Technical library

Software update for 'A' models

PowerDB MK

PD Detector Software for MV DAC30, TDS NT, TDM 45, PDS 62

Total Harmonic Distortion (THD) is a common method used to measure the level of waveform distortion.Total Harmonic Distortion (THD) measurements are an effective method of evaluating voltage distortion. However THD can be misleading when evaluating current distortion. THD is the summation of the harmonics presented as a percentage of the fundamental. For voltage THD this will be the summation of the voltage harmonics compared to the fundamental voltage. In a non-faulted condition voltage will always be present so a proper reference always exists.

Adding, removing or changing a piece of equipment in a facility can have significant impacts on the power quality and energy requirements. Introduced power quality phenomenon can cause equipment to trip off line. This can represent significant losses in revenue. Added equipment can create high peak loads or increased reactive currents that can lead to penalties. In order to determine the impact of these changes a power quality and demand study should be performed prior to the change and after the change.

Very fast transients have limited energy due to their short duration. They are caused by arcing faults, such as bad brushes in motors, and are rapidly damped out by even a few meters of distribution wiring.

When creating a setup file a particular power wiring connection needs to be selected. This instructs the instrument on how to calculate the power and energy. When the power wiring connection is create the required input channels are automatically enabled.In some cases the operator may wish to enable additional channels for other measurements. This will not affect the power or energy measurements.

Technological advances in on-line testing of motors, diagnostics and motor monitoring have increased substantially over the past few years. Voltage and current signature analyses have improved the quality of predictive maintenance (PdM) compared to what RMS current and voltage measurements or power-factor readings have been able to achieve.

Lithium ion batteries consist of a family of batteries. They have different chemistries and characteristics to suit different applications.

Each issue of Electrical Tester has a range of hand-picked industry articles for high-voltage electrical engineers working on utilities.