Emerich Energy's AVG - IGBT Based Power Factor Correction & Benefits

The Emerich Energy's AVG (Active Var generator) represents the latest generation technology in the power factor correction field. By eliminating the need for switched capacitors and providing dynamic step-less compensation, the AVG offers high performance in a single Cubicle 

It operates by detecting the load current on a real-time basis through external CT’s and determining the reactive content of the load current. The data is analysed and the AVG’s controller drives the internal IGBT’s by using pulse width modulation signals to make the inverter produce the exact reverse reactive current of the corresponding load reactive content. This is injected to the grid to compensate the reactive content of the load current.By adjusting the output voltage amplitude and phase angle or by directly controlling the AC side current, the AVG can absorb or generate var according to the load reactive power or the grid 

AVG  OPERATING PRINCIPAL

Load current is detected through external CTs and fed to the internal DSP and CPU where an Instantaneous Reactive Power algorithm separates the active power from the reactive power. A compensating reactive power requirement is dynamically and accurately calculated and sent to the IGBT control where a 
PWM signal is generated at a switching frequency of 20kHz. A compensating capacitive reactive power or inductive reactive power is controlled by the manipulation of the DC bus voltage in comparison to the AC line voltage. 

Thus a capacitive current or inductive current will flow, creating a reactive power
exchange with the network voltage level

-->Excellent power factor correction performance

      Can maintain a PF of 0.99 lagging or unity if required

-->Compensates both inductive and capacitive loads

      Corrects lagging and leading power factor (-1 to +1)

Eliminating the weakest link 

This new method of Advanced Power Factor Compensation  takes away the most vulnerable and weakest link in a traditional APFC system–the switched capacitors. Various environmental conditions (eg.excessive temperature,over-voltage, harmonic distortion) may cause capacitors to rupture and ignite. 

The average life span of a switched capacitor is heavily dependent on the ambient temperature in which it is operated – requiring careful selection with respect to permissible operating temperature range. These temperature limits work well in colder climates but may not necessarily work well in all regions. The new generation technology in the Emerich AVG eliminates the operational limitations, safety concerns, space demands and life span issues of capacitor banks. 

Operates in all 3 phases 

A traditional switched capacitor type PFC system measures one phase and then

provides stepped kVAr compensation to all phases based on the measurements

taken from the one phase being measured. The other two phases all receive the same  compensation, irrespective of what the other two phases actually need. The Emerich AVG measures all 3 phases and provides specific dynamic kVAr compensation each phase.   

Greater longevity 

With traditional capacitor type systems, the physical cabinet space required for

the compensation steps is the same, weather the steps are 6.25kVAr or up to

50kVAr steps. This results in requiring  large cabinet space even for small

adjustments. The other disadvantage for having a small step for fine adjustment is that it gets over used (frequently switched). The PFC controller uses an

algorithm that evenly distributes the work load among the available steps except when one or two of those steps are of a smaller capacity. This brings into play the actual usable lifetime of the components used, for example the life of the contactor!

Not affected by resonance 

The system is not susceptible to existing harmonics and therefore does not need a blocking reactor and is unaffected by resonance whereas for the traditional

PFC system this is very much a problem. 

• Corrects load imbalance

• Can operate at low voltages

• Dynamic step-less compensation

• Profiles the load and operates with a response speed of <15ms

• Dynamic reaction time is less than 50µs

• No possibility of over-compensation or under-compensation

• Only injects the kVAr that is needed in that moment

BENEFITS of Emerich AVG

• Dynamic, Step-less Compensation

         + Adds exactly what is required to meet your Power Factor

         + Targets. No More, No less.

• Results in better Power Factor, for less costs

         + Better results for your critical load

         + Less money spent on power bills

• Better Knowledge of your own network

         + Far more detailed reporting

         + Corrects Power factor changes within 15ms

         + Reacts to changes in less than 50 micro seconds

• Virtually Maintenance Free

         + No capacitors to replace

• Far Safer

         + No capacitors to ignite

LONG LIFE WITH EXTREME DURABILITY 

• 100% solid state with latest generation IGBTs. 

• Electronics free from contaminated air flow 

• Long life cooling fans are simple to replace 

• Capacitor free. No Need for  constantly checking capacitors for degradation or failure 

• Low risk – no swollen or leaking capacitors. Reduced fire risk. 

