Category Archives: Power Quality Matters

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.

A Call for Urgent Reform in the Electric Power Industry

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Over the past few months, it has become increasingly clear that the Electric Power Industry in South Africa is in dire need of reform. Insights shared through various channels, including emails and LinkedIn discussions, underscore the urgency for a comprehensive overhaul of the regulatory framework governing this vital sector.

One of the most crucial steps is the establishment of an independent inspectorate. This body must possess the authority to investigate a wide range of issues across the industry, including oversight of local power distributors, private generating companies, and Eskom. It is imperative that only qualified individuals, with the necessary skills and experience, are appointed to these positions to ensure effective oversight and accountability.

The role of these inspectors should be multifaceted. They must ensure compliance with national and regional laws governing electricity generation, transmission, and distribution—much like we had in previous decades. Key responsibilities should include conducting safety audits, inspecting electrical installations, and monitoring the overall performance of the electricity sector. Currently, there is a troubling lack of maintenance records and transparency, which undermines safety and reliability.

Moreover, these inspectors must have the authority to impose penalties, fines, or sanctions on entities that violate regulations or engage in unfair practices. We can look to successful models abroad, such as the Office of Gas and Electricity Markets (Ofgem) in the U.K., which has effectively enforced compliance through significant fines and audits. In 2020 alone, Ofgem issued fines totaling over £260 million. Similarly, the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) in the U.S. conducts thorough investigations and audits without needing prior approval from the entities under review.

In South Africa, it is essential that NERSA takes on a more proactive role in analyzing financial statements of electricity providers before approving tariff increases. The current reliance on self-reported data without adequate oversight is insufficient.

Furthermore, it is unacceptable for complaints about service quality—such as severe voltage imbalances—to remain unresolved for years. Regulatory bodies must facilitate communication with the appropriate utility companies to address these concerns swiftly and effectively.

🔧 The time for action is now. We need a reformed electric power sector that prioritizes transparency, accountability, and, most importantly, the needs of consumers. Let’s advocate for a system that ensures reliable, safe, and economically efficient energy services for all South Africans.

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Addressing Ongoing Concerns: The State of My Complaint Against City Power Johannesburg

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I find myself compelled to revisit and articulate my ongoing concerns regarding the lack of progress on my complaint about the poor service I have received from City Power Johannesburg. This complaint was formally lodged with the National Energy Regulator of South Africa (NERSA) on April 15, 2024. Unfortunately, since then, I have seen little action taken to address the pressing issues I raised.

A Letter of Disappointment

On October 11, 2024, I received a letter from NERSA’s CEO, addressed to the CEO of City Power. While I won’t delve into the inaccuracies presented in that correspondence, I must highlight a troubling omission: there are no outlined consequences or penalties for City Power. The letter mentioned that the matter “may be escalated to NERSA if there is dissatisfaction from the aggrieved party.” This begs the question: what progress has been made since I first approached City Power on March 12, 2024?

It’s worth noting that City Power contravened Section 4.6.1.1 months ago, which mandates that complaints be resolved within 15 business days. Yet, there have been no repercussions for this breach, raising serious concerns about accountability.

The Need for Accountability

It’s widely understood that utility companies that fail to meet specified quality standards, such as voltage levels, may face fines from NERSA. However, this crucial aspect was notably absent in the recent correspondence. The letter suggested that City Power must engage with the complaint before any mediation could occur. My previous experiences, particularly one from July 2010, lead me to question the efficacy of this approach. In that instance, City Power failed to attend a meeting scheduled by NERSA, resulting in an inconclusive outcome with no meaningful follow-up. This pattern raises concerns about NERSA’s capacity to enforce compliance.

Concerns About NERSA’s Effectiveness

I am increasingly worried about NERSA’s effectiveness as a regulatory body. If a utility company consistently fails to provide reliable service and violates NRS 047 requirements, will there be tangible consequences? My experiences since 2010 have made me skeptical about the enforcement of such measures.

