Electrical Contracting News (ECN) June 2016 | Page 42

SPECIAL FEATURE

RENEWABLES & SUSTAINABILITY

CURRENT AFFAIRS
Choosing the correct voltage optimisation application can save energy and improve equipment efficiency.
Dr Alex Mardapittas of Powerstar discusses voltage optimisation and its benefits for businesses.

V

oltage optimisation
(VO) is a proven and
effective technology
that has been saving
industry millions of
pounds in wasted
electrical energy.

Savings

Market-leading VO systems deliver an
average annual electricity saving of 1215 per cent, extending to 17 per cent

on high voltage side electronic variable
optimisation, with the significant proportion
of these savings achieved through induced
negative power (back EMF). Typical return
on investment is between two and three
years depending on kWh cost.
The concept behind the technology is
simple. On the whole, power is supplied at
a higher voltage than is necessary. Although
the ideal voltage required for most electrical
equipment in the UK is 220V, the average
delivered is actually 242V – voltage can
be delivered at levels as high as 253V.

The mismatch between voltage required
and voltage delivered results in a waste of
energy and, of course, money.
VO corrects the over-voltage and
brings it in line with the actual needs
of the equipment on site, through use
of a device installed in series with the
mains electricity supply. True voltage
optimisation systems will also clean and
condition the power supply, reduce power
quality issues, such as suppressing
harmonics and providing some protection
against small power spikes.

Why is voltage
optimisation required?
Voltage optimisation is needed to correct the
supply issues caused by the High Voltage
infrastructure. The voltage supplied to a site
will generally be at a higher level than the
equipment on site needs to run effectively.
The extra voltage supplied is not needed but
ultimately the user will be paying for this.

If a company operates its own high
voltage (HV)/low voltage (LV) infrastructure
then it is more efficient to tackle these

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