Power System Studies
Industrial Tests, Inc. offers pre and post installation power quality audits plus standard and specialized power system studies to precisely target and help correct power issues. These studies will also help to optimize power performance. Our studies are performed in accordance with applicable industry standards from the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE), American National Standards Institute (ANSI), National Fire Protection Association, and the National Electrical Code.
Arc Flash Analysis
The arc flash study will enable proper boundaries to be established around electrical equipment and indicate the appropriate level of protective clothing to be worn. Study data for Arc Flash Hazard Analysis can come from many sources, such as present and future utility feeds, or motors and generators. Load data may include existing and proposed loads as shown on the owner's or contractor’s documents. Analysis will be based on the present configuration using IEEE-1584. The arc flash hazard analysis study is conducted by an electrical engineer skilled in performing and interpreting power system studies. Study results of the Arc Flash Hazard Analysis will be used to define the flash protection boundary and the incident energy at work-site locations in the electrical distribution system. Necessary Personal Protection Equipment (PPE) will be suggested based upon Table 3-3.9.3 of NFPA 70E-2000. Safe working distances will be specified for calculated fault locations based upon the calculated arc flash boundary considering an incident energy of 1.2 cal/cm2.
Power Quality Audit
Are the power specifications required by your equipment being met? Is the power infrastructure sufficient for new equipment to be installed? Are grounding issues causing hidden problems? Transient and often undetected power conditions can damage your systems and data. During an in-depth, on-site Power Quality Audit, our Power Protection Experts will:
Assess power quality throughout your facility.
Identify insidious power problems that can corrupt data and hardware.
Provide recommendations to correct potential threats to the health of valuable equipment.
Determine if existing power infrastructure capacity is being approached or can accommodate planned growth.
Power Quality MonitoringWith the electric industry undergoing change, increased attention is being focused on reliability and power quality. Power providers and users alike are concerned about reliable power, whether the focus is on interruptions and disturbances or extended outages. One of the most critical steps in ensuring reliability is monitoring power system performance. Monitoring can help identify the cause of power system disturbances and even help identify problem conditions before they cause interruptions or disturbances. We can measure and report the following using our state-of-the-art analyzers:
- Three Phase Voltage
- Line to Neutral Voltage
- Three Phase Current
- Neutral Current
- Power Usage
- Real & Reactive Power
- Demand
- Power Factor
- Harmonics
- Transients
A follow-up report with detailed analysis will be supplied for each power monitor service ordered. Monitoring is for a 3 to 5 day period. We can monitor for up to 45 days for an additional fee. This offer is available for a limited time only, so don't miss out!
Short Circuit Calculation
The short circuit study identifies proper equipment ratings and in turn, whether or not the power distribution system is under or over specified. It is alarming to note that about 30 percent of these studies reveal under specified infrastructures. 60 percent or more of the installations studied are over specified. This presents an opportunity to reduce costs an average of 20 to 30 percent of the cost of a new system - savings that more than repay the cost of the study!
The protective device study will:
Evaluate equipment and protective devices, and compare to short circuit ratings.
Determine the adequacy of switchgear, motor control centers, and panel board bus bars to withstand short circuit stresses.
Determine the adequacy of transformer windings to withstand short circuit stresses.
Determine the adequacy of cable and busway sizes to withstand short circuit heating.
Notify the owner in writing of existing circuit protective devices improperly rated for the calculated available fault current.
Protective Device CoordinationProtective device coordination time-current curves will be graphically displayed on log-scale paper. Included on each curve sheet will be a complete title and one-line diagram with legend identifying the specific portion of the system covered. The device characteristic curves will be terminated at a point reflecting maximum symmetrical or asymmetrical fault current to which the device is exposed. The device associated with each curve will be identified by manufacturer type, function, and if applicable, tap, time delay, and instantaneous settings recommended. The following characteristics, where applicable will be plotted on the curve sheets:
Electric utility’s protective device.
Medium voltage equipment relays.
Medium and low voltage fuses, including manufacturer’s minimum melt, total clearing, tolerance and damage bands.
Low voltage equipment circuit breaker trip devices, including manufacturer’s tolerance bands. Transformer full-load current, magnetizing in-rush current, and ANSI transformer withstand parameters.
Conductor damage curves. Ground fault protective devices, as applicable.
Pertinent motor starting characteristics and motor damage points.
Pertinent generator short circuit decrement curve and generator damage point.
Other system load protective devices for the largest branch circuit and the largest feeder circuit breaker in each motor control center. Adequate time margins will be provided between device characteristics such that selective operation is provided, while providing proper protection.
Load Flow and Power Factor Correction
The primary function of the power distribution system is to provide real and reactive power as demanded by the loads connected to the system. At the same time, frequency and various bus voltages must be kept within specified tolerances, even though load demands may under go large and unpredictable changes. This study analyzes the system’s ability to supply connected loads under steady state conditions. It demonstrates the distribution of power and voltage levels throughout the system for selected operating scenarios. These scenarios may include normal and emergency operating modes, present and future circuit arrangements, and alternative designs and equipment components. This study shows real (kW) and reactive (kvar) power flow through transformers and cables, voltage levels at system buses, power factor, and system losses. These values enable power system engineers to identify over loaded transformers and cables, recommend proper transformer tap settings, and assess the need for power factor correction capacitors. The Load Flow Study is a prerequisite to developing optimum generating strategies and systems controls, and is necessary when planning or expanding electrical power systems.
Engineers investigate system loading conditions for normal and contingent operating conditions, including all system loads (kW and kvar components) and power sources. Study data is analyzed using state-of-the-art software that uses iterative analysis to calculate real and reactive power flows and bus voltage levels throughout the system. The study for the electrical system is based on both present and future loading considerations and switching configurations. A maximum of three (3) load flow study cases are performed to analyze power flow, voltage regulation, power factor, transformer tap settings, and other load considerations. An evaluation of the existing utility billing contract will determine whether power factor correction should be incorporated in the power system. If power factor correction is needed, the appropriate hardware is recommended and located to maintain desired power factor at the metering point. The study also indicates any switching of power factor correction equipment that may be necessary to maintain proper voltage levels. If such equipment is recommended, the study shows the estimated payback period.
Call (916) 632-8378
We're not satisfied until you are!
Copyright 2009