Additionally, I reported significant voltage and current imbalances to NERSA in Modderbee, Springs, yet no action was taken because I am not deemed a customer. This raises broader questions about how power quality issues are managed across different municipalities. I had hoped that NERSA could facilitate communication with the relevant utility companies to address these pressing concerns.

The Role of NERSA: Are We Left to Navigate Alone?

Given the ongoing issues, one must wonder whether both large power users and residential consumers are left to fend for themselves. If that’s the case, what is the purpose of taxpayer funding for an organization like NERSA?

Economic Consequences of Inadequate Power Quality

This topic is not merely bureaucratic; it has real economic implications. Poor power quality can impose substantial financial burdens. For instance, the Leonardo Power Quality Initiative estimates that inadequate power quality costs the European economy up to €150 billion annually, while losses in the United States range from $119 billion to $188 billion, according to the Electric Power Research Institute (EPRI).

This raises two critical questions: Why do we assume that South Africa’s power quality is better than that of the U.S. or certain European nations? And how can we be confident that all municipalities in South Africa are free from power quality issues? Leaders must provide clarity and transparency in these matters to foster public trust in regulatory bodies.

If poor power quality is evident in major cities like Johannesburg and Ekurhuleni, what implications does this have for smaller towns and cities that may lack access to qualified engineers?

Insights on Negative Phase Sequencing: A Global Perspective

Interestingly, the Agulhas Utilities Corporation’s website attracts significant international traffic, with visitors from the U.S. constituting 61.64% of total traffic, compared to only 6.73% from South Africa. The most frequently visited section—aside from the homepage—focuses on Negative Phase Sequencing, indicating a strong global interest in this subject that extends beyond our local context.

A Call for Reform in the Regulatory Framework

Given these insights, it’s clear that we must reconsider and reform the regulatory framework governing the electrical power industry. Establishing an independent inspectorate with the authority to investigate a wide range of issues is essential. This oversight should encompass local power distributors, private generating companies, and even Eskom. It’s vital that only individuals with the necessary skills and experience are appointed to these positions to ensure effective oversight and accountability within the sector.

As I continue to pursue my complaint, I remain hopeful that our regulatory bodies can evolve to better serve and protect consumers. The time for action is now.

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The Challenges in Managing South Africa’s Electricity Sector

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The National Energy Regulator of South Africa (NERSA) has faced significant criticism for its handling of the country’s electricity sector. Established to regulate the electricity, piped-gas, and petroleum pipelines industries, NERSA’s mandate includes ensuring a reliable and efficient energy supply. However, its performance has been underwhelming, leading to widespread dissatisfaction amid South Africa’s ongoing electricity crisis.

Inconsistent Tariff Decisions

One of the primary issues with NERSA’s management is its inconsistent tariff decisions. The regulator has been criticized for approving substantial tariff increases for Eskom, the state-owned electricity supplier, despite the utility’s ongoing operational inefficiencies and financial troubles. These increases have placed a heavy burden on consumers and businesses, exacerbating economic challenges in a country already grappling with high unemployment and slow growth.

Lack of Transparency

Transparency is a cornerstone of effective regulation, yet NERSA has often been accused of lacking openness in its decision-making processes. Stakeholders, including industry experts and consumer advocacy groups, have raised concerns about the opaque nature of NERSA’s operations. This lack of transparency undermines public trust and makes it difficult to hold the regulator accountable for its actions.

Failure to Address Load Shedding

Load shedding, or rolling blackouts, has become a persistent issue in South Africa, severely impacting daily life and economic productivity. NERSA’s inability to effectively address this problem has been a major point of contention. Despite numerous promises and plans, the regulator has failed to implement sustainable solutions to stabilize the electricity supply. This ongoing crisis highlights NERSA’s shortcomings in strategic planning and crisis management.

Regulatory Capture

There are also allegations of regulatory capture, where NERSA is perceived to be more aligned with the interests of Eskom than with those of the public. This perception is fueled by decisions that seem to favor the utility’s financial recovery over the broader need for a reliable and affordable electricity supply. Such actions have led to questions about the regulator’s independence and its ability to act in the public interest.

