VO/VR
Some background –
Since 1995 the statutory UK supply is 230V ‐6% +10% (216V to 253V) phase to neutral with the intention of full harmonisation across Europe of 230V ± 10% (207V to 253V) P‐N at some future date. Equipment manufactured to be sold within Europe must be able to operate across this full voltage range plus at least an additional ‐5% to accommodate voltage drops across a site. The UK average incoming voltage is 242V P‐N, higher than the statutory nominal and much higher than is necessary for the operation of modern equipment.
Companies implementing voltage optimisation are generally satisfied with 220V P‐N at the furthest point on site as being the optimum voltage level and the savings that are achieved.
Further reductions are possible, as some optimisers have the ability for on‐site adjustment, whilst on‐line and load. Energy saving by voltage optimisation is a matter of reducing your incoming supply voltages from an unnecessarily high level to a new optimised level.
If no other energy saving measures are in place, this simple act can save up to 20% of the overall electricity consumption, reducing the costs and the CO2 emissions of your organisation. As additional measures are implemented, such as VSD, CHP, electronic ballast lighting etc, we find that VO/VR savings are reduced slightly, but the benefits of extended equipment life becomes a strong motivation for deploying this technology.
Voltage Optimisation and Regulated Optimisation (VO/VR) –
It is important to remember that the voltage optimiser in itself does not save energy; it just applies the conditions for the appropriate loads to save energy.
What is important is how the optimiser performs this basic function of reducing the supply voltage and to what level of accuracy. Suppliers should be questioned closely regarding the control action of their products - not just under normal conditions but also under supply voltage surges and sags.
There are some myths and misconceptions surrounding what and where actual savings that can be achieved. Previous to current advances in lighting and drive control technologies, it was possible to save up to 20% or higher on energy costs and carbon dioxide emissions.
However, with the advent of electronic high frequency ballast and LED lighting, Variable Speed Drives and switched power supplies in modern computing, these savings are now typically being delivered at between 9 – 15%. This realistic picture nonetheless confirms that VPO can contribute significantly to your CRC effort – especially with most organisations looking to save 5-10% on energy and CO2 emissions.
Only a full 3-phase power survey and client consultation can indicate an technically accurate power profile of the organisation, balancing where savings can and cannot be made, phase differences, voltage drops etc and taking into accounts organisational issues such as future plans for expansion and contraction, working hours etc. These are essential items to consider when sizing the units. Remember – these are steel and copper devices and should be considered to be in-situ for 20+ years.
Currently, there are three predominant types of voltage optimisers available, none of which are actually new technology, which has been around for well over 50 years:
Fixed ratio step down transformer
A passive transformer usually with a choice of fixed tapped outputs (e.g. 3, 5,7%) The input power profile is a direct mirror image on the output, so whatever appears on the input, the output will be the same, except at lesser voltage.
All fluctuations and phase voltage imbalances will be identical and there isn’t any control.
These units are sized typically as a standard range of outputs, therefore the correct sizing and tapped reduction is totally dependent on a 3-phase power survey being correctly carried out. They are not modular or upgradeable.
Auto tapping fixed ratio step down transformer
Description as above, but with crude automatic control, automatically switching between taps, usually employing solid state thyristor technology.
The disadvantages are of course still zero control over output voltage and high current switching can be problematic, causing premature failing of the control circuits and the thyristors. They are not modular or upgradeable.
Voltage regulator
A dual transformer assembly of both fixed and variable units, having adaptive control of the output phase voltages.
Each phase is independently controlled, eliminating supply voltage fluctuations and therefore offering the greatest saving.
Typically these units are slightly larger. They are not modular or upgradeable.
What does Ixian Solutions offer for Voltage Optimisation and Voltage Regulation?
1. We specialise in tailor-made regulated voltage optimisation solutions from our partner who have been manufacturing HV and LV power equipment in England since 1947, but also offer fixed ratio step down transformers where this is appropriate for space or ROI considerations. These units have been independently tested and meet all current EN-, ISO-, BS- and CE standards
2. Full 3-phase site surveys and reports.
3. Full delivery and installation by fully qualified engineers.
4. Comprehensive after-sales service
Call us now to arrange a site visit and to discuss your specific requirements for meeting CRC.