• No contactors to replace 

• Design service life of more than 100,000hrs, without maintenance. That’s more than 10 years operation in a plant that operates 24/7. Capacitor based systems can last as little as three years. 

• High power density means less precious switchboard room is use

CONCLUSION 

Emerich Energy’s AVG is an entirely new approach to power factor correction. The AVG utilizes a high speed three level inverter that reacts to changes in reactive power, exchanging corrective reactive power into the system. Full correction is made in 3/4 of a cycle. This rapid response provides stable accurate real-time power factor correction without the drawbacks of traditional capacitor based systems. The AVG can continuously adjust reactive power dynamically and bidirectionally (leading or lagging). There is no chance of system resonance and even under low voltage conditions AVG will provide full reactive power compensation. The Emerich Energy's AVG is 100% inverter based so there are no AC capacitors to failure.

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Energy Performance Standards & Labelling - India

The Energy Conservation Act of 2001 provides the basis for India’s standards and labelling program.This legislation established the Bureau of Energy Efficiency (BEE), and an Energy Conservation Fund.The legislation enables the provision of the introduction of mandatory labels and standards. This allowed an energy labelling program to be developed in India, which began in 2006 with standards followed shortly afterward. Both of these programs are administered by BEE. The Indian Pollution Control board also runs an eco-label program. 

Energy Performance Standards - India 

India has introduced voluntary Energy Performance Standards for refrigerators, room air conditioners, fluorescent lamps and distribution transformers. The Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) administers standards in India, with the requirements specified in the relevant product standards.

The BIS, and the Indian Institute for Technology, both have test laboratory capable of testing energy efficiency. Manufacturers adopting voluntary standards and claiming compliance with the Indian Standard are subject to compliance inspections. Energy Performance Standards for chillers,agricultural pump sets, industrial fans and pumps are currently being developed. 

Program Name            : Comparative Label 

Implementing Agency  : Bureau of Energy Efficiency (BEE) 

Participation Category  : Voluntary/Mandatory 

Appliances Labelled      : 2004 – refrigerators and refrigerator freezers

                                     2006 - refrigerators and room air 

conditioners (voluntary) 

2007 - refrigerators (direct cool) 

2010 - refrigerators (frost free), tubular fluorescent lamps (TFL), room air conditioners and distribution

transformers (mandatory) 

2009 – agricultural pump sets, general purpose 3 phase motors, ceiling fans (voluntary) 

2010 – storage water heaters, clothes washers              (voluntary) fluorescent lamps(tubular) 

2011 – laptop computers (became mandatory in 2013) 

2012 – televisions, LED lighting, ballasts–electronic /               magnetic  (voluntary), CFLs 

2013 - Under review: LPG stoves 

2013 - Under development: set top boxes, voltage                   stabilisers uninterrupted power supply (UPS), i             inverters 

Rating System:  Energy Consumption, Efficiency Rating (grade) 1 to 5 stars (5 most efficient) 

Label Image Link: 

http://www.clasponline.org/en/RFPsPartnerships/RFPs/ClosedRFPs/2013/RFP3-13  

Program Information:

The impetus for the Standards and Labelling program in India came with the passage of the energy conservation bill in October 2001. The Bill allowed for the establishment of Bureau of Energy

Efficiency (BEE), which was completed in March 2002. India's Standards and Labelling program involves multiple cooperating organisations: MOP, BEE, Steering Committees, the Technical Committee, and the BIS. BEE develops the labels with input from the Steering and Technical Committees, the label is proposed to MOP, who is then responsible for the execution of the labelling

scheme. 

India’s labelling program was launched in 2006, initially with a voluntary comparative labelling scheme for refrigerators and air conditioners. The overall strategy was to begin labelling on a voluntary basis, then move to a mandatory approach for energy performance and test procedure standards. BEE's Star Labelling is now mandatory for four appliances, including frost-free refrigerators, room air conditioners, distribution transformers and tubular fluorescent lights (TFLs).