Public Trust and Transparency

Public trust in NERSA has also been eroded by perceptions of corruption and mismanagement. Allegations of favoritism and lack of transparency in decision-making processes have led to growing skepticism among stakeholders regarding the regulator’s integrity and capability. This distrust complicates collaboration between NERSA, Eskom, and independent power producers, which is essential for a cohesive and forward-looking energy strategy.

Personal Concerns About Transparency and Trust

Since I first lodged a complaint with NERSA regarding “Poor Service from City Power Johannesburg” on April 15, 2024, there has been little meaningful progress on this issue. Despite my persistent efforts to highlight these concerns, I only received a response on September 11, 2024, stating that an escalation letter had been drafted and was awaiting final signatures.

After following up on September 18, I was informed that the letter had indeed been sent. However, when I requested a copy of this correspondence, I was told that the legal department needed to provide guidance on whether such documents could be shared with complainants. Since that time, I have not received any further updates, which raises significant concerns about the transparency of this process. This situation feels unproductive and has left me with the impression that we are going in circles without achieving any meaningful progress.

Given the slow response and apparent lack of serious engagement, I can’t help but feel that my concerns are being disregarded. The unresolved issues regarding the imbalanced networks require thorough investigation and prompt action, as they directly impact the reliability of electricity supply in our community. It is essential that these matters are addressed swiftly and transparently to restore trust in the process.

Impact on Renewable Energy

South Africa has significant potential for renewable energy, yet NERSA’s regulatory framework has been criticized for not doing enough to promote and integrate renewable sources into the national grid. The slow pace of renewable energy adoption is seen as a missed opportunity to diversify the energy mix and reduce reliance on coal, which is both environmentally damaging and increasingly costly.

Conclusion

NERSA’s management of South Africa’s electricity sector has been marked by inconsistency, lack of transparency, and failure to address critical issues like load shedding. These shortcomings have not only eroded public trust but also hindered the country’s economic and social development. For South Africa to achieve a stable and sustainable energy future, significant reforms in NERSA’s regulatory approach are essential.

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Understanding Power Quality: Why It Matters for Your Bottom Line

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For over a year, I’ve been sharing insights into power quality issues and their financial impacts, focusing on unbalanced network conditions and the resulting costs on electricity bills. Despite numerous articles and explanations, I find that many people still struggle to grasp these concepts. Is it that my explanations are too complex, or do some prefer to ignore these issues and continue paying higher bills?

Understanding power quality is crucial for managing your energy expenses. In unbalanced networks, beyond just reactive and active power, inefficiencies arise that increase apparent power. Radial networks, which are common in medium and low voltage systems, tend to have greater imbalances compared to mesh networks.

Consider motor performance: a 1% voltage imbalance at a fully loaded motor can lead to a 6-10% imbalance in phase current. This imbalance raises the motor’s temperature, decreases energy efficiency, and shortens its lifespan. Additionally, it affects the motor’s speed and torque, leading to increased losses and reduced net torque. The negative sequence current can even create a backward-rotating magnetic field that counteracts the motor’s intended direction.

Beyond paying more per kWh, users might also be experiencing increased losses due to these imbalances. Understanding and addressing these issues can lead to significant cost savings and improved efficiency.

Let’s prioritize power quality and make informed decisions about our energy use! 💡💪

#PowerQuality #EnergyEfficiency #CostSavings #ElectricalEngineering #MotorPerformance #EnergyManagement

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Understanding Power Quality and Unbalanced Power Networks

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#PowerQuality #ElectricalEngineering #EnergyInfrastructure

Please take a moment to review this important document and explore the links within it.

Introduction

The concept of “power quality” may seem abstract, especially when dealing with an intangible commodity like electricity. However, for commercial and industrial facility managers, it holds significant importance. Good power quality directly impacts productivity and employee safety. Conversely, poor power quality can lead to financial losses due to equipment damage, reduced productivity, and product spoilage. Recognizing and maintaining optimal power quality is essential for efficient operations and overall business success.

