UPS Power System Design Parameters

This application note is intended to be a source of guidance and to help reduce confusion pertaining to the design, configuration, selection, sizing, and installation of Uninterruptable Power Supply (UPS) systems. This document is a useful information source for electrical consultants, electrical engineers, facility managers, and design and build contractors.

Electric Motor Asset Management

Electric motors are available for a wide range of applications and in a variety of power outputs. They are the ideal drivers for a huge number of operations. Electric motors are the primary mover for a vast majority of industrial and tertiary sector activities. Some motors are visible as a separate entity; others are built into boxed applications such as air compressors, heat pumps, water pumps, and fans. Electric motors account for approximately 65% of the electricity consumed by EU industry.

Smart Grids and Network Reliability

Network reliability is defined as the continuous availability of electricity for the consumer. A key characteristic of reliability is the number, as well as duration, of outages a customer experiences. There are many reasons why reliability may be affected and they include, but are not limited to:

Electricity Systems for Hospitals

Electricity is only of third-rate interest to hospitals. Their core business is the welfare of its patients, for which medical appliances are required, which, on their turn, require electricity. That said, electricity is a vital utility which malfunctioning or interruption can easily lead to disastrous consequences. This combination - being absolutely vital but far from the main interest domain of the organization – entails a certain risk.

Due diligence in national renewable energy plans

It’s about evaluating all of the risks, not merely calculating return on investment

There are several ways to look at government incentives for renewable energy. Often, the choices that governments have to make are presented as a balance between cost, environmental return, and economic return. But in reality, it is extremely difficult to evaluate such choices by simple calculations of return on investment. The way decisions will eventually turn out is difficult to predict, as it is dependent on many uncertain variables. In other words, the choices incorporate many business risks. This means that governments should choose their energy politics by evaluating the potential plans with due diligence and by making appropriate risk assessments.

In Ireland, the government is currently evaluating the choice between two potential National Renewable Energy Plans. The Irish Times rightly remarked that such a choice should not be taken lightly.

Power Quality Control In An Industrial Estate

This case study presents a methodology for improving power quality in an important industrial estate. A project was initiated to reduce the number of interruptions and enhance power quality in the estate and focused on reducing weak points in the power distribution system by inspecting distribution lines in both customer and utility areas. Once weaknesses were identified, corrective action would be taken and preventative measures put in place to prevent re-occurance in order to provide high power availability to customers.