The University of Northampton

The University of Northampton – powerPerfected

The University of Northampton’s commitment to reducing greenhouse gas emissions associated with its activities is evident in the university-wide ‘Carbon Management Plan’. This document - created in 2009 and updated annually since – sets out a target of reducing CO₂ emissions by 43% on 2005 levels by the end of its 2019/20 academic year. The plan emphasises the importance of energy efficiency measures in meeting this goal.

The challenge, the solution and the savings

After the University of Northampton, Avenue Campus sent its annual electricity consumption details, it was possible to give a provisional quote for a powerPerfector unit and the energy savings that would be expected. A voltage logger was then sent for one week, which recorded the voltage level in the building by connecting to it in to a regular mains socket. It was found that the average voltage at the site was 244 volts (V), 14V higher than the nominal supply in the UK. After a survey of the site by a powerPerfector Approved Contractor, the installation took place. There was no noticeable change to the operation of the building, although continuous carbon savings were instantly being made every day at the site. 10 weeks after the installation the electricity consumption was analysed to find a reduction of 8.8-9.2%, equating to annual carbon dioxide emissions saving of 95,600kg.

Topline results

Year‐on‐year analysis is a useful benchmark for consumption following installation, particularly so for Universities, as the variation in electricity consumption is not only attributable to temperature, but also the use of the building over the course of each term. To identify the energy saving attributable to the powerPerfector, we first assess the difference in consumption prior to the installation of the powerPerfector to ensure we do not double account for any reduction that has already been achieved. Having made this calculation, data following installation can be compared with the previous year, usually up to three months after installation.

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
Common 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. Each installation ensures that The University of Northampton is no longer at risk from failures that could put them out of business for days.