Economic Implications of Power Quality

Power quality, often overlooked but crucial, has significant economic implications. The Leonardo Power Quality Initiative estimates that poor power quality costs the European economy up to €150 billion annually, while in the U.S., losses range from $119 billion to $188 billion, as reported by the Electric Power Research Institute (EPRI). However, a pivotal finding by EPRI highlights that a staggering 80 percent of power-quality disturbances originate within a facility itself.

Impact of Renewable Energy on Power Quality

The data, although dated, suggests that the economy has experienced substantial growth. Additionally, network operators now heavily rely on renewable energy sources. However, this shift may have unintended consequences, potentially impacting power quality.

Sustainable Development and Power Quality

In the context of increased competitiveness, companies are increasingly concerned about sustainable development. Inadequate power quality (PQ) can lead to significant financial losses and impact a company’s sustainability.

Utility Charges and Imbalances

Utility companies charge commercial and industrial consumers based on both active power (kW) and reactive power (kVAR). Imbalances affect both. Reactive power (associated with voltage and current phase differences) increases due to imbalances, leading to additional charges. Moreover, higher losses from imbalances result in increased energy consumption, indirectly affecting consumer bills.

Challenges in South Africa

While energy providers and users worldwide recognize the urgency of addressing power quality issues, South Africa faces unique challenges. Despite an aging infrastructure, load fluctuations, and insufficient maintenance, power quality issues are not addressed adequately. Articles calling out Eskom, City Power, and NERSA have gone unanswered. Questions arise about NERSA’s role—does it merely issue licenses and approve tariff increases, or does it also manage safety and reliability compliance? It is time to raise awareness and demand accountability. End-users must advocate for higher-quality power, and utilities should prioritize improved power quality.

Balanced vs. Unbalanced Power Networks

In this document, I delve into the principles of balanced and unbalanced power networks, using real-world data to highlight the differences between these scenarios. Specifically, I address Eskom and other power distributors’ awareness of unbalanced network conditions and their actions to rectify them.

Financial Burden on Customers

Importantly, I explore how customers, who experience unbalanced networks, shoulder a substantial financial burden through their electricity bills. Meanwhile, electricity generators—whether from coal-fired power stations, nuclear sources, or renewable energy—may remain apathetic. The inefficiencies arising from unbalanced networks could inadvertently enhance their profits.

Conclusion

Primarily, it is crucial to understand that the zero-sequence component is responsible for generating heat in transformers and cables, hence the need for its elimination. Secondly, imbalanced network conditions lead to an extremely high neutral current and elevated circulating currents in the delta windings of transformers. These conditions can cause transformers and cables to overheat, potentially leading to unexpected shutdowns or even more serious failures like cables being burnt off or transformer insulation ignition.

Reflect on the recent surge in reported cable and transformer malfunctions, and then form your own opinion: Are Eskom and other power distributors cognizant of the imbalanced network conditions? Furthermore, do they take adequate measures to inspect the networks for this issue? Based on my observations, it seems unlikely. They appear to disregard any notifications concerning imbalanced network conditions.

A recurring query is: who reaps the benefits from the additional charges customers pay due to unbalanced network conditions? Let us delve into this. Customers require a certain amount of electrical power, or real power, to carry out specific tasks. However, these unbalanced network conditions lead to a substantial rise in inefficient powers, causing an increase in apparent power. Since customers’ bills are primarily based on this apparent power, they end up paying more for these inefficient powers. On the generation side, power must be produced to offset the losses. Each unit generated includes a profit margin. Therefore, the more units produced, the greater the profits. It is important to note that none of the power plants, whether coal-fired, nuclear, or renewable, operate as non-profit entities.

It might be beneficial for individuals like the Eskom executive to peruse this article, along with other articles I have shared on my blog. Additionally, web pages such as Symmetrical Component Analysis and Negative Phase Sequencing could provide further understanding of this concept.

Those who have comprehended the aforementioned information can independently determine the validity of the claim that Modderbee and Linden are not experiencing unbalanced network conditions.

