University of Surrey - Clinical research Centre

Surrey Clinical Research Centre – powerPerfected
The Surrey Clinical Research Centre (SCRC) of the University of Surrey has a proven formula for success in clinical research, with a particular emphasis on sleep and human psychopharmacology.

The Challenge, the solution and the savings
powerPerfector initially assessed the site by monitoring their voltage. The analysis found that the voltage was 245V on the site, 25V higher than required for electrical equipment used in the UK. Surrey University decided that the guaranteed savings potential for the risk-free technology was perfect for their energy efficiency programme and decided to go ahead with the installation. On 21st December 2008 powerPerfector installed a 105kVA unit at SCRC. The installation was completed by approved contractors on the weekend of the SCRC’s choosing. The SCRC then returned to usual operating without any problems following the switchover to the optimised voltage.

Topline results
An analysis of the site’s fiscal energy data was completed to assess the reduction in kWh consumption. From a comparison of electricity usage in the three months before and after installation, there is a clear 11.1% reduction in average kWh consumption, corresponding to £2,900 and 17,000kg CO2 in annual savings, plus within 3 years the project will have paid for itself. powerPerfector technology has made sure that the site operates more efficiently, benefits from improved power quality and is protected against transients (power spikes) of up to 25kV. All this was with a minimum of disruption due to a carefully planned shutdown and installation, carried out over a single weekend. With absolutely no moving parts, the powerPerfector units need no maintenance beyond the statutory 5 year 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, 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 .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.