What´s Power Quality?

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INTRODUCTION The issue of power quality has become very critical because of the loads which are sensitive to power quality disturbances. Sometimes, the loads themselves become the major reason for the deterioration in power quality. Electronic devices like computers, process controls and communication equipments are sensitive to the disturbances in the power system. The effect of power quality disturbance on equipment can be considered in terms of susceptibility and vulnerability. The temporary malfunction of a device due to disturbances in the system refers to susceptibility. This phenomenon can be observed in computing devices where if transients exceed a threshold, error occurs. An equipment is said to be vulnerable if the electric transient exceeds its insulation withstand level. This phenomenon can be observed in a rectifier which fails if it is subjected to transient voltages exceeding a certain level. Institute of Electrical and Electronic Engineers (IEEE) Standard IEEE1100 defines power quality as “the concept of powering and grounding sensitive electronic equipment in a manner that is suitable to the operation of that equipment” [2]. 2.2 PERSPECTIVES OF POWER QUALITY [26] The perspectives of power quality are as follows: • This perspective concerns with the customer’s side of the meter. In this, focus is put on the power disturbances that effect the equipments adversely. • This perspective also concerns with the customer’s side of the meter. In this, manufacturer of the equipment should be aware of the level of the power disturbances and their frequencies of occurrences so as to determine the tolerance limit of the equipment. • This perspective is from the utility. They are interested in power ... ... middle of paper ... ...onditions. 2.5.1.1 Voltage sag It is also known as a voltage dip. This is the one of the most common power quality problem. It is defined as a decrease of normal voltage level between 10-90 percent of the nominal rms voltage at the power frequency. It lasts for a duration between 0.5 cycles to 1 minute. The magnitude of voltage sag depends on various factors like the type of fault, the location of the fault and the fault impedance. The time period for which voltage sag occurs basically depends on how fast the fault is cleared by the protective device. Starting of large induction motors, connection of heavy loads and faults in consumer’s installations may lead to voltage sag. It may lead to malfunctioning of information technology equipments, loss of efficiency in electric rotating machines and tripping of contactors and electromechanical relays.

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