What is crucial is that consumers need to determine if they are willing to pay a significantly higher price for electricity, considering that the issues should be resolved by the power supply distributors, including Eskom.

Equally significant is the fact that imbalances in networks are not readily apparent in power supplies. For instance, in Linden, individuals might assume the power supply is functioning normally by checking the phase-to-neutral voltages. Similarly, in Modderbee, Eskom and electricity department officials might perceive the network as problem-free when they observe that the phase-to-phase voltages are consistent.

If you are under the impression that residing in a different part of the globe shields you from unbalanced network conditions, it might be worth verifying that assumption. As outlined in this document, you might be totally unaware of such occurrences.

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NERSA’s Role in the Electricity Sector: A Critical Examination

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Introduction

The National Energy Regulator of South Africa (NERSA) plays a pivotal role in regulating and overseeing the electricity industry. However, recent events and historical practices raise questions about the effectiveness of NERSA’s mandate. In this blog post, we delve into NERSA’s licensing process, tariff approvals, and complaint handling.

Licensing Challenges

NERSA’s primary responsibility includes issuing licenses to power distribution and generation companies. Unfortunately, recent incidents suggest that this process isn’t without flaws. A newspaper article highlighted NERSA’s reluctance to grant access to decision records, leading to legal battles with organizations like OUTA. The regulator’s last-minute settlement offer further raises concerns about transparency and due diligence.

Tariff Approval Quandary

When it comes to approving electricity tariffs, NERSA faces another hurdle. Afriforum, a civil rights organization, filed an urgent legal application to prevent municipalities from increasing tariffs without proper cost studies. The High Court’s ruling in 2022 declared NERSA’s old method—relying on previous years’ tariffs—unlawful. The Electricity Regulation Act mandates cost-based adjustments, considering all relevant factors. Yet, NERSA shifted the responsibility to municipalities, potentially compromising fair tariff assessments.

Complaint Handling: A Mixed Bag

NERSA provides an avenue for anyone to submit complaints. However, the effectiveness of this process remains questionable. Consider a past complaint that led to a meeting in 2010. Despite acknowledging the need for action, the subsequent lack of feedback raises doubts about NERSA’s follow-through. Transparency and accountability are crucial for building public trust.

Urgent Matters: Unbalanced Currents and Voltages

On May 25, 2024, I raised a critical issue with NERSA—an alarming condition of unbalanced voltage and current. Urgent attention is necessary to ensure the safety and reliability of our electrical infrastructure. However, my interactions with NERSA representatives have left me skeptical. Their brief email responses may not suffice for thorough investigations.

Conclusion

As someone deeply entrenched in the electricity sector, I find it challenging to see NERSA’s significant impact. To truly enhance the sector’s performance, NERSA must address licensing inefficiencies, improve tariff approval processes, and prioritize robust complaint handling. Our collective energy future depends on it.

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Power Quality Affecting Client Billing

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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 overheating, malfunctions, and inefficiencies. Solid-state power meters are often considered a reliable method for power measurement, including harmonic power monitoring. But is this presumption accurate? These devices are expected to deliver precise and instant data, thereby also improving power quality management.

Traditional billing methods may not accurately represent actual power consumption in these situations. Hence, the idea of balanced billing is to be introduced. Balanced billing strives for fair and precise billing by considering the complexities of unbalanced and non-sinusoidal voltage supply.

In a previous blog post, I showed how consumers could face significant financial impacts on their electricity bills due to imbalanced network situations. On the other hand, electricity producers, regardless of whether they use coal-fired power plants, nuclear energy, or renewable sources, might remain unaffected. This indifference stems from the potential profit increase they could gain from the inefficiencies caused by these imbalanced network conditions.

Electronic meters improve the accuracy of active power measurements by including harmonics filtering. As domestic electrical appliances become more sophisticated, they produce higher harmonic levels that need to be considered in the active power measurement. While electromechanical methods can measure harmonic power up to the 5th harmonic, electronic methods can accurately estimate up to and beyond the 63rd harmonic.

