Device Selection for Power Quality Performance monitoring

The power quality data that is needed for the Power Quality Performance module is aggregated across multiple devices and depends on data from the right device types in the right monitoring locations.

The following sections describe the recommended device types for:

  • Service entrance
  • Feeders and critical loads
  • Non-critical loads

Service entrance

Service entrance includes utility feeds and local power sources, such as generators, solar power, or wind power. Service entrance monitoring should be done with high-end, high accuracy devices with advanced power quality capabilities. The devices should have revenue accuracy (0.2 Class accuracy or better) for the calculation of the power factor surcharges.

The following power quality measurements are required for service entrance monitoring:

  • Interruption
  • Voltage Sag/Swell
  • Transient Voltage
  • Over/Under Voltage
  • Harmonics
  • Frequency Variation
  • Flicker
  • Disturbance Direction Detection

NOTE: We recommend the ION9000 and ION7650 device types for service entrance monitoring.

 

Feeders and Critical Loads

This category includes low voltage substations, main distribution circuits, and critical loads. Monitoring in these locations is important for root cause analysis, which involves disturbance direction detection. Harmonics monitoring is also of great interest on these feeders and circuits. Feeders and critical loads may be the location for process impact monitoring, which may require digital or analog input capabilities on the monitoring device.

The following power quality measurements are required for feeder and critical load monitoring:

  • Unbalance
  • Harmonics

The following power quality measurements provide additional value for feeder and critical load monitoring:

  • Interruption
  • Voltage Sag/Swell
  • Over/Under Voltage
  • Frequency Variation
  • Disturbance Direction Detection

NOTE: We recommend the PM5500 and PM5300 for the minimum required measurements, and the PM8000 for full value feeder and critical load monitoring.

 

Non-critical Loads

This category includes non-critical feeders, power distribution panels, and sub-process unit panels. Current unbalance and harmonics monitoring are of main interest at these locations. Non-critical loads may be the location for process impact monitoring, which may require digital or analog input capabilities on the monitoring device.

The following power quality measurements are required for feeder and critical load monitoring:

  • Unbalance
  • Harmonics

NOTE: We recommend the PM5300, PM5100, and PM325x device types for non-critical load monitoring.

 

Devices List

See the supported devices list for more information on device types that support the power quality measurements required for the Power Quality Performance module. To find the specific types that meet your needs, review the device data sheets and specification for the following capabilities:

  • Accuracy and sampling rate
  • Power quality event and harmonics monitoring
  • Data recording
  • On-board alarming
  • Inputs / Outputs
  • Communication

NOTE: If the devices that are used for power quality performance monitoring do not support all the required power quality measurements, then the information that is based on these measurements is not displayed in the gadgets, diagrams, and reports. However, other power quality information, that is based on available measurements might still be displayed.