Endorsement Label – India

Program Name          : BEE Star Ver 1 

Implementing Agency: Central Pollution Control Board 

Participation Category:  Voluntary 

Appliances Labelled    : 2011 - notebook computers/laptops 

                                  2012 - LEDS (self ballasted) 

 Under consideration for development: central boilers and furnaces 

 Under development   : imaging machines 

Label Image Link: 

http://www.clasponline.org/en/Resources/Resources/SLHeadlines/BEE-launches-endorsement-labelsfor-computers

Program Information: 

An endorsement label was introduced for computers (notebook/laptop) in 2011. The label indicates to the consumer that the labelled products save energy compared to other notebooks/laptops. The BEE Star Label is in line with ENERGY STAR version 5.2 specifications for computers. Desktop computers and set top boxes are also under consideration for inclusion in the endorsement labelling 

scheme. Initially the label was affixed to the carton/box of the product, but following the introductory six months, it became compulsory for manufacturers to affix label to both the carton and the product itself. 

Endorsement Label - India 

Program Name            :  Ecomark Scheme 

Implementing Agency: Central Pollution Control Board Participation Category: Voluntary 

Appliances Labelled   :1996 - lamps, motors, ranges/ovens,refrigerators,televisions, water heaters

                            

2013 includes – paper products, wood particle board,wooden flush door shutters, domestic gas stoves 

Label Image Link: http://www.ecolabelindex.com/ecolabel/ecomark-india  

Program Information: 

The Ecomark scheme was developed by the Indian Government in 1991, as a form of environmental label with wide product coverage. The ECO Mark scheme derives its power from the government notifications, which issued by Ministry of Environment and Forests. The Central Pollution Control Board, which is under the Ministry of Environment and Forests, acts as a technical wing/consultant of

the Ministry. The ECO mark is awarded by the Bureau of Indian Standards, as per the requirements laid down in different national standards. These requirements are arrived and approved by the technical committee within in Central Pollution Control Board. 

The Central Pollution Board has been a member of the Global Eco-labelling Network (GEN) since 2000. Products that are eligible to receive the Ecomark as of 2013 include: soaps and detergents,paper, food items, lubricating oils, packaging materials, architectural paints and powder coatings, batteries, electrical/electronic goods, food additives, wood substitutes, cosmetics, aerosol propellants,plastic products, textiles, fire-extinguishers, leather. To date this label has had limited success in India with few manufacturers taking up the opportunity to use the scheme. 

WHY WE NEED TO STORE ENERGY?

Any electrical network needs to balance supply and demand at every operational moment, be it the public grid or the internal network of an electricity consumer. This is not always an easy task. While the electricity demand has always been variable, renewable energy sources have made the supply more variable and less predictable than previous generation methods. Storage systems can relieve this complex balancing task.

Network grid operators can use storage systems for: 

  Transmission and Distribution Upgrade deferral. 

Problems may arise at the end of a transmission or distribution line due to communities growing faster than the grid can be upgraded. This leads to

temporary overloads of the electrical infrastructure. Instead of upgrading immediately, a storage system can be used to shave the load peaks. This peak shaving results in a better usage of the available capacity and thus extends the life of the connection. 

 Frequency regulation. 

Power into the public grid has traditionally been generated by synchronous

generators. The generators are driven by turbines which are regulated to provide the exact mechanical power needed to keep them running at their nominal speed. This enables the grid frequency to remain constant. Electronic power sources such as PV inverters and wind turbines do not provide this kind of frequency regulation. Moreover, they can cause an imbalance between supply

and demand by pushing a variable supply onto the grid, causing additional frequency deviations. A storage system can be deployed to mitigate these variations and restore appropriate frequency regulation.

Electrical energy consumers can use storage systems for: 

• Storage of renewable energy behind the meter. 

Feed-in tariffs for on-site renewable energy production are being phased out or abolished in more and more countries. As a result, it has become increasingly beneficial to consume the locally produced renewable energy on site. A home energy management system with a battery can greatly increase self-use of locally produced renewable energy. It charges the battery when production exceeds demands and discharges it when demand exceeds production and would otherwise be satisfied by the grid connection.

• Peak shaving.

In a peak shaving application the storage system supplements grid power during demand peaks and recharges during periods of low demand. This leads to, for example, better utilization of the capacity of a mobile genset, or better utilization of a grid connection, there by reducing their cost. In certain cases, this cost decrease can pay for the storage system. 