Including harmonics in active energy calculations improves the accuracy of billing and grid management, especially as the occurrence of non-linear loads in domestic appliances increases. Without a standardized method for measuring harmonic power, a qualitative evaluation of electronic energy meters can help determine if a solution is capable of such measurement. Recent advancements in integrated circuit technology, as indicated by Analog Devices’ ADE product line, now allow energy meter designers to provide low-cost harmonic energy measurements, meeting the changing needs of energy providers.

Utility companies often levy additional charges on medium and large customers with low power factors. However, these charges can be unfair in situations where the installations are subject to voltage imbalance and harmonic distortion. It is crucial to establish the fairest definitions of Power Factor (PF) and their corresponding measurement methods when powering a constant impedance load or an induction motor with unbalanced and non-sinusoidal voltages.

Fairness is defined by the expectation that a meter, built based on a specific definition and measurement method, should produce values under non-ideal supply conditions that are very close to those it would yield under an ideal balanced sinusoidal supply.

To achieve this, both meter manufacturers and power distribution companies need to include a variety of computational simulation methods in their design and production processes. These methods should simulate different scenarios where a balanced customer, represented as a constant impedance load or an induction motor, incurs costs due to a voltage supply that is no longer balanced and sinusoidal. The same methodology should be applied to an induction motor under a wide range of unbalanced, non-sinusoidal supply situations.

It is crucial for utilities to have the confidence to install any meter in any electrical environment (sinusoidal or non-sinusoidal) knowing that they will all produce identical readings for the same load. Anything less is unacceptable.

My personal question is: is this being implemented? Prepaid meters were introduced many years ago when the phenomenon of harmonics, or the distortion of the normal sinusoidal waveform of power, was perhaps completely unknown. However, those prepaid meters have not been replaced, and I question whether the “new smart meters” are constructed based on the principles discussed in this paper.

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Who Gains Advantage from Unbalanced Network Conditions?

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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 was not present, I cannot vouch for the accuracy of the information I received indirectly.

The secondary reason for publishing this article is my effort to reach out to someone who professes to have extensive knowledge about Eskom’s power quality. I did not just send one email, but two. Despite being successfully delivered, the first email went unanswered, and the second was “deleted without being read,” as per the notification I received in my email account.

Consider the recent increase in reported issues with cables and transformers, and then draw your own conclusions: Are Eskom and other power suppliers aware of the network imbalances? Moreover, do they implement sufficient checks to identify these issues in the networks? From what I’ve observed, it doesn’t seem so. They seem to ignore any alerts related to network imbalances.

A question that often arises is: who benefits from the extra costs that customers incur due to unbalanced network voltage conditions? Let us explore this. Customers need a specific amount of electrical power, also known as real power, to perform certain tasks. However, the unbalanced network conditions result in a significant increase in inefficient powers, leading to a rise in apparent power. As customers’ bills are mainly calculated based on this apparent power, they end up paying more for these inefficient powers. On the generation side, power must be produced to also compensate for the losses. Each unit generated carries a profit margin. Hence, the more units produced, the higher the profits. It is crucial to remember that all power plants, whether they are coal-fired, nuclear, or renewable, do not operate as non-profit organizations.

It’s also important to note that network imbalances are not easily noticeable in power supplies. For example, in Linden, people might believe the power supply is working properly by examining the phase-to-neutral voltages. Likewise, in Modderbee, officials from Eskom and the electricity department might view the network as free of issues when they see that the phase-to-phase voltages are stable.

If you think that living in a different part of the world protects you from unbalanced network conditions, it may be beneficial to reevaluate that belief. As highlighted in this document, you might be completely oblivious to such events.

Read this document.

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Power Networks in Flux – Balancing the Unbalanced

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Unbalanced network conditions in power supplies can be deceptive because phase-to-neutral voltage measurements might not reveal the full picture. Here are why phase-to-phase voltages might not be close to each other even if phase-to-neutral voltages are:

  1. Unmatched Impedance: If the impedance in the transformer banks is unmatched, it can cause unbalanced conditions that are not apparent in phase-to-neutral measurements but will affect phase-to-phase voltages.
  2. Large Single-Phase Loads: When large single-phase loads are unevenly distributed across a three-phase network, it can create an imbalance that affects phase-to-phase voltages.
  3. Generation Faults: Faults in power generation can lead to unbalanced conditions that might not be detected by measuring phase-to-neutral voltages alone.

