Ofgem - 9 Millbank

Ofgem 9 Millbank – powerPerfected
Ofgem is the Office of the Gas and Electricity Markets. Ofgem protects consumers of gas and electricity by promoting competition and regulating the companies that run the gas and electric networks. Working on 5 themes for energy sustainability, including energy efficiency, it is Ofgem’s role to shape the future of electricity and gas supply in the UK. The energy efficiency of Ofgem's premises is therefore of paramount importance.

The challenge, the solution and the savings
Following our standard free evaluation procedure; an initial cost/value summary, voltage logging to get the correct optimisation for the entire site and a survey for final capped costs and feasibility, two 1250kVA/1800A units were installed on 29th November 2008, both on an 8% optimisation setting.

Topline results
We were delighted to see a 9.1% reduction in average kWh consumption based on adding standard billing data and CHP data to give the total consumption. This optimisation of supply also results in a per annum reduction of 165,700kg in CO₂ and c.a. £27,800 in savings. powerPerfector technology has made sure that the site operates more efficiently, benefits from improved power quality and is protected against transients (voltage spikes) of up to 25kV. The installation took place over a single weekend with a well planned shutdown. There were no reported problems when the supply was reconnected and, with absolutely no moving parts there is no need for maintenance beyond the statutory 5 yearly checks required of all electrical equipment.

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 as 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 – of up to 25,000V 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. The looming energy gap means that the risk of transients is increased – Nobel House is now protected.