• Trading (market speculation)

Charging a storage system during periods of low (or even negative)

spot prices, and discharging it during periods of high spot prices is an easy to understand mechanism to earn money with a storage system. Unfortunately, the revenues of this mechanism are rarely sufficient to recover the cost of a storage system. In case a storage system has been installed for other reasons and has sufficient spare capacity, this can be a mechanism to slightly increase system

revenue on top of the contracted services. 

• An Uninterruptable Power Supply (UPS). 

This is the classic application of battery energy storage. Uninterruptible Power Supplies serve to keep critical loads powered during blackouts and brownouts.

A battery based UPS must be able to power a load for a minimum duration after a power outage. This time may range from minutes to hours.

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Frequent Power Quality Disturbances & Its Impact on Commercial Building

The intent of this blog is to show how power quality impacts commercial equipment/customers and what mitigation techniques and solutions can be applied to minimize shutdowns and equipment damage. The term commercial building primarily includes IT/ITeS offices, high rise apartments, malls, air, railway and bus terminals, etc. (except industrial buildings, private dwellings)

KEY ELECTRICAL LOADS IN COMMERCIAL BUILDINGS

Before we move ahead to recognize the impact of poor PQ, let us first understand the key electrical loads in the commercial buildings. 

It can be seen from the above figure that the largest commercial building electrical load is Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning / Cooling (HVAC) System (around 39%), followed by Lightning (23%), Office Equipment (18%)and others. In India and other countries also, HVAC and lightening serves as the two most energy consuming end-use applications within a building.

With the extensive application of sensitive power electronic equipment like VSDs and non-linear loads like CFL, electronic choke, SMPS based systems etc in commercial buildings, various problems like power surges/sags, poor voltage and frequency regulation, harmonics, switching transients, electrical noise and Electro Magnetic Interference (EMI) effects are frequently encountered which leads to poor power quality. The actual PQ problem of commercial building varies, depending on its electrical characteristics like the systems, energy sources, equipment, etc.

Some of the key physical manifestations of the PQ issues are mentioned below:

Equipment affected due to poor PQ	External Manifestation of poor PQ	Electrical PQ problem
Air Conditioning / HVAC equipment	Premature compressor failure	Voltage variation
Lighting  control	Flickering / fluctuations of lights, unit damage	Transients / voltage variation
Data processing	Data loss / data error / data corrupt	Voltage variation
Digital Scale / Thermostat	Unit damage	Transients / EMI
Fire / Security System	False alarms, unit damage	Transients / EMI / voltage  variations
Computerized equipment	Unit damage	Transients
Copy machine	Touchpad damage	Transients
Bar code scanner	Scanner damage	EMI / Transients
Energy Management	Loss of control	Transients

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Most Frequent Power Quality Disturbances & its Impact on Industries

Widespread use of electronic equipment(for e.g. VSD, PLC, automation & data processors, inverters,computerized numerical control, etc.) in today’s industrial environment, various PQ problems like voltage dips, short / long interruptions, harmonics, transients & surges and other PQ related problems are frequently encountered. Such interruptions cause huge financial losses both – to the utility and to the end-consumer. 

Some of the key physical manifestations of the PQ issues are mentioned below:

Equipment affected due to poor PQ	External Manifestation of poor PQ	Electrical PQ problem
Relays, contactors and circuit breakers	Nuisance tripping of protective devices	Distorted voltage waveform because of voltage dip
Telecommunication system	Noise interference to telecommunication lines	Electrical noise causing interference signals
Variable speed drives, welding equipment, security, converters, access control systems, etc.	Motors or process equipment are damaged / Overheating of motors	Capacitor bank failure, shocks due to neutral voltage, Flickering of lights, noise in telecom lines
Motors and process devices	Motors or other process equipment fails or malfunctions	Presence of voltage and current harmonics in the power supply
Sensitive measurements of process control equipment	Loss of synchronization of processing equipment	Severe harmonic distortion creating additional zero-crossings within a cycle of the sine wave
Data Processing / IT equipment (that are sensitive to change in voltage signal)	Computer Screen Freeze, lock-ups / Loss of Data	Voltage Variation

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