Angus Council: Monifieth and Brechin High Schools

Introduction

powerPerfector optimises the voltage and improves the power quality for a whole site more efficiently than any other technology available. Optimising the supply voltage allows equipment to use only the energy it requires to operate efficiently. For example, providing a motor with its optimum voltage prevents excess heat and vibration, while delivering the required torque and speed. When these effects are aggregated across a whole site, substantial energy savings are delivered. The Maximum Demand of the site is also reduced — typically by as much as 10% — which will help keep the site within its Agreed Service Capacity and may reduce penalty charges. Installing a powerPerfector improves power quality on a site considerably. The reactance of some electrical equipment is reduced when voltage is optimised, so there is an overall improvement in power factor. Equipment is protected as the powerPerfector eliminates common transients and harmonics are filtered from the mains, while the balancing of phase voltages maximises the efficiency of three-phase equipment. By optimising the power supply at source, the powerPerfector is able to extend the lifetime of all the electrical equipment on a site, substantially reducing maintenance overheads in addition to the energy savings.

Overview

Following a powerPerfector installation, a savings analysis is conducted (usually after 3 months) based on half-hourly data provided by your energy supplier. The methodology for assessing the success of the powerPerfector project will be determined prior to installation, according to the principles of the International Performance Measurement and Verification Protocol (IPMVP). The methodology will be determined in cooperation with the client, so there is no ambiguity surrounding the level of kWh reduction attributable to the powerPerfector after the installation and all parties can have confidence in the level of savings that are calculated. The purpose of this summary report is to quantify the energy savings attributable to the powerPerfector installation and provide evidence of improved electrical efficiency. The following pages show summaries of the savings achieved at all premier Inn installations to date.

Getting the source right

powerPerfector is the world’s only Voltage Power Optimiser, giving energy, carbon and cost savings by efficiently optimising a site’s supply voltage. By optimising the voltage, electrical equipment runs more efficiently and consumes less energy. The declared electricity supply in the United Kingdom is now, as a result of European Harmonisation, 230V with a tolerance of +10% to -10%. This means that effective voltage can be anywhere between 207V and 253V depending on local conditions. Most electrical equipment manufactured for Europe and the UK is rated at 220V and operates more efficiently at this level. Forcing appliances to operate at a higher voltage in the UK (242V is the average supply level) leads to significantly higher energy consumption, increased heat losses and a reduced life span. As a result of equipment specification and the range of voltage supply, there is an opportunity to achieve cost savings by optimising voltage at source and at the same time improve the operation and lifespan of a site’s electrical infrastructure. It is estimated that 90% of sites in the UK are operating at too high a voltage and could therefore benefit from installing a powerPerfector.

"Voltage Power Optimisation has been installed at 9 of our sites to date. The energy savings achieved have averaged around 10%, which makes a considerable contribution to our carbon reduction targets. In addition the power quality benefits of the units have allowed us to yield further cost savings; we noticed improvements in power factor and reductions in the maximum demands, both of which are now charged under the Scottish national supply contract.

powerPerfector the company was chosen for its long record of accomplishment (over 17 years) of supplying such units and the zero failure rate of its equipment (no units have failed in over 180,000 recorded installations).

The company’s work with various large public sector organisations, such as OFGEM, DEFRA and DECC provided Angus Council with confidence that the savings quoted would be achieved."

John Ruddy
Energy Technician
Angus Council

Voltage Power Optimisation. The less obvious benefits

Reduced maintenance, longer life
All electrical equipment has an optimum voltage at which it works best. A powerPerfected supply delivers that optimum and reduces the strain on your electrical equipment, leaving it to work more reliably and for longer.

Better quality power supply
Some things you may have accepted for years, but product faults can turn out to be caused by a poor quality power supply. For instance, the life of incandescent light bulbs is almost doubled when the supply voltage is optimised. Now imagine that in relation to an IT network or an expensive piece of manufacturing equipment.

Missing the penalty kick
Power factor penalty charges – which are now uncapped in the UK – can be avoided if your power factor is above 0.95. If your power factor is at around 0.9 at the moment, powerPerfector could remove your exposure to these charges by improving the electrical efficiency of your site.

Lower harmonic distortion and reduced neutral currents
powerPerfectors are able to filter harmonics on the mains incomer. Harmonic distortion is on the increase and can lead to random failures of electronic equipment – particularly computers.

Protection
Transients – very brief spikes in voltage from the grid – are eliminated by powerPerfector. Transients at this level can cause catastrophic damage to equipment, but smaller, more common transient events will also shorten the life expectancy of electrical equipment over time.