Voltage Optimisers
AF Switchgear provides Voltage Optimisers, which is a transformer-based technology that allows businesses to save energy and systematically reduce their electricity bills.
Any spikes or sags in a voltage supply can cause irreparable damage to equipment/appliances over time. This is why voltage optimisation is needed.Â
Voltage optimisation is the process of regulating the incoming power supply from the National Grid, reducing the voltage, and in turn, the amount of energy used.Â
Voltage Optimisers can benefit businesses by effectively reducing the energy used, which will help to reduce electricity bills. Additionally, changing the voltage level from the grid supply to the level that’s required will help to increase the lifespan of electrical equipment/appliances.
How To Use A Voltage Optimiser?
Power from the National Grid is supplied with a higher voltage than an appliance needs. The supply can be as high as 242V.Â
If an appliance is supplied with too much energy, it can result in financial waste as a business will be paying for more energy than they’re using. Additionally, more carbon emissions are created. This is why a voltage optimiser is required.
Another advantage of a voltage optimiser is that it helps reduce wear and tear on an appliance.
Using Voltage Optimisation For Businesses
As previously mentioned, Voltage Optimisation can help businesses by reducing their power consumption and energy usage. As a result of this, energy bills will be reduced, which can save businesses a lot of money.
Industries where resistive loads are used can especially benefit from Voltage Optimisation.
Problems That Voltage Optimisers Can Solve
Below are just a few of the areas that can be improved when Voltage Optimisers are installed:
Power Dips
Power dips are fluctuations in the voltage. Frequent power dips can result in damage to equipment/appliances over time and can even cause machinery to burn out completely.
Overvoltage
When equipment requires less power than the grid provides, this is referred to as overvoltage. This unnecessary power means that the equipment/appliance won’t be running efficiently, and its lifetime will be considerably reduced.Â
Undervoltage
When equipment/appliances require higher power than what it’s receiving to operate efficiently. Again, this can reduce equipment/appliances’ lifespan.Â
Phase Voltage Imbalance
An imbalance in the phase, often found in industrial and commercial sites, can cause overheating in motors. This results in wasted energy and, over time, damaged equipment.
Pros And Cons Of A Voltage Optimiser
Pros:
- There’s less energy wasted which means electricity bills are reduced.
- There are fewer carbon emissions created which will reduce businesses’ carbon footprint.
- It typically increases the lifespan of appliances.
- There’s an improved quality of power.
- Requires no maintenance.
- Works in conjunction with other technology sources, such as solar panels and wind turbines.
- Reduces energy consumption.
- Lowers carbon footprint.
- Reduces energy bills.
Cons:
- The initial installation and set-up of a Voltage Optimiser can be expensive.
- The process can be disruptive.
How to Measure the Results of Voltage Optimisation
Initially, it won’t be easy to measure the results after installing a Voltage Optimiser. This is because previously unconsidered factors, such as the weather, could affect the power required for equipment/appliances to run properly.Â
One way to assess the results after installing a Voltage Optimiser is to compare the energy usage data from at least three months before installation, and three months after. Any other factors should be taken into account to accurately assess the results and determine how effective the Voltage Optimisation has been.Â
If you’re a business looking for switchgear, then see the products AF Switchgear can offer.
Alternatively, if you have a switchgear enquiry, then get in touch!
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