In the case of Linden and Modderbee, officials may overlook unbalanced conditions by only considering phase-to-neutral or phase-to-phase voltages. It is crucial to measure both to get an accurate assessment of the power supply’s balance. Unbalanced conditions can lead to equipment damage, increased network losses, and inefficiencies. Therefore, comprehensive measurements and analysis are necessary to ensure the reliability and safety of the power supply.

To determine if you are paying too much for electricity, you can indeed perform a simple check using a clip-on ammeter and a voltmeter to calculate the apparent power in volt-amperes (VA). Here is how you can do it:

  1. Measure the Current (I): Use the clip-on ammeter to measure the current flowing through the circuit.
  2. Measure the Voltage (V): Use the voltmeter to measure the voltage across the circuit.
  3. Calculate Apparent Power (S): Multiply the current by the voltage to get the apparent power in VA.
  4. Determine the Cost: Multiply the apparent power by the tariff rate provided by your electricity supplier.

This method gives you an instantaneous reading of your power usage, which you can compare with your electricity bill to see if there is a significant discrepancy. If you suspect your meter is faulty, having it tested is a good option despite the initial cost which would likely be refunded if the meter is indeed faulty. Regular monitoring of your power usage can help you identify any inconsistencies or potential overcharges on your electricity bill.

To accurately determine if you are being overcharged for electricity, it is essential to consider the following assumptions:

  1. Constant Current and Voltage: The assumption that current and voltage remain constant is a simplification for calculation purposes. These can fluctuate due to various factors such as appliance usage and utility supply stability.
    • Perfect Power Supply: Assuming a perfect power supply without any fluctuations is an ideal scenario often used in theoretical calculations but not typically found in residential settings.
  2. Synchronized Timing: Starting the measurement process at the same time as the meter reading ensures that the comparison is based on the same usage period, which is crucial for accuracy.
  3. Meter Accuracy: It’s assumed that the meter is accurately measuring the power consumption without any faults or errors.
  4. No Unauthorized Usage: This assumption implies that there is no electricity theft or unauthorized usage being recorded on your meter.
  5. No Additional Charges: It’s assumed that the bill reflects only the cost of electricity consumed, without any additional fees or charges that could affect the total amount due.

By carefully considering these assumptions and comparing your actual power usage with the billed amount, you can determine if there is a discrepancy. If you suspect an error, it may be necessary to have your meter tested or to consult with your electricity provider for clarification. Remember, the accuracy of your determination is contingent upon the validity of these assumptions. If any of these assumptions do not hold true, the conclusion drawn about overcharging may not be reliable. These assumptions are necessary for a simplified calculation, but they do not reflect the complexities of actual power usage and supply conditions. For a more accurate assessment, a continuous recording of power consumption over the billing period, accounting for fluctuations, would be required. This data could then be compared with the meter reading on your bill to determine if there is a discrepancy indicating you might be paying too much for electricity. If such a discrepancy is found, it would be advisable to have your meter tested. Remember, the cost of testing the meter is typically refunded if the meter is found to be faulty.

Unbalanced voltage conditions in power supplies can indeed have significant effects, even if they are not immediately obvious. Let us explore why phase-to-phase voltages might not be relatively close to each other, despite phase-to-neutral voltages appearing balanced.

