV Solar Energy systems. And, as I said before, they are more worried about how much it would cost than the quality of the products. If they can pay the lowest possible price for the entire installation, they are happy and do not
Power Quality Issues Caused by Distributed Generation Read More »
