Around 25 per cent of the world's electrical energy is
consumed by electric motors in industrial applications. However, as John
Mitchell, global business development
manager at supply, installation
and repair specialist, CP Automation explains, installing variable frequency drives (VFDs) and surge protection devices
(SPDs) are not the final steps in creating ultimate cost-efficiency.
A Variable Frequency Drive
(VFD) controls the frequency and voltage supplied to an electric motor. By implementing
VFDs, many businesses experience an increased bottom line due to increased
efficiency and reduced energy costs. However, the VFD is not without its
problems — its normal operation can cause negative effects.
Issues arise with VFDs due
to power fluctuation. This could be caused by an anomalous event such as a
lightning strike to the grid, or by lower level transient surges caused by VFDs
countless times a day. These transient surges are a change in fundamental
frequency in a microsecond time frame. If not accounted for, they can lead to
confusion in electrical systems, such as false zero crossings, false triggering
of diodes and timing issues.
A basic SPD may be used
alongside a VFD to mitigate the damaging impact of high power surges, yet many users
are still faced with unexplainable lockups, downtime and even some failures in
surge protection cause by low level switching transient events.
This is because typical SPDs
are voltage triggered only. Their clamping will only occur at a set point above
or below the amplitude of the sine wave, and with therefore not act upon low
level switching transient events.
While the sine wave had
remained the same since the late 1800s, the sensitivity of the equipment that
is connected to the grid is now much more sensitive. It's time to bring surge
protection up to speed. It's clear that standard SPDs are not doing enough to
protect valuable systems, whether this is in an elevator, factory conveyor or
petroleum production equipment.
The next step is to eliminate
these low level switching transient events. Using surge and transient
protection systems such as the SineTamer,
offers a new opportunity to protect valuable assets from the transient events
that can occur millions of times per day. The frequency attenuation network of
Sinetamer can do this because it monitors the frequency not just the voltage.
Some businesses have already
made this investment. In fact, one plant manager at a packaging company was
experiencing multiple electrical failures across seven plant areas related to programmable
logic controllers (PLC) and power supplies. After implementing SineTamer, the
failures decreased from an average of 55 per cent to zero. The improved
production saved over $3 million.
CP Automation has partnered with the makers
of SineTamer, Energy Control Systems, to supply this equipment across Europe,
the Middle East and Africa (EMEA).
“We are excited about the
partnership that is developing between SineTamer and CP Automation for several
reasons," Jeff Edwards, CEO and founder of Energy Control Systems. "Primarily
it is refreshing to encounter a progressive group of individuals that are truly
interested in assisting clients improve the profitability of their
organizations.
"For too many years
investments made in process technology have failed to reach their promised
results, through no fault of their own. It’s simply been due to the
electrical environments in which they were placed. With Sinetamer and CP
Automation, we look forward to protecting and preserving electronic
infrastructure reliability throughout EMEA”
If you are experiencing
random downtime or would like to see a reduction in electronic maintenance, e-mail
sales@cpaltd.net for a free consultation.
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