  1. Voltage Imbalance and Its Causes:
    • Voltage imbalance occurs when the voltages in a three-phase system are not equal. It can result from various factors:
      • Generation Faults: Issues in the power generation process can lead to voltage imbalances.
      • Unmatched Impedance: Transformer banks with unmatched impedance can cause imbalances.
      • Single-Phase Loads: Unevenly distributed single-phase loads across the three phases can create voltage imbalances. For example:
        • If one phase carries significantly more current due to single-phase motors or heating/cooling loads, the line-to-neutral voltage of that phase will be lower than the other two.
        • Similarly, if most of the load is connected over only two phases, one line-to-neutral voltage will be higher than the other two.
      • Unbalanced voltage affects both induction motors and electronic rectifiers.
  1. Effects on Induction Motors:
    • Motor Torque and Speed: Unbalanced voltage negatively impacts motor torque and speed.
    • Noise: Motors may produce excessive noise.
    • Current Imbalance: Voltage imbalance can lead to increased current imbalance.
    • Temperature Rise: The temperature rise due to voltage imbalance can be much greater than the percentage of imbalance itself.
  2. Why Phase-to-Phase Voltages May Differ:
    • Even if phase-to-neutral voltages appear balanced, phase-to-phase voltages can differ due to the specific load distribution.
    • Consider a scenario where:
      • Phase A has a higher load (more single-phase devices connected).
      • Phase B and C have relatively lower loads.
    • In this case:
      • The line-to-neutral voltage of Phase A will be lower.
      • The line-to-line voltages (Phase A-B and Phase A-C) will also differ.
    • Thus, phase-to-phase voltages may not be close to each other, even when phase-to-neutral voltages seem balanced.
  3. Practical Implications:
    • Unbalanced voltages can lead to equipment damage, motor inefficiencies, and increased network losses.
    • Monitoring phase-to-phase voltages is crucial to identify and address voltage imbalances.

Remember that maintaining balanced voltages across all three phases is essential for a stable and efficient power supply. If you encounter unbalanced conditions, further investigation is necessary to ensure the health of your electrical system.

A deep understanding of the complexities involved in electrical power systems and the importance of accurate billing are based on the actual power consumption. Concerns should be raised about the potential discrepancies in power distribution and billing, especially in the context of an unbalanced network where inefficiencies can lead to increased apparent power and potentially higher charges for consumers.

Here is a brief overview of the power types:

  • Real Power (P): This is the power that performs work in the circuit, such as running appliances or lighting. It is measured in watts (W) and is what consumers ideally should be billed for.
  • Reactive Power (Q): This power does not perform any real work; instead, it is used to maintain the electric and magnetic fields in inductive and capacitive loads. It is measured in volt-amperes reactive (VAR).
  • Apparent Power (S): This is the combination of real and reactive power and represents the total power supplied to the circuit. It is measured in volt-amperes (VA).

The relationship between these types of power can be represented by the formula:

In a perfectly balanced system, the real power would equal the apparent power, and there would be no reactive power. However, in practical systems, especially those that are unbalanced, the apparent power is typically higher due to the presence of reactive power.

If you are being billed solely on apparent power, it is possible that you are paying not only for the real power consumed but also for the inefficiencies of the system.

The document attached to this blog post contains a whole lot more detail concerning the unbalanced power network condition in Linden and Modderbee.

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Contravention of Fiduciary Duties

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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 on the Distribution and Reticulation Networks? I also stated that, since the medium-voltage supply comes directly from an Eskom substation which is probably about 20-metres away, one wonders what is going on at the Eskom substation since it is highly unlikely that the voltage unbalance is as a result faulty equipment at the municipal substation. It is as if one phase is completely missing. The same “missing” phase also show an abnormal high current. The neutral current which is supposed to be at or close to zero is also very high.

In a recent webinar, I posted a question about power quality disturbances. I was then told about the large number of Quality of Supply Instrument that Eskom have installed, assuming that it is regularly maintained and monitored so that poor power quality issues will be detected almost immediately, and action taken to rectify whatever may be causing the issue or issues.

Last week, I reached out to someone at Eskom I believe may be able to help me to have this situation investigated or refer me to someone who can assist me, but that email remained unanswered and the email I sent this morning, “was deleted without being read”. This person’s name appears to be involved in this type of work on the behalf of Eskom, and that is why I reached out to him. So, my question now is: do Eskom or any of the Power Distributors care about Poor Quality of Supply?

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