What is Power Factor?
Power factor is defined as the ratio of the real power to the apparent power. Ideally, apparent power would equal the real power (a power factor of 1.0). In this case, all current in the electrical power distribution system is usable.
Due to the nature of the loads applied to the system, however, some of the electrical power is stored in the load and fed back through the system. Apparent power is greater than real power, lowering the power factor. In such a case, a certain amount of current that passes through the electrical system is unusable. This requires a higher current to operate the system load, increasing the energy loss in the electrical power distribution system and resulting in an inefficient system. The results are larger cables and wires and higher capacity electrical equipment compared to a system whose power factor is closer to 1.0.
D.L. Steiner, Inc. can analyze the power factor of your system and recommend equipment to correct this imbalance, increasing the efficiency and reliability of your facility’s electrical system.
What is Grounding?
Proper grounding of your facility’s electrical power distribution system and its components is a critical element of the system’s design. Grounding can affect the lifespan and integrity of circuit components, the protection of the system from faults and lightning, the operation of sensitive electronics and controls, and even the safety of personnel working on or near the equipment.
A Grounding Analysis evaluates the presence and effectiveness of the electrical equipment found at your facility. It identifies opportunities to improve the overall safety and reliability of your electrical power distribution system, minimizing the potentially severe effects of an electrical fault in an improperly grounded system.
Take advantage of D.L. Steiner’s expertise in industry grounding methods, such as high-resistance grounding, while we assist you in ensuring that this critical component of electrical system safety is not overlooked.
What are Harmonics?
Harmonic distortions are caused by electrical loads on the electrical power distribution system which use electrical power at a frequency other than the standard 50 or 60 Hz. In general, harmonics cause magnetic components of the electrical system to overheat. Such components include transformers, line reactors, magnetic relays, and power factor capacitors.
D.L. Steiner can analyze your electrical system for harmonic distortions and recommend solutions to provide a clean source of electrical power for your facility.
Transient-Stability Analysis Explained
A Transient-Stability Analysis determines the stability of the electrical power distribution system’s recovery from transient events, such as:
- faults
- load changes
- switching
- motor starting
- loss of utility
- loss of generation
- etc.
Typical transient stability studies include identifying critical fault clearing time, checking generator rotor angle stability, assessing system stability margin, evaluating motor dynamic acceleration and reacceleration impact, preparing and testing load shedding schedule, computing fast bus transfer timing, calibrating and evaluating relay setting and simulating generator start-up.